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All things considered, depending on the complexity of an estate, potential delays, and required bureaucratic and legal steps, the probate process can take anywhere between 6 months to multiple years depending on the specific circumstances.
After a loved one passes away, your family and the personal representative (previously known as the executor) of the estate could face a difficult process going through probate. Hiring a probate attorney in Massachusetts can help make the process less stressful, reducing the time it takes to settle the estate.
Under Massachusetts law (MA Gen L ch 190B § 3-803), creditors have one year from the date of the decedent's death to assert their claims against the estate. This is a shorter time frame than in many other states, which often allow creditors two or more years to make their claims.
They must understand exactly what they are responsible for regarding filings with the court, providing the required notice, and caring for the deceased's assets. As a result, those responsible for these tasks should seek legal advice from an experienced probate attorney throughout the Massachusetts probate process.
Whether an estate has to be probated depends on how the decedent's (the person who has died) property is titled (owned) when they die. Some property may not be part of the probate estate because it passes directly to another person by law.
You'll need to file: Petition for Informal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (MPC 150) Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at Law (MPC 162) Devisees (MPC 163) The original will. A certified copy of the death certificate. Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service (MPC 550)
In Massachusetts, the appointment process for becoming an executor often starts with a nomination within the deceased person's will. In order to serve as an executor, the individual named must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind, meaning they are mentally competent to carry out the duties required.
An executor is often named in a decedent's will, but they may also be appointed by a probate court after volunteering or being called upon to serve. If a decedent has not left a will, a probate court will appoint an executor if it finds that this is necessary.
You'll have to file a request in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of their death. The paperwork will ask for you to be officially acknowledged as the legal executor representing the estate. In addition to the petition, you'll need to file a valid will, if one exists, and the death certificate.