Confusing Words That You Might Encounter During the Estate Planning Process in Massachusetts

Writing a will is a common legal process, and this is something that most people will do at some point in their lives. However, the terminology that surrounds the estate planning process in Massachusetts is not geared toward the average citizen. During this process, you may encounter words that make absolutely no sense. It may seem like the legal world is being intentionally confusing just to make it impossible for you to understand what is really going on.

This is why it is always a good idea to work with a qualified, experienced estate planning attorney in Massachusetts. These legal professionals have helped numerous people write wills in the past, and they can help you make sense of some of the more confusing words. Unfortunately, the legal world can feel quite inaccessible because of this confusing terminology, but here is a quick rundown on some of the words you may encounter:

• Administrator: The court may appoint someone to act as the personal representative of the state if you die without a will. The court must give permission for them to take on this role, and this may take time. Once they are approved, they take on the same duties as an executor.
• Bequests: A bequest is any piece of property or money given to specific individuals after your passing. Also known as specific gifts, these items include things like jewelry, art, and anything with a special, intrinsic value.
• Codicil: You can create a codicil to modify your will in order to keep it up to date. This legal document can cover a range of new developments, such as the birth of a new child.
• Contest: When someone contests a will, they are making a formal, legal objection to its validity. This often occurs when your beneficiaries disagree on the terms of your will after your passing.
  ● Executor: This is the person who you appoint in your will to make sure that all of your wishes are followed closely. These individuals can also take actions that would normally carry out if you were still alive, such as making major decisions about your business.
  ● Grant of Probate: A grant of probate simply means that the courts have formally accepted your will.
  ● Holographic Will: This is a will that has been handwritten instead of typed. It requires no witnesses, but it is not often recommended. You must sign this document for it to be valid.
  ● Intestacy: Any aspect of your estate not covered by a will shall be dealt with according to the laws of intestacy. This means that the government follows a set formula when it comes to who inherits the assets. If you die without a will, your entire estate will go into intestacy.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
In truth, you will never need to worry about what these words mean if you work alongside a qualified attorney. These professionals will explain everything to you in ways that you can easily understand. Reach out to the Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty, and we will make sure you are approaching the estate planning process in a clear, confident manner. If you are confused about any aspect of writing a will or establishing a trust, we would be happy to assist you. Book your consultation today, and we can discuss this matter further. Contact us 413-732-8356