Massachusetts probate lawyer Mark C. Hamer represents personal representatives, beneficiaries and families in estate administration and probate disputes. He is admitted in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and serves Massachusetts clients from his Providence office.
Choosing the appropriate probate process
Massachusetts offers different procedures for estates, including informal probate, formal probate, late and limited formal probate, and voluntary administration for qualifying small estates. The right procedure depends on the estate and the circumstances; a smaller estate does not automatically qualify for every simplified option.
Mark can review the will, family circumstances and general asset information to determine what filings may be appropriate. The Commonwealth’s overview of probate types provides a useful starting point.
Help with administering an estate
- Reviewing wills and identifying the appropriate probate filings
- Seeking appointment of an executor, administrator or personal representative
- Identifying estate assets and preparing inventories
- Addressing creditor claims, records and fiduciary responsibilities
- Preparing accounts and coordinating distributions
- Preparing documents to close the estate
Estate administration and a contested inheritance require different approaches. When a disagreement develops, Mark evaluates the documents, the available evidence and options for negotiation or litigation.
Probate representation in every Massachusetts county
Mark’s service area includes all 14 Massachusetts counties: Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester. These are service areas; Mark’s office is in Providence.
Use the Massachusetts county directory to find official Probate and Family Court information. Some counties have multiple court locations. Confirm the correct division and location for the particular matter before filing or traveling.
Beneficiary concerns and disputed estates
If an estate is already open, let Mark know what has been filed, who is serving as personal representative and what you believe needs attention. Questions about an accounting, a proposed distribution or the validity of a document should be evaluated in context. See probate and trust disputes.
What to have ready for an initial conversation
- The deceased person’s name, date of death and last residence
- Whether there is a will or trust and where the originals are held
- A general description of assets, real estate and debts
- Your relationship to the deceased and your role in the estate
- Any court name, case number, hearing date or papers you have received
Start with a general description. Please speak with the office before sending confidential documents. Contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Call (401) 400-2502 or email Mark. The office is at One Custom House Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Office visits are by appointment.