MASSACHUSETTS ESTATE ADMINISTRATION & PROBATE

NAVIGATING THE PROCESS

Being named as a Personal Representative (formerly Executor) under a Will or the Trustee of a Trust can feel overwhelming. Most people find themselves in these roles unexpectedly and are suddenly responsible for administering an estate or trust while also managing the practical and emotional challenges that come with the loss of a loved one.
While every situation is unique, estate and trust administration often involves a wide range of responsibilities. From locating assets and working with financial institutions to filing tax returns, paying expenses, and communicating with beneficiaries, there are many important tasks that must be handled properly along the way. We work closely with Personal Representatives and Trustees to provide guidance throughout the process and help ensure nothing is overlooked.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

    RESPONSIBILITES

    Depending on the nature of the estate or trust, your responsibilities may include some or all of the following:
    • Filing the Will with the probate court
    • Gathering the deceased’s assets
    • Paying expenses and bills
    • Filing timely tax returns (income, fiduciary, estate)
    • Dealing with creditor claims
    • Keeping meticulous records of assets moving in & out of the estate or trust
    • Selling real estate
    • Obtaining valuations and appraisals of the property
    • Securing property
    • Adhering to strict court deadlines (for probate)
    • Keeping interested parties regularly informed
    • Distributing the remaining property to the beneficiaries or holding in trust
    The administration of an estate or trust can be complex, but you do not have to navigate it alone. We work closely with Personal Representatives and Trustees to help them understand their responsibilities, avoid common pitfalls, and move through the process with confidence. From probate filings and tax matters to asset transfers and beneficiary communications, we help coordinate the many moving pieces involved in estate and trust administration. Our goal is to ease the burden on fiduciaries and help ensure a loved one’s wishes are carried out efficiently and thoughtfully.

    HOW ECKERT BYRNE CAN HELP

    The administration of an estate or trust can be complex, but you do not have to navigate it alone. We work closely with Personal Representatives and Trustees to help them understand their responsibilities, avoid common pitfalls, and move through the process with confidence. From probate filings and tax matters to asset transfers and beneficiary communications, we help coordinate the many moving pieces involved in estate and trust administration. Our goal is to ease the burden on fiduciaries and help ensure a loved one’s wishes are carried out efficiently and thoughtfully.