When a person is named the executor of a deceased person’s estate, legal assistance is almost always required to guide the estate through probate so that the assets can be distributed according to the terms of the will. The procedural requirements of Massachusetts probate courts are complex, the process can be difficult, and at the same time certain deadlines must be met so that distribution of assets is not delayed.
Selecting a law firm to handle the administration of an estate in probate is an important decision. Many people turn to the law firm that originally drafted the estate plan, seeking assistance from a lawyer familiar with the will. In some cases, however, that may not be possible or advisable. For example, the law firm may no longer be in existence. In other cases, it is advisable to seek probate administration assistance from attorneys with specific legal knowledge of U.S. tax laws as they relate to probate administration.