Probate Attorney in Newton, MA

Estate Administration Guided by Four Decades of Elder Law Experience

When a loved one dies, the legal work that follows can feel overwhelming. Lannik Law handles probate and estate administration for Newton families and clients throughout the Greater Boston area, bringing the depth of a focused elder law practice to every estate we administer. Attorney Susana Lannik holds the Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) credential, a distinction that reflects advanced knowledge in the areas most likely to complicate Newton-area estates: trust structures, MassHealth considerations, and the layered financial circumstances of older adults. This isn’t a general practice firm that handles probate on the side. It’s a firm where probate work is informed by four decades of elder law experience.

For Newton residents, probate matters are filed with the Middlesex Probate and Family Court South in Woburn. The process involves proving a will’s validity, inventorying and managing assets, addressing creditor claims, handling applicable taxes, and distributing property to heirs. Each of those steps carries legal requirements and deadlines that, when missed, can extend the process or create personal liability for the person managing the estate.

If you’re facing probate in Newton or anywhere in the Greater Boston area, contact Lannik Law to schedule a consultation. Call (617) 431-2669 to get started.

What Personal Representatives Need to Know

A personal representative is a fiduciary. Every decision made on behalf of the estate must serve the interests of the estate and its beneficiaries, not the representative’s own. Errors in that role can result in personal financial liability, which is why attorney guidance isn’t optional for most estates.

We guide personal representatives through each stage of the process: filing the correct petition type with the Middlesex Probate and Family Court South, obtaining Letters of Authority, inventorying assets, managing the creditor notice and claims process, and making final distributions. Under Massachusetts law, creditors have one year from the date of death to file claims against an estate, a window that typically keeps most estates open for at least that long. Estates involving real estate, business interests, or disputes can run considerably longer.

Our support in Massachusetts estate administration includes:

• Petition filing: Selecting and filing the appropriate proceeding type based on the estate’s assets and circumstances
• Letters of Authority: Obtaining court authorization so the personal representative can act on behalf of the estate
• Creditor process: Managing required notices and evaluating claims during the one-year claim period
• Massachusetts estate tax compliance: Coordinating with qualified CPAs on estates with a gross value exceeding $2 million, where the state estate tax applies
• Real estate title: Clearing title and obtaining releases of any Massachusetts estate tax lien so property can transfer cleanly
• Professional coordination: Working alongside accountants, financial institutions, and real estate professionals on the personal representative’s behalf

Representing Heirs & Beneficiaries

Not every probate situation is straightforward, and beneficiaries sometimes need their own legal counsel. When communication with a personal representative has broken down, when asset valuations seem off, or when the validity of a will is in question, independent representation can help protect what you’re entitled to under Massachusetts law. Signing documents or accepting agreements without legal review can limit your rights in ways that are difficult to undo.

We represent heirs and beneficiaries in Newton probate matters involving will contests, disputed valuations, and situations where a negotiated resolution may be preferable to court action. We also assist families when a loved one died without a will. In those intestate estates, Massachusetts law determines how assets are distributed, and understanding that process early can help families avoid missteps that complicate an already difficult time.

Why Newton Families Work with Lannik Law

Attorney Susana Lannik’s CELA certification isn’t incidental to probate work. It reflects advanced knowledge of MassHealth planning, trust administration, and long-term care law, all of which surface regularly in the estates of older adults. We understand the difference between probate assets, those that pass through the will or intestacy, and non-probate assets, those that transfer by trust, beneficiary designation, or joint ownership. That distinction shapes the entire administration strategy, and getting it right early can help avoid delays.

We take time to understand each family’s circumstances before mapping out a path forward. Our trained support staff assists with documentation, coordination, and follow-through from filing through closing. Clients receive regular communication throughout, so deadlines don’t catch anyone off guard and each step makes sense before it happens. Our practice also spans estate planning, so heirs and surviving family members who need to update their own plans after probate closes can work with a firm that already knows their situation.

Schedule a Consultation with a Newton Probate Attorney

Whether you’ve just been named personal representative, you’re a beneficiary with questions about a pending estate, or you’re trying to understand what probate will involve for your family, we’re ready to help.

Call (617) 431-2669 or reach us through our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your Newton probate matter.