reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MA Gen L ch III § 3-703 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-703 - General Duties; Relation and Liability to Persons Interested in Estate; Standing to Sue

Section 3–703. [General Duties; Relation and Liability to Persons Interested in Estate; Standing to Sue.]  (a) A personal representative is a fiduciary who shall observe the standards of care applicable to trustees as described by chapter 203C. A personal representative shall have the duty to settle and distribute the estate of the decedent in accordance with the terms of any probated and effective will and this code, and as expeditiously and efficiently as is consistent with the best interests of the estate. The personal representative shall use the authority conferred by this code, by the terms of the will, if any, and by any order in proceedings to which the personal representative is party for the best interests of successors to the estate.  (b) Subject to other obligations of administration, an informally probated will is authority to administer and distribute the estate according to its terms. An order of appointment of a personal representative, whether issued in informal or formal proceedings, is authority to distribute apparently intestate assets to the heirs of the decedent if, at the time of distribution, the personal representative is not aware of a pending testacy proceeding, a proceeding to vacate an order entered in an earlier testacy proceeding, a formal proceeding questioning appointment or fitness to continue, or a supervised administration proceeding. Nothing in this section shall affect the duty of the personal representative to administer and distribute the estate in accordance with the rights of claimants, the surviving spouse, any minor and dependent children and any pretermitted child of the decedent as described elsewhere in this code.  (c) Except as to proceedings which do not survive the death of the decedent, a personal representative of a decedent domiciled in the commonwealth at death has the same standing to sue and be sued in the courts of the commonwealth and the courts of any other jurisdiction as the decedent had immediately prior to death.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-702 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-702 - Priority Among Different Letters

Section 3–702. [Priority Among Different Letters.]  A person to whom general letters are issued first has exclusive authority under the letters until the appointment is terminated or modified. If, through error, general letters are afterwards issued to another, the first appointed representative may recover any property of the estate in the hands of the representative subsequently appointed, but the acts of the latter done in good faith before notice of the first letters are not void for want of validity of appointment.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-701 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-701 - Time of Accrual of Duties and Powers

Section 3–701. [Time of Accrual of Duties and Powers.]  The duties and powers of a personal representative commence upon appointment. The powers of a personal representative relate back in time to give acts by the person appointed which are beneficial to the estate occurring prior to appointment the same effect as those occurring thereafter. Prior to appointment, a person named executor in a will may carry out written instructions of the decedent relating to the decedent's body, funeral and burial arrangements. A personal representative may ratify and accept acts on behalf of the estate done by others if the acts would have been proper for a personal representative.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-618 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-618 - Termination of Appointment; Special Representative

Section 3–618. [Termination of Appointment; Special Representative.]  The appointment of a special representative terminates in accordance with the provisions of the order of appointment or on the appointment of a general personal representative. In other cases, the appointment of a special personal representative is subject to termination as provided in sections 3–608 to 3–611, inclusive.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-617 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-617 - Special Representative; Formal Proceedings; Power and Duties

Section 3–617. [Special Representative; Formal Proceedings; Power and Duties.]  (a) A special personal representative appointed by order of the court in any formal proceeding has the power of a general personal representative except as limited by section 3–715(b) and in the appointment and duties as prescribed in the order. The appointment may be for a period of up to 90 days except in extraordinary circumstances, in which case the court may order an appointment for a longer period. The court may, for good cause shown, extend the appointment for additional period, of up to 90 days.  (b) A special personal representative shall have authority to distribute only pursuant to part 7 of article III, and pursuant to specific orders of the court.  (c) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the authority of any personal representative previously appointed by the court or magistrate shall be suspended for as long as a special personal representative has authority.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-615 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-615 - Special Representative; Who May Be Appointed

Section 3–615. [Special Representative; Who May Be Appointed.]  Any suitable person may be appointed special personal representative.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-613 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-613 - Successor Personal Representative

Section 3–613. [Successor Personal Representative.]  Parts 3 and 4 of this article govern proceedings for appointment of a personal representative to succeed one whose appointment has been terminated. After appointment and qualification, a successor personal representative may be substituted in all actions and proceedings to which the former personal representative was a party, and no notice, process or claim which was given or served upon the former personal representative need be given to or served upon the successor in order to preserve any position or right the person giving the notice or filing the claim may thereby have obtained or preserved with reference to the former personal representative. Except as otherwise ordered by the court, the successor personal representative shall have the powers and duties in respect to the continued administration which the former personal representative would have had if the appointment had not been terminated.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-612 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-612 - Termination of Appointment; Change of Testacy Status

