Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

Massachussets Trusts

Someone please help clarify what a ''Trust''. My husband's Uncle passed in April. He had investment securities set up as a Trust with the family lawyer as co-trustee. The lawyer advised us to liquidate and my husband (executor) confirmed to the lawyer to liquidate 50%. We were told that this would be ''readibly available''and that a distribution (to beneficiaries) would be available shortly thereafter. the remaining 50% would be set aside. Now the lawyer is saying a distribution would be premature that the 1year applies to trusts as well as the estate as well. Isn't the point of a trust to avoid probate and claims against an estate


Asked on 6/01/09, 11:42 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Herbert Cooper Law Offices of Jameson & Cooper

Re: Massachusetts Trusts

If you feel uneasy about the information received from the Attorney/trustee, you certainly can engage your own attorney. However, it might make sense to simply ask why his advice has changed.

Depending upon liquidity of an estate, and the expected taxes, administration expenses, and debts of the decedent, and how well the decedent's financial affairs are known by the fiduciaries, it is sometimes possible to make an early distribution. In other situations, where information is imperfect, prudence frequently dictates holding off on distribution until no more claims can be brought, and any amounts for income taxes or estate taxes have been determined.

The trust can avoid probate, but there are limitations with respect to avoidance of creditors, depending upon particular circumstances. Likewise for estate and income taxes.

The style of attorneys varies. Some are very forthcoming with information, and excel in keeping their clients informed, whether or not they ask. Others take their cue from the clients, and provide information only when the client inquires or when the attorney determines that the client needs to know specific information. However, the client (your husband), is always free to ask and should ask if he doesn't understand what is going on. I.e., don't write off the attorney until you ask the questions that are bothering you, and see what the answers are.

If your husband does determine that he needs a new attorney, please feel free to have him contact my office.

Otherwise, good luck and I hope you get the information that you are looking for.

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Answered on 6/03/09, 10:01 am
Christopher Vaughn-Martel Charles River Law Partners, LLC

Re: Massachussets Trusts

I am sorry for your family's loss.

Attorney Harvey is correct that in order to provide an accurate answer, it is necessary to review the trust itself together with any will left by your husband's uncle.

There are a number of reasons why the funds in the trust may not yet be available for distribution (i.e., the trust may dictate such a result, the funds may not be available to the trust if they had to go through probate first, the trust may request that all creditors and expenses of the estate be paid with trust funds, etc.).

Please don't hesitate to contact my office if you would like to schedule a consultation. I would be happy to meet with you.

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Answered on 6/02/09, 1:23 pm
Denise Leydon Harvey Harvey Law Offices

Re: Massachussets Trusts

Any answer to this would require a review of all the documents involved. You should probably ask the co-trustee attorney to explain it to you more clearly.

Good luck -

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Answered on 6/01/09, 4:20 pm


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