Closing an estate in Massachusetts means completing the legal and financial responsibilities of estate administration before the personal representative's duties come to an end. Depending on the estate, that may include paying debts, distributing assets, filing required tax returns, and completing the probate process.
If you have been named...
By Erin L. Nunes, Esq.
When people think about estate planning, they often assume that signing legal documents is enough to ensure their wishes will be respected. As an elder law attorney, I can help clients prepare important legal documents such as Health Care Proxies, Powers of Attorney, Trusts,...
By Erin Nunes, Esq., Elder Law Attorney
For many older adults, there is no place more comfortable than home. As an elder law attorney, I often hear clients and their families express the same goal: they want to remain independent and receive care in their own homes for as...
Discovering that a loved one owned assets no one knew about can complicate estate administration. If you find evidence of hidden bank accounts, investments, real estate, or other property after someone passes away, it is important to identify the assets, determine whether they belong to the estate, and take steps to ensure...
When people begin planning for the future, they often start with a financial advisor—and rightfully so. A skilled financial advisor helps you grow your wealth, invest strategically, and create a roadmap toward financial independence.
But one of...
By Attorney Erin L. Nunes
Artificial intelligence is everywhere today. From drafting emails to answering complex questions in seconds, AI has become an increasingly powerful tool for consumers and professionals alike. It can provide quick access to information, identify general concepts, and even offer potential solutions to complicated problems. While AI undoubtedly...
Administering an estate involves legal filings, strict deadlines, and financial responsibilities that can quickly become difficult to manage on your own. Hiring an attorney helps ensure the estate is handled correctly under Massachusetts law, reduces delays, and limits the risk of personal liability for the person in charge.
Banks can reject a power of attorney even when it appears valid. Most refusals come down to timing, wording, or internal policies, not necessarily because the document is legally defective. When this happens, it can delay access to accounts and disrupt financial decisions at the exact moment you need them handled.
Estate planning mistakes can quietly drain an estate, trigger disputes, or force families into unnecessary court involvement. The most expensive missteps tend to involve outdated documents, poor coordination between assets, and decisions made without considering how Massachusetts law actually works in practice.
What Estate Planning Mistakes Cost Families...
An agent who abuses a power of attorney can face serious legal consequences, including removal, repayment of misused funds, and potential civil or criminal liability. You can take steps to stop the misconduct and protect the person who granted the authority, but timing and documentation matter.
What Does...