Probate means...
Why the Court Process Matters to Your Family
Probate is a court process for validating your loved one’s will and distributing estate assets. But without guidance, it can drag on, creditors will need to be negotiated with and precious funds can be drained. We step in to handle the paperwork, secure court dates and keep creditors honest, so you can focus on honoring your loved one instead of all the red tape.
“McLane & McLane took the paperwork burden off my shoulders and kept our family from fighting over details we didn’t understand.”
Common Situations We Handle
- No will on file, leaving intestacy rules in charge
- Real estate or a small business that must be appraised and retitled
- Siblings locked in a dispute over sentimental items or fair shares
- Out-of-state heirs who can’t attend Massachusetts hearings
- Creditors filing aggressive claims and confusing paperwork
With counsel, each issue is manageable; without it, delays multiply and costs soar.
Our Six-Step Probate Roadmap
- Initial Strategy Call – Clarify goals, deadlines, and asset lists.
- Court Petition – File for appointment as personal representative.
- Notice & Inventory – Alert heirs, publish notices, and catalog property.
- Debt Resolution – Verify, negotiate, or dispute creditor claims.
- Tax & Accounting – Prepare final returns and court-approved accounting.
- Distribution & Closure – Transfer assets, obtain releases, and close the estate.
Typical Timeline & Costs
Most Massachusetts estates take six to twelve months to close, but contested wills, real-estate sales, or complex tax filings can extend that to years. Court fees, appraisals, accountant bills, and publication costs often total three to five percent of the estate’s value. Our flat-fee or transparent hourly billing models replace guesswork with clarity, letting families budget up-front instead of reacting to surprise invoices. Clear timelines and honest costs reduce stress while protecting every dollar possible.
Why DIY Probate Is Risky
As personal representative, it is possible to be held personally and financially liable for mistakes that you might make. Courts expect exact forms. An incorrect inventory forces expensive amendments. Courts expect exact forms, heirs expect quick answers, and creditors exploit every error. We act as the buffer, handling filings, calming relatives, and safeguarding you from costly mistakes, while keeping the process moving forward at a pace that honors both legal deadlines and family emotions.
Can Probate Be Avoided Next Time?
Yes. Living trusts, transfer-on-death deeds, and updated beneficiary forms route assets around court altogether. Many families hire us for probate today, then return to craft an estate plan that spares their own heirs tomorrow. Prevention costs far less than another round of legal fees and delivers the peace of mind that paperwork will never overshadow mourning again. Ready to protect your legacy? Ask about trust-based planning when you schedule your probate consultation.