Lexington Probate Lawyer
When someone who has done a will dies, their estate is handled by the probate court. Probate is the legal process of determining how a deceased individual’s assets should be distributed. The probate procedure costs money and can stretch on for months, leaving loved ones without access to the decedent’s assets.
If you’re the personal representative named in the will, you’ll discover that there’s a lot to learn and many efforts that need to be done to get the estate you represent through the complicated probate process. At The Heritage Law Center, Matthew Karr, Esq., is devoted to making probate easier for the personal representative and deceased person’s loved ones.
If your loved one has recently passed and you need legal guidance and representation in a probate case, we’re here to help. A skilled probate lawyer serving Lexington, like Matthew, can help you navigate through probate.
Keep in mind that if you’re considering working on an estate plan, you may want strategic aid to avoid lengthy probate procedures. Matthew Karr, Esq., has the knowledge and experience to help you put together a solid estate plan that will help your estate avoid probate and protect your assets.
How Probate Works
When a person dies with a will, the court validates the will according to legal formalities. Valid Massachusetts wills must be signed in front of two witnesses and have the witnesses’ signatures. If the will is valid, the court upholds it and distributes the deceased person’s assets according to their wishes.
When a person dies without a will (known as intestacy), courts use their state’s legal guidelines to distribute the assets. In general, the surviving spouse will receive the bulk of the deceased person’s assets in cases of intestacy. If there’s no surviving spouse, the assets will be split among the deceased person’s children.
In Massachusetts, probate can take a year or more. During this, creditors may make a claim on the estate to pay any balances owed. The more complex a case is, the longer the process may take. Partnering with an experienced probate lawyer in Lexington can help move the process along to ensure beneficiaries receive their assets as soon as possible.
How a Probate Lawyer Serving Lexington Can Help
A probate lawyer will provide guidance and support to the personal representative named in the will throughout the probate process. You don’t have to face probate court alone, especially when you’re still grieving the loss of a loved one. You can count on a knowledgeable probate lawyer, like Matthew Karr, Esq., to make the process easier for you.
If you’ve been thinking about doing an estate plan, we can work with you so your estate avoids probate with strategic estate planning tools like trusts. We can also create a will that meets your needs and gives you the control you want over your assets.
Your Probate Lawyer Serving Lexington Is Here to Help
Matthew Karr, Esq., at The Heritage Law Center is ready to serve your needs whether you’re trying to navigate the complex process of probate or you want to create an estate plan that avoids probate.
If you’re ready to work with an experienced and compassionate probate lawyer serving Lexington residents who cares about your circumstances, start with a free probate consultation. Call us at 617-765-9307 or fill out our online contact form below.
