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.
Book Your ConsultationYou 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.
How it works
Book Your Consultation
Start with a consultation so I can understand the situation, review key facts, and explain the likely next steps.
File the petition
I prepare filings, arrange required notices, and pursue waivers where appropriate to reduce delay and cost.
Appointment
The court issues letters once the bond is set or waived, and the personal representative can sign, list, and act.
Administer the estate
I handle the inventory, debts, real-estate transfer or sale, and keep clear records for the court file.
Close out
I prepare the final account or sworn statement and guide distributions to heirs, then close the estate.
Prefer email? Start@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
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
*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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