Probate/Estate Administration

Probate is the court-supervised process by which a deceased person’s will is validated, the property appraised, creditors and taxes paid, and the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries. Estate administration refers to the same process, although not all estates need to be probated.

The probate process is initiated by a family member or friend of the deceased who has been named the personal representative (also known as the executor). The Law Offices of Nelson Chang in Saugus provides experienced and knowledgeable probate guidance, and helps executors follow the rules of probate court.

If you live outside of Massachusetts and you have been named executor of an estate, or if you are an attorney representing an out-of-state executor, I will complete the process with minimal or no travel on your part.

Many individuals work with an estate planning lawyer in advance to create trusts and other instruments that allow assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. There are times, however, when probate provides tax advantages to beneficiaries.

How Massachusetts Probate Works

The Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code has formal and informal probate procedures. Under the informal process, the personal representative can act with minimal court supervision. The formal process, which is conducted by a judge in probate court, is necessary if there is a dispute among beneficiaries. I can help answer any probate questions you may have while guiding you through this process.

Estate litigation can delay the probate process and produce frustration. I represent executors or individuals who wish to challenge a will. I strive to resolve disputes as efficiently as possible in order to limit attorney fees and allow the beneficiaries to collect what is rightly theirs.

Contact The Law Offices Of Nelson Chang

If you have questions regarding the probate process or the role of a personal representative, contact me online to schedule a free consultation.