Downey Law Group

07/06/2026

Many people assume that if they pass away without a will, their assets will automatically go to their spouse or children.

Unfortunately, it's not always that simple.

In Massachusetts, when a person dies without a valid will, they are considered to have died "intestate." In that situation, state law—not the family—determines who inherits their assets and how the estate is distributed.

Many people are surprised to learn that:

✅ Stepchildren typically do not automatically inherit.

✅ Unmarried partners generally have no inheritance rights under intestacy laws.

✅ The probate process can become more complicated, time-consuming and much more costly without clear estate planning documents in place.

The reality is that a will and an estate plan gives YOU the control over what happens with your assets when you pass. Without one, Massachusetts decides who receives your property, who manages your estate, and how your assets are distributed. That may not reflect your wishes or your family's unique circumstances.

Whether you're a homeowner, parent, newly married, or approaching retirement, having a valid estate plan can provide peace of mind and help protect the people you care about most.

The best time to create a will is BEFORE your family needs it.

At Downey Law Group LLC we have an experienced Estate Planning department here to help you navigate your final wishes and ensure your family and legacy is handled per your wishes. Call us today to schedule an appointment: 978-887-1000.

06/29/2026

Handling a Loved One’s Estate? Start Here.

If you’ve recently been nominated to be a Personal Representative (Executor) for an estate in Massachusetts, here’s a quick look at what the role:

👉 Secure and protect all estate assets
👉 Notify heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
👉 Open a dedicated estate bank account
👉 File an inventory with the Probate Court
👉 Review and pay valid debts and expenses
👉 File required tax returns
👉 Manage or sell real estate during probate
👉 Keep detailed records of everything
👉 Distribute assets to beneficiaries
👉 File a closing statement to wrap up the estate

It’s an important job, and with the right guidance you can navigate the process smoothly and confidently.

For more complete details of all Personal Representative responsibilities, please see our blog post:
https://www.dlgclosing.com/post/stepping-into-probate-a-personal-representative-s-job-explained-for-massachusetts-estates

If you have questions about Massachusetts probate, Downey Law Group LLC is here to help. We will walk you through step by step and make sure you have support through the whole process. We can be reached at 1-887-1000, or via our website at www.dlgclosing.com.

06/18/2026

Downey Law Group LLC/DLG Closing is proud to announce one of its own, Attorney Thomas J. Sullivan, was chosen to receive one of the first ever “Commonwealth Pride Awards: LGBTQ+ Excellence on the Hill.”

Tom was chosen by the State Senators who represent Haverhill, Senator Barry Finegold and Senator Pavel Payano for his outstanding accomplishments to the local LGBTQ+ community and to the citizens of Haverhill as a City Councilor. Notably, Tom helped organize the first Pride Parade in Haverhill in June 2025, and helped found |”Haverhill Provide Collective, Inc.”, a new 501(c)(3) non profit organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

A ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 17th, in the Senate Chamber at the Massachusetts State House. In the photo below, l-r, is Senator Barry Finegold, Tom, Julie Sullivan (Tom’s daughter) and Senator Pavel Payano.

Please join us in congratulating Tom on this wonderful award in recognition of all he does for the Haverhill community.

05/22/2026

As we celebrate the freedoms we cherish, we remember and thank all who served and sacrificed this Memorial Day 2026.

02/27/2026

Is 2026 the year you stop renting and start building equity? If yes, this could be a great first step! Join us for a complimentary New Homebuyer Bootcamp with Downey Law Group at Roma Restaurant in Haverhill. 🔑🏠

We will discuss budgeting and affordability, the buying process, loan programs and special grants and more. Check out our flyer below for all the details!

Seats are limited and advance registration is required. Register here: https://forms.gle/GXTYCojmgeHZVCoh6 or call 978-225-1363.

01/29/2026

Thursday is our favorite day of the work week here at Downey Law Group when we have a box (or two) of the tastiest scones on the planet, prepared by our favorite local baker, Carolyn's Farm Kitchen. Prepared baked goods are only available on Thursdays, but the recipes and the ingredients are sold daily at their 800 Broadway, Haverhill, MA location. Thank you, Carolyn and crew, for making our day every Thursday! 😁

01/22/2026

Congratulations to our amazing estate planning & probate paralegal on her upcoming performance in Grease with the “Merrimack Valley Stageworks” theatre group. The Downey Law Group team looks forward to attending a performance in March. Way to go, Melinda!

(Additional photograph below.) Merrimack Valley Stageworks, born from the ashes of the Pentucket Players, is staging five performances of the 1971 classic “Grease” in March. Angelica Jeffreys, former president of Pentucket Players and regular actor with the group, stepped in to organize the ne