While you aren't required to retain a probate attorney when you're determining the most effective way to secure the financial future of your heirs, it's advisable due to the complexity of the court process.
There are two types of wills: formal and informal. Formal wills are written by an attorney, signed in the presence of witnesses, and sometimes notarized. Informal wills, also known as holographic wills, are written entirely in the handwriting of the person making the will and do not require witnesses or notarization.
All things considered, depending on the complexity of an estate, potential delays, and required bureaucratic and legal steps, the probate process can take anywhere between 6 months to multiple years depending on the specific circumstances.
For uncontested and informal probate cases, you can expect the estate to be settled in six to eight months, assuming the personal representative completes their duties in a timely fashion. However, more complicated estates and those going through formal or supervised probate can take much longer to settle.
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.
If you decide to use informal probate, you do not have to hire an attorney, but it is still advised that you do so.
Kerri Mast: There is a range regarding how long it takes to settle an estate and several factors at play, including the asset value and complexity. Simple estates might be settled within six months. Complex estates, those with a lot of assets or assets that are complex or hard to value can take several years to settle.
Since creditors have a year (after the death) to come forward with claims, probate in Massachusetts usually takes a year or so.
The Appointment of a Personal Representative An Informal Petition may be submitted to the Court for review and consideration after giving just seven (7) days advance notice to the interested parties. Unlike the informal procedure, a Petition for Formal Probate is filed with the Court prior to giving notice.