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Probate Law

Practice Areas

Probate

What Is Probate?

When a loved one passes away (the “decedent”), their estate will likely need to go through probate, also called estate administration. Probate is the legal process of transferring property and ownership to another person after someone dies. How the decedent titled their property determines whether the estate needs probate.

Do You Need to Probate an Estate?

If the decedent had a properly drafted last will and testament, the person named in the will as the Personal Representative (formerly called the Executor) must file a petition with the proper probate court. If the decedent owned assets through a well-drafted and properly funded Revocable Trust (also known as a Living Trust), the estate likely will not need probate. Careful estate planning can help you avoid the process altogether.

How We Can Help

Should a loved one’s estate need to go through probate, Hera Law Group can walk you through every step of the process from beginning to end. Our attorneys help identify and gather all estate assets. We arrange appraisals for those assets and assist with any asset sales. Our firm will also pay out creditors seeking payment against the estate. In addition, we assist with preparing tax returns for the estate, and we help distribute property to beneficiaries or heirs at law once the process concludes.

Protecting Your Family’s Property Through Probate

When a loved one passes away owning property, especially real estate, that property often cannot simply be transferred to heirs. Here is what Middlesex County families should know about probate, and how Hera Law Group helps guide them through it.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the long and expensive legal process of the Court distributing a deceased person’s assets according to estate planning documents or state laws.

  • Probate Assets — Assets in your name alone, without a beneficiary or joint ownership, go through probate
  • Non-Probate Assets — Assets with designated beneficiaries, such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and jointly owned property, pass outside of probate

Why Avoid Probate

  • Time — Probate must stay open for a minimum of 12 months to allow creditors to bring a claim against your estate. Realistically, assets will not be distributed for 12–18 months. During this time, all assets in probate are frozen.
  • Cost — Probate is expensive. Between filing fees, legal fees, and court fees, probate could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Public Record — Probate is public record. Any interested party could see exactly how much money is passing to your beneficiaries and when.

How Hera Law Group Helps With Probate

We guide Middlesex County families through every stage of probate, with particular attention to real estate.

  • File the petition and manage the estate through Middlesex Probate and Family Court
  • Clear title issues so property can be sold, transferred, or refinanced
  • Advise executors and heirs on their rights regarding inherited real estate
  • Resolve disputes among heirs over property or other assets
  • Help families plan ahead with trusts and other tools to avoid probate in the future

Contact Us

To speak with one of our experienced probate attorneys, please call our office at (978) 637-2048 or email office@heralawgroup.com.

Practice Areas
209C Actions in Family Court Alimony (Spousal Support) Appeals Child Custody Child Support Contempt Actions in Family Law Divorce Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders Estate Planning Modification Actions in Family Law Guardianships Guardian Ad Litem Investigations LGBTQ+ Representation Mediation & Collaborative Law Paternity Actions in Family Law Prenuptials & Postnuptials Probate Law

LET US HELP YOU

At Hera Law, we understand that hiring an attorney is a big decision. Call us for a free initial 15 minute phone consultation.

978.637.2048 office@heralawgroup.com

LET US HELP YOU

At Hera Law, we understand that hiring an attorney is a big decision. We welcome you to call us for a free initial 5 minute phone consultation.

978.637.2048
office@heralawgroup.com

Contact Us

Practice Areas

Family Law
Divorce
Estate Planning
LGBTQ+ Representation
Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders Mediation Collaborative Law Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements Appeals Guardianship & Conservatorship Adoptions & Name Changes

About Hera Law Group

Hera Law Group logo

Hera Law Group is a Massachusetts and Rhode Island family law firm serving Norfolk, Barnstable, Nantucket, Worcester, Middlesex, and Providence Counties. We're a client-driven firm dedicated to protecting what matters most to your family, from family law and estate planning to probate.

Meet Our Founder

Melissa Levine-Piro, Esq., founder of Hera Law Group

Melissa Levine-Piro, Esq.
Founder
Hera Law Group

Melissa Levine-Piro is the founder of Hera Law Group, overseeing the firm's operations while personally handling select prenuptial, postnuptial, and litigation matters. A Boston Magazine Top Lawyer and Super Lawyer honoree, she's also deeply active in the Maynard community, having served as a town Selectman.

Serving Families Throughout Middlesex County

We are proud to help families in Maynard, Sudbury, Marlborough, Stow, Hudson, Bolton, and Harvard protect what matters most. Whatever legal challenge you're facing, the Hera Law Group team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Talk to a Family Law Attorney?

Schedule your free consultation today — we’re here to help you through every step.

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