A reader recently reached out after his elderly mother died, asking how soon he could distribute the $10,000 she had earmarked in her will for each of her two grandchildren.

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By Linda T. Cammuso The new Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (MUPC) was signed into law several years ago and several important and significant changes took effect on Jan. 2. The new legislation is designed to simplify, streamline and clarify the probate process. In certain cases it will require less court supervision and estate resolution will […]

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By Linda T. Cammuso Last month, I discussed the use of living trusts as an effective technique for probate avoidance and contrasted trusts with some of the risky or unfavorable techniques people often use to avoid probate (such as titling assets in children’s names). People’s efforts to avoid probate are often motivated by fear of […]

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By Linda T. Cammuso Last month, I discussed the probate process and people’s efforts to avoid probate, which often results in needless exposure of their assets and loss of significant income tax benefits. For those who wish to steer clear of probate court, there are many alternatives to joint ownership (adding someone else’s name to […]

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We hear a lot these days about probate, usually in the context of avoiding it. New clients working with an estate planning attorney usually start the conversation by saying, “No matter what it takes, I want to stay away from probate.” Probate avoidance is a common and appropriate goal in the estate planning process.

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