Probate Lawyer in Massachusetts

A Collaborative Approach to Probate Issues

If you have been named as executor, administrator or personal representative of the estate of a loved one, you may want to find a way to resolve any potential disputes, including will contests, without the intervention of the probate court. Most or all of the beneficiaries of the estate will be family members or friends. If you can settle the estate without bitterness or acrimony, you may be able to maintain friendships or family relationships after the probate issues are resolved.

At the law offices of Douglas D. Nichols, Attorney at Law, we offer a collaborative approach to individuals who want to settle an estate without the intervention of the probate court. With over 38 years of practice experience, we have built our successful practice on our commitment to communication. We take the time to listen carefully to all of your concerns and make certain that you always understand the status of your case. Contact our office or call us at 413-998-0613 to set up a free 30 minute initial consultation.

Our Collaborative Probate Practice

In our collaborative approach to probate, which parallels our collaborative divorce practice, we bring all potential beneficiaries and their lawyers together, outside of court, in an attempt to find ways to resolve all disputes. As a part of the collaborative process, the parties and their attorneys, agree to resolve all disputes without the intervention of the probate court.

In a probate collaboration process, the parties and their lawyers work as a committee to find solutions that are agreeable to the parties. If appropriate, the parties may agree to bring in outside experts, such as financial planners or appraisers, to help resolve disputes.

When we help you use the collaborative process to resolve probate matters, we will work with you to reach agreement on all relevant issues, including:

• An accounting of the assets of the estate
• An agreement regarding the value of all assets in the estate
• The satisfaction of all debts and tax obligations of the estate
• The distribution of estate assets in accordance with the terms of the will, trust or Massachusetts intestacy law.

To schedule a free 30 minute initial consultation to discuss whether collaborative probate may be appropriate for your situation, contact us or call us at 413-998-0613. Our office is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and evenings and weekends by appointment. Our fees are reasonable and we will travel to meet with you, if necessary.

The Lawyer Who Listens

Douglas D. Nichols, Attorney at Law

114 Sewall Street
Ludlow, MA 01056-2797
Toll Free: 866-959-9881
Telephone: 413-998-0613
Fax: 413-583-2067

Map & Directions

At the office of Douglas D. Nichols, Attorney at Law, in Ludlow, we represent individuals throughout Hampden County and Hampshire County in Massachusetts, including Springfield, West Springfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Chicopee, Westfield, Palmer, Ware, Easthampton, Brimfield, Agawam, Amherst, Holyoke, Hampden, Northampton and Belchertown.

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