Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

Will and trust

My father died 6years ago and in his will left a trust to my stepmother who passed away a year ago nov. The lawyer has distributed some of the money from the trust but not all and we have yet to receive a final accounting of her estate. What is the time limit that they have to disburst the money and give us the beneificeries a final account of the estate.


Asked on 6/02/08, 3:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

Re: Will and trust

A final account would typically not be done until at least one year has passed since death. It is hard to tell from your post whether your grandmother passed away a year ago from this upcoming November, or whether she passed a year from last November.

The trust funds are distributed by the trustee according to the terms of the trust, which may direct that trust funds be distributed over time or upon the occurrence of a certain event. You will want to take a look at this Trust document.

The estate is a different story. The executor must present an inventory and an account. If this is not being done properly, an interested party may compel him or her to do so.

These documents can be quite complex, as are the practices and requirements of the probate court. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have further questions.

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Answered on 6/02/08, 3:52 pm
Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: Will and trust

My condolences on the death of your Father and Step-Mother.

The trust terms dictate the schedule for disbursement.

Copies of both estates may be viewed in the Probate Court of the Count(ies)where each died.

Consider retaining an attorney to determine what, if any, action is indicated to get the administration of either estate on track.

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Answered on 6/02/08, 8:48 pm


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