Probate & Estate
Administration
Helping Families Navigate the Legal Process After Loss in Rhode Island & Massachusetts
Settling a loved one’s estate can be an emotional and unfamiliar experience. Between court filings, deadlines, and legal responsibilities, the probate process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving.
At Lambros Law Office, we help personal representatives, executors, and beneficiaries manage probate and estate administration with clarity, care, and legal guidance. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
At Lambros Law Office, we help individuals and families put the right legal documents in place so their plans are clear, their loved ones are protected, and their assets are handled according to their values and intentions.
What’s Involved in Probate and Estate Administration
When someone passes away, their estate often goes through a legal process called probate. During this time, a court supervises the settling of debts and the distribution of assets. If there is a will, the court confirms its validity. If there is no will, state law determines who inherits.
The person responsible for managing the estate is called a personal representative or executor.
This is a serious legal role that carries personal liability if mishandled. Many personal representatives choose to work with an attorney to ensure everything is done correctly. Duties typically include:
Court Filings and Legal Notices
Prepare and submit required documents to the probate court and notify heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors as required by law.
Asset Management and Debt Resolution
Locate, inventory, and protect estate assets. Settle valid debts, taxes, and expenses to ensure the estate is handled responsibly.
Final Distribution of Assets
Distribute remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries in accordance with the will—or by state law if no will exists.
What Sets Our Service Apart
We understand that probate isn’t just a legal process—it’s also a time of personal loss. Our approach is grounded in respect, responsiveness, and clear communication. We work directly with clients to handle the legal and practical matters while easing their burden.
- Experienced Guidance – Attorney Nicholas A. Lambros has been helping families navigate probate in Rhode Island for over 20 years.
Step-by-Step Support – We handle legal filings, timelines, and notifications, so you’re never left guessing what’s next. - Personalized Attention – Every estate is different. We tailor our support to your family’s specific needs.
- Risk Reduction – We help you avoid common errors that can cause delays, disputes, or legal liability.
- Ongoing Availability – We’re here for follow-up questions and continued support if issues arise after probate is complete.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in most cases. If the deceased owned assets solely in their name, probate is generally required in both states to transfer ownership. Some smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures, but most estates must go through the formal probate process.
When someone dies without a will, their estate is considered “intestate.” Rhode Island and Massachusetts each have their own laws that determine who inherits, typically starting with a spouse and children. The court appoints an administrator to settle the estate, which may not align with the deceased’s unspoken wishes.
In both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, probate usually takes between 6 months and a year, though it can take longer for complex estates or if disputes arise. We help keep things moving and make sure all legal requirements are met in a timely way.
Personal representatives are responsible for gathering assets, notifying heirs and creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets. In both states, they must follow specific procedures and deadlines. Mistakes can lead to legal liability, which is why legal guidance is so important.
You’re not legally required to hire an attorney, but probate is a detailed legal process. Working with a probate attorney helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures all filings, notices, and distributions follow Rhode Island or Massachusetts law.
Some assets—like jointly owned property, life insurance with named beneficiaries, and assets in a living trust—can pass outside of probate. We can help you understand what will and won’t go through probate and whether creating a trust could benefit your family.
If the deceased owned real estate or other property in another state, an additional probate process—called ancillary probate—may be required in that state. We can coordinate with other legal professionals to handle multi-state estates efficiently.
Both states have their own estate tax laws. The thresholds and exemptions differ, and estates may be required to file state-specific returns. We’ll review whether the estate is subject to taxes and help with compliance and planning.
I decided I wanted to make an impact in people’s lives, so I decided to practice estate planning law. Very important decisions have to be made by individuals during their lifetime to be proactive, to make decisions regarding their long-term care planning, their end of life decisions, where are they gonna leave their assets? How are they gonna leave their assets? So I felt estate planning really gave me the best opportunity to make that important difference in clients’ lives. Estate planning is more than just giving a client a stack of documents. We want to have an ongoing relationship with them so they feel comfortable calling us down the road. So building a strong relationship with our client is really crucial to what we do here. Our goal is to give our clients the peace of mind that they’ve made the right decisions, that they’ve been proactive in their planning.
How It Works
Our probate process is designed to provide reassurance during a difficult time:
- Initial Consultation – We review the estate and answer your questions.
- Court Filings and Administration – We prepare and submit all required paperwork.
- Ongoing Guidance – We keep you informed and help you carry out your duties with confidence.
- Final Distribution – We assist with final asset transfers and closing the estate properly.
