Mashpee Wills Lawyer
Mashpee Wills Attorney
Creating a will is one of the most important steps residents in Mashpee can take to prepare their estates for when they pass away. For those with specific wishes for what happens to their assets, contacting a Mashpee wills lawyer to begin the process of creating your will is essential.
Here at Albanese Law, LLC, we offer free consultations to residents of Mashpee and surrounding areas. Our extensive knowledge of state law helps ensure a streamlined process and that your will is legally enforceable after death.
Mashpee residents should take this step early in life, especially those with real estate or dependents. Families make up much of Mashpee’s population, with an average of 2.21 people per household in 2023.
The Process of Probate in Mashpee
Probate is the legal process that is court-overseen, involving the handling of an individual’s assets after they pass away. This process can be time-consuming and stressful for loved ones left behind, especially if no valid will is in place.
To streamline probate and avoid any disagreements among your loved ones, a will can include detailed instructions. This includes naming a trusted person to oversee handling probate (the executor), as well as instructions for which individuals will receive certain assets. Assets can include:
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Personal belongings such as cars or collectibles
- Stocks and bonds
- Intellectual property
- Investment accounts
- Real estate. Real estate tends to be the highest-value asset in many wills, with Mashpee homes averaging $718,208.
Your will can also include:
- Naming a guardian for your minor children
- Instructions for how to handle any outstanding debts or taxes. While that money will be paid from the estate before any assets are distributed, having detailed instructions to follow makes it easier for the executor of your will.
- Instructions for your pets or donations to charities
Helping You Understand Your Estate Planning Options
Understanding the Legal Requirements for a Will in Massachusetts
If no valid will exists after you pass away, state intestacy laws take over. However, these laws often do not align with personal wishes. A lawyer can help draft clear instructions that comply with state law and ensure your estate is handled properly when the time comes.
To be legally valid in Massachusetts, a will must follow certain instructions. The person creating the will, referred to as the testator, must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. The will must be in writing. Massachusetts doesn’t legally recognize verbal wills.
Once finished, the will must then be signed by the testator. The signing must be witnessed by at least two people who are not named as beneficiaries in the will. Beneficiaries are the people or organizations to whom your assets will be distributed after you pass away. These witnesses must also sign the will in the testator’s presence.
Working With a Trusted Massachusetts Firm
If you live in Mashpee or a nearby town and need to create or revise your will, contact Albanese Law, LLC. Our firm offers free consultations to those interested in estate planning. Our knowledge and extensive experience of state law make the estate planning process simple for you.
