Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

Re: Stock Liquidation by Executor

An attorney who practices probate law usually asks a client how much work the client wants to do to administer the estate. Some of my executor-clients are not comfortable with financial issues and want me to do the bulk of the work, others are famililar enough with financial management that my role becomes greatly reduced.

If I am handling matters at the client's direction, I send a letter to the stock broker or clearinghouse on the client's behalf to order the sale. Alternately, you can place the order yourself -- but you need to carefully document the receipt and distribution of the funds and plan for filing a special type of income tax return used for estates.

Please feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.