The Law Office of Jason Cullen

    The Law Office of

    Jason Cullen

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    Uncontested Probate

    Petitions, notices, real estate, inventories, and accountings, kept organized and moving.

    Dealing with a loss is hard enough. I bring calm, steady guidance to every step of the process: the same approach that shaped my years as a fire captain and paramedic. You'll get clear next steps, not confusion.

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    You typically need probate when assets are titled only to the decedent, there's no trust in place, or a buyer or bank asks for court letters.

    Please note: I handle uncontested probate only, matters where all heirs and beneficiaries are in agreement. If there is a dispute or the potential for litigation, I'm happy to provide referrals to experienced probate litigators.

    The free consultation is a short call to see if I can help. The $1,500 probate review is the paid first step for families who want me to open the matter. If you move forward, the review fee is credited toward the full engagement, and the flat fee for the full engagement is quoted after the review, before any filing. Court filing fees are paid separately at cost.

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    How it works

    1

    Book Your Consultation

    Start with a consultation so I can understand the situation, review key facts, and explain the likely next steps.

    2

    File the petition

    I prepare filings, arrange required notices, and pursue waivers where appropriate to reduce delay and cost.

    3

    Appointment

    The court issues letters once the bond is set or waived, and the personal representative can sign, list, and act.

    4

    Administer the estate

    I handle the inventory, debts, real-estate transfer or sale, and keep clear records for the court file.

    5

    Close out

    I prepare the final account or sworn statement and guide distributions to heirs, then close the estate.

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    Prefer email? Jason@JCullenLaw.com

    Who this is for

    • Families who need to open an estate after a death in Massachusetts
    • Personal representatives who must sell a home or transfer real estate
    • Heirs who want notices and waivers handled the right way
    • Out-of-state family members who need a local attorney to coordinate steps

    What I handle

    • Choosing informal or formal probate and preparing the petition
    • Heir and creditor notices, waivers and assents, and bond issues
    • Appointment of the personal representative and letters of authority
    • Real-estate tasks: licenses, deeds, and coordination with the sale
    • Inventory, accounting, distributions, and closing the estate
    Case Study

    Guiding two brothers after their mother's passing

    Their mother died without a plan. She left a house, two adult sons, and a lot of unanswered questions. One son lived out of state, the other did not want to move in and needed the home sold. They were grieving and had no idea where to start.

    I opened the probate, prepared and filed the petition, sent required notices to heirs and creditors, secured waivers where appropriate, and obtained a bond waiver to reduce cost. The court appointed one brother as personal representative so he could sign, list, and sell the property.

    I handled the inventory, coordinated the sale, and filed what was needed to close the estate and distribute funds. Even though it was uncontested, it still took months and cost thousands.

    Result: The house sold, the estate closed, and the brothers could focus on family, not paperwork.

    FAQs

    The fee depends on the scope of the work, the court process involved, and whether real estate is part of the picture. I review the estate first, then explain the next step and fee clearly, before any commitment.

    Probate is the court process that appoints a personal representative, settles debts, transfers title, and distributes assets to heirs or beneficiaries. Massachusetts uses informal and formal tracks depending on the facts.

    Uncontested estates often take several months. Real-estate sales, creditor claims, or missing information can extend the timeline. I set expectations at the start and keep filings moving.

    No. A personal representative must be appointed before signing a listing agreement or deed. Once letters are issued, the representative can sign and proceed, sometimes with a license to sell if the court requires it.

    Not always. Bonds can be waived by the will or with signed waivers from interested parties, subject to the court's approval. When a bond is required, the amount and surety depend on estate size and circumstances.

    Informal probate is paper-based and faster when there are no disputes and the paperwork is in order. Formal probate involves a judge and is used when there are questions, disputes, or unique issues that need rulings.

    My practice focuses exclusively on uncontested probate matters where all parties are in agreement. If a dispute arises or the estate becomes contested, I can provide referrals to litigation attorneys who specialize in probate disputes.

    *This page provides general information, not legal advice. Court processes vary by county and facts.

    Ready to Get Started?

    Book a consultation to discuss your situation. I'll outline the next steps and confirm the fee before any work begins.

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