Probate?

During a person’s lifetime, their will is a private document. No one—not even family members—can access it unless the individual chooses to share it. However, after the person passes away, things change. If a will goes through probate, it becomes part of the public record. Probate is the legal process that ensures a person’s debts…

One of the biggest concerns in estate planning is ensuring assets pass smoothly to loved ones. Retirement accounts, often a major part of an estate, can either transfer seamlessly or become tangled in probate. Whether these funds avoid probate depends on how they are structured. Generally, retirement accounts bypass probate as long as properly designated…

Losing a loved one is never easy, and handling their estate can feel overwhelming. At Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., we have been guiding Massachusetts families through probate for over 90 years. We know how important it is to settle an estate quickly and efficiently without unnecessary complications. For estates that qualify, informal probate can be…

Dealing with the legal aspects of a loved one’s estate can feel like an overwhelming responsibility.  However, Massachusetts provides an option for certain small estates called voluntary administration. This simplified probate process can help families settle their loved one’s affairs with fewer complications.  At Casey Lundregan Burns, P.C., our firm has been helping families understand…

Losing a family member is an unimaginably difficult time, and dealing with the legal matters that follow can feel overwhelming and totally inappropriate. It is not abnormal to want to put off the probate process while you’re in mourning. While probate isn’t always necessary, understanding when and how to start the process is essential. With…

Probate is much maligned. To hear some folks talk, having your estate subject to probate is worse than dying. What’s all the fuss about? Understanding Probate Probate is a title proceeding. If a person dies owning property, the question arises – Who is the next rightful owner? Probate is the procedure by which the ownership is…

Probate can be avoided through various means, but many people don’t realize it. They fail to make estate plans so their assets end up at the mercy of the court. To make matters worse, probate can take on a life of its own, dragging on for many months or even several years for some estates.…

Most Estates That Require Probate Follow These Steps The deceased can’t own property, so it must be legally transferred from her ownership into that of a living beneficiary when she dies. This is most commonly accomplished through the probate process. And what about the decedent’s debts? They’re paid through the probate process as well, because…

Disclaimer: This article is purely informational and is not meant to be legal advice. If you have any questions, please consult a probate attorney. Coping with loss when a beloved family member passes away isn’t easy. That grief can be harder to bear when you’re the one who needs to sort through, distribute, and dispose…

Probate is the court-supervised process of authenticating a last will and testament if the deceased made one. It includes locating and determining the value of the person’s assets, paying their final bills and taxes, and distributing the remainder of the estate to their rightful beneficiaries.  When Is The Probate Process Required? Each state has specific…