Probate Attorney in West Springfield, Massachusetts

Find the right Probate Attorney attorney in West Springfield, MA

In West Springfield, Massachusetts, probate is the process in which a court validates or voids a will.

As part of the probate procedure, the court in West Springfield, 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.

Typically, the executor of the estate is named in the will. However, if nobody is named as an executor, the probate court in West Springfield, Massachusetts will appoint an administrator to serve the role as the executor. This is typically the closest adult relative of the decedent, or the person who stands to inherit the most.

The executor is the person who has to get the ball rolling on the probate process, and essentially serves as a living embodiment of the decedent's estate. It is their job to defend the estate from debtors (if a legitimate defense for the debt exists, of course), and wind up any legal proceedings that the decedent might have been engaged in. If an executor needs to be appointed, a court typically chooses the person who will inherit the most if the will is given effect, since that person will have the most reason to carry out the duties of the executor.

Duties of the Executor in West Springfield, Massachusetts

The executor has many duties concerning the will. First, they have to truly initiate the probate proceedings, which must be completed before the will is effectuated.

They additionally are required to provide notice to the people with a direct interest in the estate that the decedent has died, typically by filing a death certificate.

Executors are also obliged 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.

Moreover, the executor is obliged to take a leading role in establishing the validity of the will. The executor obviously has an incentive to see the process through, since they cannot inherit until probate is complete.

How Can A West Springfield, Massachusetts Lawyer Help?

Because of the difficulties inherent in the probate process, it is a good idea to hire an efficient West Springfield, Massachusetts probate lawyer, particularly for the executors of estates.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in West Springfield

West Springfield is part of Hampden County in Massachusetts. It has a population of about 28,000 people and is a popular tourist destination. The city is locally known as "The West Side", which is a reference to its location on the western side of the Connecticut River.

West Springfield is also part of the Massachusetts area known as the Springfield-Hartford "Knowledge Corridor". The Knowledge Corridor is part of a state program designed to promote cultural and economic exchange between several Massachusetts cities. The name Knowledge Corridor derives from the fact that there are over 30 colleges and universities in the sector. The area is also the focus of extensive urban renewal projects.

The city of West Springfield attracts many visitors due to its retail and commercial activities. For example, the Riverdale Road corridor is one of the major retail centers in the area. Tourists also come to the city every September for the Eastern States Exposition or "The Big E", which is the largest fair in the entire northeast region. The fair is home to the Big E Cream Puff and the Craz-E Burger. The Big E lasts for 17 days and features a number of acts, parades, and exhibits.

Lawyers in West Springfield, Massachusetts usually represent their clients at the Springfield District Court Division courthouse. Many West Springfield are members of multiple bar associations including the local Hampden County Bar Association.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Regel B.
Regel B.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Caldwell, LA

Brad M.
Brad M.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Sussex, NJ

David L.
David L.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Ashland, OH