Probate Attorney in Needham, Massachusetts
In Needham, Massachusetts, probate is the process in which a court validates or voids a will.
As part of the probate procedure, the court in Needham, Massachusetts will determine the validity of the will, inventory the decedent's assets and debts, then, assuming everything is found to be in order, distribute the estate according to the will.
Usually, the executor of the estate is named in the will. However, if nobody is named as an executor, the probate court in Needham, Massachusetts will appoint an administrator to serve the role as the executor. This is usually the closest adult relative of the decedent, or the person who stands to inherit the most.
The main duty of the executor is to serve as the living incarnation of the estate. Their job is to initiate probate proceedings, and see them to completion. If an executor has to be appointed by the court, it will usually be the person who stands to inherit the most from the will, as he or she has an incentive to make every effort to avoid delay.
Duties of the Executor in Needham, Massachusetts
There are quite a few things that an executor is responsible for. At the outset, they are required to file the probate action with the appropriate court. No progress, let alone any final disposition of the estate, can be made until this happens.
Additionally, the executor has to make sure that the decedent's relatives and other people named in the will have notice of the testator's death, usually through the filing of a copy of the official death certificate.
Executors are also required to make available an accounting of the testator's debts and assets, so their affairs can be wound up, along with a list of everyone who is named in the will, or otherwise stands to inherit.
Because the executor serves as the living embodiment of the decedent's estate, they are solely responsible for proving the validity of the will. This is a lot of work, but because executors are usually chosen based on how much they stand to inherit from a will once its validity is confirmed, they have a good incentive to see the process to completion.
Find a Needham Lawyer that Specializes in Your Area of Need:
How Can A Needham, Massachusetts Lawyer Help?
Because this process can be fairly complicated, it is not a bad idea to consult with a good probate lawyer in Needham, Massachusetts, especially if you find yourself as the executor of an estate and don't know how to proceed.
There are 4 Wills, Trusts and Estates cases posted in Needham
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Probate Attorneys in the Largest MA Cities
Life in Needham
Needham, Massacheutts is considered one of the more desireable suburbs of the state's capital of Boston because of the great school system, thriving professional community, and strong sense of community that Needham fosters in its 30,000 residents.
Originally founded in 1680, Needham was a rather unsuccessful farming community before realizing success in other industries. There is still some colonial charm in the city-- it still governs itself with a representative town meeting. With only one public high school and middle school, the small town feel is also felt in the city's education.
A commuter suburb of Boston, many successful professionals have also set-up office in Needham. For instance, Needham is home to a packing plant for popular market chain Trader Joes. In addition to great supermarkets, Needham also has great lawyers. Lawyers specializing in a range of legal practices are available to help their fellow citizen with any issue he or she may find find themselves confronted with.
