Will Contests

Estate litigation is a legal process that families sometimes must navigate in the wake of a loved one's passing. It involves the challenging of a will, trust or the administration of an estate.  Understanding the common reasons why families file estate litigation is...

Whether someone is creating a will for the first time or updating an existing document, there are some things to consider when finalizing last wishes and bequests. Under the elective share statute, people in Massachusetts cannot completely disinherit a spouse....

A trust is a legal relationship between three parties: the trustor, which is the person who creates the trust, the trustee and the beneficiary. The trustee is responsible for managing the trust and acting in the beneficiary's best interests. However, sometimes in...

In the state of Massachusetts, there are specific people who are legally allowed to challenge a will. This is known as "standing to contest a will." People who can challenge a will in Massachusetts Probate law in Massachusetts stipulates that only "interested parties"...

Wills are important estate planning documents that can help ensure your final wishes get carried out. But what happens if someone contests or disputes the will? What is a will contest? A will contest is a legal challenge to the validity of a will. Typically, a will...

A non-contestability clause in a will states that the decedent will disinherit any beneficiary who contests the will. Other terms for this type of clause are no-contest and incontestability. Limitations of a non-contestability clause Non-contestability clauses may...

The testator's desires may change after creating a will in Massachusetts. In such an instance, they may need to make another document known as a codicil to express their new wishes, like adding beneficiaries or deleting certain provisions. However, sometimes a...

When you pass away, you won't have much control over what can happen to your assets in Massachusetts or how some of your heirs will be treated by other beneficiaries who seemingly have better means. To avoid changing the terms of your will or trusts or even...

Are you planning to publish your will in Massachusetts? This is a matter that you need to think long and hard about. You want to be sure that every angle is covered so that contests will be minimal or nonexistent. This includes all those who can be listed as an...

Being the executor of an estate in Massachusetts carries more responsibility than just the authority over the distribution process. The executor effectively ensures that all outstanding debts are paid first with asset distribution then being completed according to the...