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Experienced Massachusetts trust and estates attorney guiding you through the process of probate

Probate often follows a painful emotional loss. Attorney Douglas R. Peterson has had extensive experience in these situations and knows how to ease the stress of probate by guiding executors or administrators and beneficiaries.

The process of probate

Most executors or heirs have rarely if ever probated a will or an estate without a will and know little about the process. We can guide you through the complex probate process, including:
  • Filing the will, if there is one, with the proper Massachusetts probate court
  • Preparing and filing the proper probate petition and supporting and ancillary documentation with the proper probate court
  • Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
  • Finding and collecting assets
  • Closing and opening bank accounts
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Preparing and filing estate tax returns and paying estate taxes
  • Obtaining release of estate tax liens
  • Selling real estate for payment of claims or for convenience and ease of distribution
  • Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring experts, when appropriate
Valuing and managing the estate
We assist executors and administrators with the arduous process of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating the assets of the estate. When appropriate, we may assist you in retaining accountants, financial advisers, real estate agents, property managers and other professionals to assist with executor duties. We can help you access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, automobiles and other collectables for accurate valuation, management and possible sale.

Probate disputes

Even in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes. Attorney Peterson’s professional courtroom presence can calm the emotionally-charged process of probating or opposing a will or challenging decisions, actions, or inactions by the executor or administrator (now called the “personal representative” under the new Massachusetts Probate Code). When it is in your best interests to preserve cordial familial relationships, Attorney Peterson is adept at attempting to resolve these disputes by negotiated or mediated settlements. When necessary, he can and will zealously assert or defend your rights in court.
More Details

Contact an experienced and responsive probate and estates lawyer at Douglas R. Peterson Attorney at Law

Call us at 413-525-3222 or contact us online.
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