Estate Administration and Probate

Probate is the legal process by which property owned by a decedent is passed to his or her heirs after the decedent's death. Property which the decedent owned individually must pass through probate for ownership to pass to the heirs. Jointly owned property and the proceeds of life insurance, retirement accounts, and annuities pass to the surviving joint owner or named beneficiaries without the necessity of probate.

In summary, the general steps are as follows:

1. File Petition, Bond, Military Affidavit, Death Certificate and Will with the court.

2. Mail and publish notice as ordered by the court.

3. File Inventory with the court.

4. Prepare and file applicable estate tax returns.

5. Pay final bills or debts of decedent.

6. Make partial distributions, liquidating assets if necessary.

7. Keep records of all income, expenditures and distributions.

8. Prepare and file annual accounts, as necessary, with the court.

The Law Office of William F. Smith offers a full range of Estate Settlement and Estate Probate services including Federal and State Estate Tax filings, Trust Administration services, Probate of Wills and final Estate Distributions and Settlements.

William F. Smith
Attorney at Law
West Boylston, MA 508-835-2100
Moultonboro NH 603-253-2906

wsmith@mass-elderlaw.com