Ceruolo Law

Ceruolo Law Attorney Ceruolo has been a practicing law in Massachusetts for more than 17 years. His areas of exp Located in the heart of Melrose, MA, Attorney David A.

Ceruolo has been providing the highest quality legal representation to clients for over 13 years regarding matters of Real Estate, Probate, Estate Planning and Medicaid/Veterans Benefits throughout the state of Massachusetts.

08/28/2026

PROBATE: In March, 2012, Massachusetts adopted the Uniform Probate Code. This Code has changed and standardized the way courts handle estates. For instance, a family member may now file an "informal" petition for a deceased loved one. With an informal filing, a magistrate, not a judge, is assigned; many issues are handled administratively, in other words without actual court hearings. The hopes are that the Code will save time and money. In general, if the family/heirs are not in agreement or there is controversy, then a "formal" petition is filed. In this instance, there must be a publication in a local newspaper and a judge is assigned. Ceruolo Law.

08/21/2026

PROBATE/ESTATE PLANNING: Why does is make sense for everyone to have a Will? First, a Will is a written instrument controlling the division of a person's property at death. If you pass away without a Will, there are laws which dictate the way your estate will be divided amongst your heirs. These laws are called the laws of intestacy. These laws entitle certain members of your blood-line to receive assets from your estate - and you may not want these family members involved in your estate. A properly drafted and executed Will prevents unwanted family members from taking your assets when you pass away. Ceruolo Law.

08/14/2026

PROBATE TERMS: In March, 2012, Massachusetts adopted the Uniform Probate Code. This Code has changed many terms and standardized the way courts handle estates. For instance, there is now a new term “Personal Representative.” The term “Personal Representative” combines the former titles of “executor,” “executrix” and “administrator” when dealing with an estate of a deceased person. So, this term now applies to a person who is appointed by the court to handle the affairs of an estate. Similar to the past, an appointed Personal Representative has a fiduciary duty to the estate. A fiduciary duty means that the appointed individual will make the best possible – and most reasonable - decisions on behalf of the estate, before his/her own interests. Ceruolo Law.

08/07/2026

ESTATE PLANNING/TRUSTS: A Testamentary Trust is a legal arrangement created and detailed inside a person's Last Will and Testament, and is activated by the death of that person. It is created to handle any asset accumulated during that person's lifetime or generated as a result of a continuing lawsuit such as a settlement in a survival claim - or to address the proceeds from a life insurance policy held in the name of that person. This trust is usually created to oversee such assets. A trustee is appointed to direct the trust until a set time (inside the trust language) when the trust expires - such as when minor beneficiaries reach a specified age or accomplish a task such as completing a set educational goal or achieving a specified married status. Ceruolo law.

08/03/2026

ESTATE PLANNING/REAL ESTATE: What takes priority, a Deed or a Will, in the transfer of Real Estate? First, a DEED is any written legal instrument which passes, affirms or confirms any title interest in property and that is signed, attested, and delivered to the Grantee (Buyer). It is commonly associated with transferring title to real estate. Second, a WILL is a written instrument controlling the division of a person's property at death. The short answer, to our question, is that, in general, a Deed takes priority over a Will in the transfer of real estate. However, in some instances a Deed may be challenged if the terms of a person’s Will state, along with other evidence, that the person intended the Real Estate to be divided differently. In this instance, there may be a trial on the matter and the judge’s decision will control. Ceruolo Law.

Address

403 Franklin Street
Melrose, MA
02176

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 6:30am
Tuesday 8:30am - 6:30am
Wednesday 8:30am - 6:30am
Thursday 8:30am - 6:30am
Friday 8:30am - 6:30am

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ceruolo Law posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Ceruolo Law:

Shortcuts

Share

Category