Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

My mother died 7/3/10 she left my sister & I nothing. Leaving the house to her freind. She said she was leaving car to me and other surprises(her words) my sister & I live in section 8 & disablity from trauma from her abuse


Asked on 7/19/10, 5:00 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

I'm sorry to hear that you and your sister were mistreated. You don't actually pose a specific question, but I am assuming that you are interested in challenging your mother's will. You will need to speak with an attorney in very specific terms regarding whether the grounds for a will contest exist. As for your mother's promises to leave you property or things, they are not enforceable.

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Answered on 7/19/10, 8:13 am
Alexandra Golden Golden Law Center

Just to add to Attorney Vaughn-Martel's answer -- a promise is meaningless unless there is an actual will. Do you know for a fact that there IS a will? If so, who has it?

If no will has been filed at the probate court within thirty days of death (you can go to the court and check), you can file for administration of the estate. In an administration, state law decides who gets what. If your mother died without being married, the living children and the descendants of dead children will inherit the property.

Since real estate is involved, I strongly suggest you see an estate planning/probate attorney for guidance.

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Answered on 7/19/10, 1:55 pm


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