estate administration

Understanding Creditor Periods in Probate – Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Florida

Probate is a complex and multifaceted process that involves a series of legal, financial, and administrative tasks aimed at ensuring the seamless transfer of assets to beneficiaries upon one’s passing. It’s crucial to be aware of the specific rules and regulations that govern the distribution of assets from an estate. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the creditor periods for probate estates in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Florida. Understanding Creditor Periods The creditor

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My dad left everything in his estate to me, but there is a trustee comment involving my uncle. Would I need him to sign off?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: In the Will it specifically states “In the even that the beneficiary (myself) has not reached the age of thirty (I am 33), then in such even I give, devise and bequeath the shares of my beneficiary to my trustee (my uncle)” Summed up the rest of that section says if im under the age of 30 my uncle has to sign over all the stuff when I hit 30 and then he can

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Can adult stepchildren contest a will?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: My father passed away in 2020. My stepmother became ill in 2021. She reportedly completed a will stating that “she leaves all her earthly possession to her biological son.” There are 4 other adult non-biological children that were not named in the will. My father was the primary person that made the house payments prior to his death. This is also supported by the fact she set up a reverse mortgage after his death.

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When someone is appointed personal representative to probable an estate can they be held personally liable for any debts?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: When someone is appointed personal representative to probable an estate can they be held personally liable for any debts or anything that may be done incorrectly regarding the probate process? ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: If the PR pays the debts without clearing the creditor period, then yes, the PR can be personally liable for improperly paying debts that don’t have to be paid. In Massachusetts, creditors must bring a lawsuit to perfect their claim

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Would putting my husband’s name on the deed, save us form probate when his mother has to be put in nursing home or passes away?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Trying to find the right and cheapest way to but my husband on his mom’s house. I don’t know if we should make a trust for the house or change the deed. I really don’t know what way to go. Mom has dementia and bipolar. She want to has us get the house without probate. ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: Having dementia doesn’t mean that one is incompetent.  However, if your husband is not an

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Can I do a will to allow my fiancée to remain living in my house up to a year, if then the house would go to my children?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am currently engaged and my fiancée lives with me. I would like to have a document that states she can live in the house for up to a year, should I die before her, and after that my children would get the estate. ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: Yes, you can give her the right to live in the house in your will. That is common. However, you also have to consider the question

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Can an estranged wife who disappeared more than 30 years ago challenge a will in relation to real property in Florida?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am helping an elderly disabled friend who fears his wife who disappeared more than 30 years ago may reappear after he dies and cause problems. He wants to will his home to a friend. To his knowledge, she knows nothing of the property where he had lived since shortly after she left. ANSWER BY DAVID M. BELIVEAU: If his wife is living, she will have spousal rights to his probate estate.  Also, under

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Making It Easier For Loved Ones To Settle Your Estate

For many people, estate planning is about more than transferring assets after you’re gone. It can be about making life easier on your survivors and smoothing the way for your loved ones at what is sure to be a difficult time. If that’s one of the “gifts” you’d like to leave behind, consider taking the following steps. Work with an attorney: Consult an attorney who will help you prepare a correctly executed will and/or living trust.

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Parents have different beneficiaries in wills.

My step mother passed away about 2 months ago and my father is very sick and sedated. They created their wills about 10 years ago and just notarized them shortly before her death. She had expressed wanting to change her beneficiary to my but at the time of her death, it was her sister (secondary to my dad of course). I’m an only child so I’m the sole beneficiary on my fathers will (secondary to my

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What rights do offspring have to deceased parent’s estate?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: My dad passed away in 2010. There was no will (as far as I know). He and his wife (not my mother) bought and owned property together. I have not been in touch with his wife since his passing, but I know she has since sold their house, and has remarried. She has no children, and I am the only offspring my dad had. I am just wondering if there is any legal right

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