Best Probate Lawyers in Springfield

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Springfield, Massachusetts?

  Non-emergency situations can be reported to the local police of Springfield by calling (413) 787-6300. Information regarding any wanted person, criminal activity, or any complaints can also be reported through the same number.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Springfield, Massachusetts?

  Requesting for police records in Springfield can be done online, over the phone, or by mail. Incident details should be included in the request and sent to the following:

  • Online: https://massstatepolice.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(qmu2gqvckitrj4xff5jcp5ei))/supporthome.aspx
  • Phone: (508) 820-2300
  • Mail: Primary RAO, Massachusetts State Police, 470 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01702.

• What does the probate process entail in Springfield?

  In Springfield, the probate process is an important part of handling or managing estates. It entails several steps, such as determining the validity of a will, appointing a personal representative, creating an inventory of the decedent's assets, repaying debts and taxes owed, and distributing the properties in accordance with the will and state law.

• What are the reasons to avoid probate in Springfield?

  Some probate cases in Springfield may take years to complete, which is one of the reasons why people try to avoid this process. Going through probate also makes everything publicly accessible, including court and financial records, which can be a reason to avoid probate if you are a private person.

• What is the difference between a will and a living trust?

  A living trust is a way to avoid the probate process and would involve money. If the owner dies without funding the trust, it is essentially worthless. A will, on the other hand, does not require funding because it only requires a list of people to whom you want to transfer your assets and other properties.

• Do all assets of a decedent have to go through probate in Springfield?

  The answer is no. There are times when probating assets is not entirely necessary, such as when the decedent has created a living trust that may avoid probate. Also, if the decedent's property is worth $25,000 or less and 30 days have passed since death, they may use voluntary administration. This is an alternative to formal probate that simplifies the process.

• What are the requirements of a will for it to be valid in Springfield?

  A will must be in writing, signed, and witnessed by two people in Springfield in order to be valid. At the time of writing, the testator must be at least 18 years old. A valid will must also meet additional requirements and conditions, such as the decedent's mental capacity, the nature of the estate, undue influence, and the purpose of the will.

• What does a probate attorney do?

  Probate attorneys are licensed professionals who represent executors and heirs after someone has died. They provide personalized legal advice, assist with tax planning, settle debts, and facilitate the distribution of assets. Probate attorneys typically represent clients during administrative proceedings overseen by probate courts, although some litigators focus on handling disputes and lawsuits related to contested estates.

• What is probate court?

  Probate court works with the family or beneficiaries of a deceased person to validate their last will and testament. The courts review the individual's will to identify and calculate assets, pay off remaining debts, and distribute the remaining property to beneficiaries per the deceased person's requests. Depending on state laws, property valued under a certain amount may not require probate.

• How long do you have to file probate after death?

  The amount of time loved ones have to file a will after a person dies varies from state to state. While California courts require probate to be filed within one year, New York has no deadline. That being said, it's advisable to file probate as quickly as possible once a person has died, as the process itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

• Does life insurance go through probate?

  Life insurance doesn't need to go through the probate courts if the deceased individual has named a beneficiary on their policy. However, life insurance policies without beneficiaries, or with beneficiaries who are either deceased themselves or cannot be contacted, go directly to the deceased individual's estate. When this happens, life insurance proceeds must go through probate court to determine how funds should be allocated.

• Do household items go through probate?

  While the exact rules do vary from state to state, most household items don't require probate and are automatically left to immediate families unless otherwise stated in the deceased person's will. When it comes to property, only items above a certain value or held in title are required to go through probate in most states.

• Do bank accounts with beneficiaries have to go through probate?

  In the event a beneficiary has been named, bank accounts are not required to go through probate and will be paid directly to the person designated by the deceased individual. However, should that individual be deceased themselves or if contact cannot be made after a certain period of time, funds will be allocated to the estate and put through the probate process.

• What happens if no probate is filed?

  Depending on the circumstances, probate may not be required in all cases. If a person passes on and their remaining property is jointly owned, it automatically transfers to the other owner. However, if a property is not jointly owned and no probate has been filed, the executor of the will won't be able to transfer titles or cash assets to beneficiaries. Be aware that the specific laws surrounding probate requirements vary from state to state.

• What is probate real estate?

  Probate real estate is the process that happens when a realtor steps in to handle the sale or transfer of a deceased person's owned home to another individual. In some cases, the house is sold as a means of liquidating assets, and proceeds from the sale are used to pay debts or are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Can I probate a will or estate without an attorney?

  It is possible to probate a will and close an estate without hiring an attorney. However, it requires multiple steps and an understanding of the law. The first step is to petition the court to appoint a representative for the estate. Next, the executor must notify all heirs and creditors before switching ownership from the decedent to the estate. Once all debts, taxes, and final expenses have been paid, funds can be transferred to heirs. To close an estate, the executor must submit a report showing the court that all obligations and final wishes have been satisfied. While a will and estate may seem straightforward, things can get complicated quickly if multiple heirs are involved, or if disputes or disagreements arise over distribution. A probate lawyer can help navigate these disputes effectively, and take pressure off the executor when beneficiaries aren’t getting along.

• How many years can an estate remain in probate?

  If the will or proposed distribution of property is contested, an estate may remain in probate for several years. The timeline depends on how long relatives have to initiate probate, how long creditors have to come forward, and how busy the courts are. In some states, such as Florida, relatives have just 10 days to initiate probate, and the entire process takes approximately six months. In other areas, such as Massachusetts, the process can last one to two years, although the majority of probate activities occur in the first nine months. The value of the estate also affects the duration of the case. For example, California and Texas have simplified procedures for smaller estates, such as those valued at $150,000 or less.

• When is a will's probate an automatic process?

  Probate is the legal process of validating a last will and testament to ensure that the decedent's wishes are followed. A probate judge may automatically clear wills if they're accompanied by an affidavit from the decedent, a notary, and a witness. Some assets, including financial accounts with designated beneficiaries, and funds held by certain types of trusts don't have to go through probate.

• What does it mean when property is under probate?

  Real estate that's under probate is typically liquidated through the court system, which is most common when someone dies without a will. Home buyers who are interested in this type of property must follow special rules regarding deposits, which are sometimes nonrefundable, and buyer's premiums. Additionally, the court must approve the purchase price.