What To Do When a Loved One Dies? Massachusetts Probate Court Adminstration
A Massachusetts probate attorney answers common legal questions about how to handle the estate of a family member or other loved one who has died
The death of a loved one is often a very emotional and confusing time for the family. Most of the time the family does not know where to begin when a father, mother, husband or other family member passes away. The loved one’s assets need to be located, bills need to be paid, homes need to be taken care of, and Social Security and other government agencies may need to be notified. In many instances, this can become a complicated and overwhelming process. In the immediate aftermath of the death of a family members, there are many things to consider. Here are a few critical questions to get started:
- Did your loved one leave a will? Check such places as the safe, strong box, bank deposit box, or contact your loved one’s attorney to see if they have the will.
- Did you notify Social Security Administration? If your loved one was receiving Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration will need to be notified to stop benefits immediately. Sometimes the funeral home or the bank, if they have notice of the death, will notify Social Security for you.
- Are there bills that need to be paid immediately? Unless your loved one had a joint bank account, funds may not be accessible to pay bills until an “executor” or “administrator” is appointed by the Probate Court.
- Does the deceased own real estate? There are many expenses associated with real estate that may need to be paid and rents may need to be collected.
It is always best to consult with an attorney who is experienced with probate administration to help you answer these questions and guide you through the probate process. The attorneys at Moschella & Winston are dedicated to estate planning and administration services for families and individuals. Located in Somerville, MA, we serve families throughout the Boston metro area and across Massachusetts. If you would like to discuss the steps involved and learn more about handling estate settlement issues due to the death of a loved one, please call us at 617-776-3300. We have helped many, many people deal with these sometimes complicated issues that require proper attention during a difficult, emotional time.
- Learn more about our Probate Administration services.
- Read our Probate Adminstration FAQ.
Michelle Mulvena is a trust and estate attorney at Moschella & Winston, LLP, a Boston-area law firm specializing in legal planning and protection for individuals and families for over 30 years. She is also host of the Somerville Cable TV show, “Legally Speaking with Michelle Mulvena.” Please contact her at mm@moschellawinston.com or (617) 776-3300.