Define Fillable Fields In Legal Massachusetts Probate Forms For Free

Typically, you have to probate the decedent's estate if you need to: Find out if the decedent's will is valid. Change the title (ownership) of real estate or personal property, such as bank accounts, stocks, or bonds, that is only in the decedent's name without any right of survivorship. Pay the decedent's creditors.

You'll need to file: Petition for Formal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (MPC 160) Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at Law (MPC 162) A certified copy of the death certificate if it's available, or an affidavit if it's not. Citation-Return of Service (MPC 560), which the court will give you.

Typically, you have to probate the decedent's estate if you need to: Find out if the decedent's will is valid. Change the title (ownership) of real estate or personal property, such as bank accounts, stocks, or bonds, that is only in the decedent's name without any right of survivorship.

The decedent must have left an estate that consists entirely of personal property valued at $25,000 or less (excluding the value of a car). 30 days or more have passed since the decedent's death. The petitioner must be an interested person, but doesn't need to be a resident of Massachusetts.

A revocable living trust can be used to avoid probate. A trust holds legal title to property for the benefit of another person (?beneficiary?). The person who creates the trust (?the grantor?) chooses a manager (sometimes themselves), known as the trustee, to manage the assets in order to protect them.

Informal Probate Vs. Formal Probate. ing to Massachusetts law, informal probate is only applicable when all the beneficiaries and heirs agree to the decedent's division of assets. In case of disagreement between the beneficiaries, formal probate is needed for dividing assets.