Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

What dollar amount from a bank account needs to listed for probate in MA? My mother recently passed and only had $4500 in her bank account which the bank gave to me because it was less than $5000. Does this need to be listed in probate paperwork? I was told when filing probate by a clerk there that it does not but I do not want this to come back and bite me.


Asked on 7/16/10, 5:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

I don't know of any such dollar limit, and I'm not sure why the bank gave it to you. Was the account in your joint names? If the account was in your mother's sole name during her life, then it will need to be listed as part of her probate estate.

Read more
Answered on 7/17/10, 9:57 am
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Unless your name was on the account, the bank made a mistake. If your name was on the account as a beneficiary or co-owner, this amount is not part of the estate. If you got the money and the foregoing is incorrect, you must list this.

Read more
Answered on 7/17/10, 10:24 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Massachusetts