Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts
Distribution by executrix
After all is legal through Probate, can I move money to an existing account (mine) for distribution, or do I have to open an estate account? Do I have to have the lawyer do this, or as executrix can I do it myself?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Distribution by executrix
You cannot transfer money into your own account. You will need an estate account to be opened. The court may require you to hire an attorney, but frankly, even if the court does not require it, the probate of an estate is a confusing matter and is best left to legal counsel.
According to Florida law, an attorney is entitled to a percentage of the estate as well as an hourly fee. Due to the competitive nature of the legal market, this is often not the case, however. You can "shop around" for an attorney who will handle the estate for a reasonable fee.
Scott R. Jay, Esq. 305-249-8000