Navigating the probate process alone is hard, especially if you’ve never done it before.
Azza Law can handle the courts for you, from filing to finished, so you can focus on caring for yourself and your loved ones.
Flat-Fee Pricing
Ask every question and get the patient guidance you deserve, all for one transparent price.
Compassionate Counsel
Discover the difference kindness, understanding, and care make during this difficult time.
Time-Saving Expertise
With decades of experience, I ensure your probate process proceeds quickly and smoothly.
Comprehensive Support
Save headaches as I handle everything from filing to follow-up and more.
What to Expect:
Step 2: Share Your Documents
You’ll know in advance exactly what you need to bring to our initial meeting at my home office in Bellingham, MA, including your loved one’s death certificate, will, beneficiary documents, and information about their assets. At this meeting, I’ll collect a deposit and confirm the total flat fee for the type of probate you need to file.
Step 3: Sign Your Documents
You’ll receive your documents in advance so you can review them before we meet for signing. I am a notary and provide any necessary witnesses, so you won’t need to worry about any additional logistics. At this meeting, you’ll get an estimated timeline for the process based on the type of probate (Voluntary Administration, Informal Probate, or Formal Probate).
Step 4: Relax Knowing You’re In Good Hands
I'll file your petition, watch the docket, follow up with the court should any issues arise, and handle the license to sell if real estate is involved. Rest assured, I handle sensitive family dynamics delicately and will keep you informed throughout the process.
She is kind, patient, and exceptionally knowledgeable about all things probate.
"I can’t say enough about the caring and compassion of Amy Azza. When my brother passed, I was devastated and overwhelmed, yet I also needed to navigate the legal process of becoming his representative. Amy came highly recommended, and the reviews were absolutely right. She listened with genuine empathy, took the time to clearly explain every step, and moved quickly to secure the authority I needed. She is kind, patient, and exceptionally knowledgeable about all things probate. Amy will take great care of you."
—Heide C., Franklin, MA
FAQs
Probate is the legal, court-supervised process of validating a deceased person’s will, distributing assets, and determining guardianship for minor children if necessary.
If you die without a will, it is called “dying intestate.” In this situation, the court may appoint an estate administrator, determine your heirs and how your property is distributed, and decide who will care for any minor dependents. I recommend one of your family members petition the court to be named personal representative of your estate.
No, having a will does not mean you avoid the probate process, though it usually makes it go faster and more smoothly. If you have a properly funded trust, however, anything you have placed in trust (for example, real estate and personal property and sometimes bank accounts or financial assets) will bypass probate. If you have a named beneficiary on a financial account, that account will also bypass probate.
The timeline for the probate process varies depending on several factors. If you die with a will, typically it takes around four to six months. If you don't have a will, it can take as long as one to two years. I typically recommend establishing and properly funding a trust, as anything placed in trust bypasses probate.
Personal Representative is the official term used in Massachusetts for the Executor of a will. Their role is to file the will and handle the probate process. Through the probate process, the court issues a letter of authority to the Personal Representative granting them the ability to disburse assets, sell real estate, and liquidate accounts as needed.
In the state of Massachusetts, the first $2 million of your estate passes tax-free. Any assets over $2 million are taxable according to a sliding scale of 6% to 16%, depending on the size of your estate, and that is just on the portion over $2 million.