978-744-2450 978-744-2450

Massachusetts trust and estates attorney helps guide you through the process

Salem law firm honors wishes of your loved ones

Probate follows what is typically a painful emotional loss. Probate attorney James A. Peterson has more than 35 years of experience in probate law and knows how to ease the stress of probate by guiding executors and beneficiaries through the complex process.

The process of probate

Most personal representatives (formerly known as executors) have rarely if ever probated a Will and know little about the process. James A. Peterson can guide you through all aspects of probate, including:

  • Filing the Will with the Massachusetts Probate Court
  • Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
  • Finding and collecting assets
  • Closing and opening bank accounts
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Paying estate taxes
  • Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring experts, when appropriate

 

Valuing and managing the estate

We assist with the arduous process of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating the assets of the estate. We have a team of experts available to assist in every aspect of estate probate. When appropriate, the firm calls upon accountants, financial advisors, real estate agents, property managers and other professionals to assist with executor duties. We can access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, automobiles and other collectables for accurate valuation, management and possible sale.

Probate disputes

Even in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes between beneficiaries. Our professional courtroom presence can calm the emotionally-charged process of probating a challenged will or disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interests of our client to preserve cordial familial relationships, we are adept at mediating these disputes. When necessary, we assertively defend our client’s beneficiary rights within the Massachusetts Probate Court.

Contact a thorough estate administration lawyer, James A. Peterson, for a free initial consultation.

We serve clients in Salem and throughout Massachusetts. Call us at 978-744-2450 or contact us online for a free 30-minute consultation.