Estate administration in Massachusetts often takes nine months to a year, although some estates close sooner and others take longer. The timing depends on court filings, creditor claims, tax issues, disputes among beneficiaries, and how quickly the personal representative can gather and distribute assets. Most beneficiaries receive partial or full distributions once...

When a loved one passes away, there’s often more to handle than grief alone. Someone must step forward to manage the estate—distributing property, paying debts, and making sure the person’s wishes are honored. This process is known as estate administration. In Massachusetts, it can involve several steps, including probate. If you’ve been...