In Massachusetts, if an estate is “cash poor”—meaning it lacks liquid assets such as cash or easily sold investments to cover expenses like debts, taxes, or specific bequests—it can create challenges during the estate administration process. This situation becomes even more complex when an heir or beneficiary is assigned a specific, non-liquid asset (such as… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Executor
Time To Update Your Estate Plan!
As the New Year approaches, it’s a natural time for reflection and renewal. Amidst the excitement of setting new goals and resolutions, it’s also an opportune moment to review and update your estate plan. This often-overlooked aspect of financial planning is essential to making sure that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are… Read More »
Timing Matters: The Best Age to Start Estate Planning in Massachusetts
Estate planning is a crucial financial and legal process that provides peace of mind, ensures the orderly distribution of assets, and minimizes potential complications for heirs. However, many people in Massachusetts often wonder when the ideal time is to embark on estate planning. This article will discuss the best age to start estate planning in… Read More »
How Do I Fufill My Duties As A Personal Representative in Massachusetts?
Being named the personal representative (also called an executor) of an estate in Massachusetts is both an honor and a responsibility. It means someone has entrusted you with the important task of managing their affairs after they pass away. While it can be daunting, understanding your duties and responsibilities as a personal representative can help… Read More »
Who Are the Most Important Stakeholders In Your Estate?
If you have not yet crafted estate planning documents, now is the perfect opportunity to meet with an estate planning lawyer to discuss your next steps. There are several different people who may be associated with the management of your estate. This is because powers of attorney, trusts, wills, and advanced healthcare directives all appoint… Read More »
Selecting the Right Helpers for Your Estate Plan in Massachusetts A Guide
When making an estate plan, one of the most critical decisions is choosing who will carry out your wishes after your passing or act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This decision demands careful consideration and understanding of the legal landscape in Massachusetts, which we at O’Connell Law have. Today, we’ll delve into the… Read More »
Timing Matters: The Best Age to Start Estate Planning in Massachusetts
Estate planning is a crucial financial and legal process that provides peace of mind, ensures the orderly distribution of assets, and minimizes potential complications for heirs. However, many people in Massachusetts often wonder when the ideal time is to embark on estate planning. This article will discuss the best age to start estate planning in… Read More »
Massachusetts Replaces “Executor” with “Personal Representative” in Probate Terminology
In the world of estate planning and probate, terminologies can carry significant legal weight. In Massachusetts, a notable shift has occurred in recent years. The term “Executor” has been replaced with the more encompassing term “Personal Representative.” Let’s explore this change and what it means for those involved in estate matters in the Bay State…. Read More »
Navigating Probate: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Introduction Probate is a legal process that ensures the orderly distribution of a deceased person’s assets and settlement of their debts. While it’s designed to be a structured and fair system, common probate pitfalls can complicate matters for heirs and executors alike. In this article, we’ll explore some of these challenges and offer insights on… Read More »
Should I Choose an Executor Outside of My Family?
A lot goes into the process of serving as an estate executor in Massachusetts (formally known as a personal representative), so you need to be clear about the person you select to serve in this role and make sure you’ve selected the right individual for the job. There are three primary factors you should be… Read More »