Section 3–612. [Termination of Appointment; Change of Testacy Status.]  Except as otherwise ordered in formal proceedings, the probate of a will subsequent to the appointment of a personal representative in intestacy or under a will which is superseded by formal probate of another will, or the vacation of an informal probate of a will subsequent to the appointment of the personal representative thereunder, shall not terminate the appointment of the personal representative although the personal representative's powers may be reduced as provided in section 3–401. Termination shall occur upon appointment in informal or formal appointment proceedings of a person entitled to appointment under the later assumption concerning testacy. If no request for new appointment is made within 30 days after expiration of time for appeal from the order in formal testacy proceedings, or from the informal probate, changing the assumption concerning testacy, the previously appointed personal representative, upon request, may be appointed personal representative under the subsequently probated will, or as in intestacy as the case may be.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-611 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-611 - Termination of Appointment by Removal; Cause; Procedure

Section 3–611. [Termination of Appointment by Removal; Cause; Procedure. ]  (a) A person interested in the estate may petition for removal of a personal representative for cause at any time. Notice shall be given in the manner prescribed by section 1–401 by the petitioner to the personal representative, and to other persons as the court may order. The court may suspend the personal representative's authority in any manner during the pendency of the proceeding. If removal is ordered, the court also shall direct by order the disposition of the assets remaining in the name of, or under the control of, the personal representative being removed.  (b) Cause for removal exists if it is shown that a personal representative, or the person seeking appointment, intentionally misrepresented material facts in the proceedings leading to appointment, or that the personal representative has disregarded an order of the court, has become incapable of discharging the duties of the office, or has mismanaged the estate or failed to perform any duty pertaining to the office. Unless the decedent's will directs otherwise, a personal representative appointed at the decedent's domicile, incident to securing his appointment or his nominee as ancillary personal representative, may obtain removal of another who was appointed personal representative in the commonwealth to administer local assets.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-610 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-610 - Resignation by Personal Representative

Section 3–610. [Resignation by personal representative.]  A personal representative may resign the personal representative's position by filing a written statement of resignation with the court after having provided at least 15 days written notice to the persons known to be interested in the estate. If no one applies or petitions for appointment of a successor representative within the time indicated in the notice, the filed statement of resignation shall be ineffective as a termination of appointment and shall be effective only upon the appointment and qualification of a successor representative and delivery of the assets to such successor representative.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-720 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-720 - Expenses in Estate Litigation

Section 3–720. [Expenses in Estate Litigation.]  If any personal representative or person nominated as personal representative defends or prosecutes any proceeding in good faith, whether successful or not that personal representative or person is entitled to receive from the estate necessary expenses and disbursements including reasonable attorneys' fees incurred.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-609 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-609 - Termination of Appointment; Death or Disability

Section 3–609. [Termination of Appointment; Death or Disability.]  The death of a personal representative or the appointment of a guardian or conservator for the estate of a personal representative, terminates his appointment. Until appointment and qualification of a successor or special personal representative to replace the deceased or protected representative, the representative of the estate of the deceased or protected personal representative, if any, shall have the duty to protect the estate possessed and being administered by the decedent or ward at the time the appointment terminates, the power to perform acts necessary for protection of the estate and shall account for and deliver the estate assets to a successor or special personal representative upon appointment and qualification.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-901 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-901 - Successors' Rights if No Administration

Section 3–901. [Successors' Rights if No Administration.]  In the absence of administration, the heirs and devisees are entitled to the estate in accordance with the terms of a probated will or the laws of intestate succession. Devisees may establish title by the probated will to devised property. Persons entitled to property by family allowance, exemption or intestacy may establish title thereto by proof of the decedent's ownership, his death, and their relationship to the decedent. Successors take subject to all charges incident to administration, including the claims of creditors and allowances of surviving spouse and dependent children, and subject to the rights of others resulting from abatement, retainer, advancement, and ademption.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-802 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-802 - Statute of Limitations

Section 3–802. [Statutes of Limitations.]  Unless an estate is insolvent, the personal representative, with the consent of all successors whose interests would be affected, may waive any defense of limitations available to the estate. If the defense is not waived, no claim barred by a statute of limitations at the time of the decedent's death may be allowed or paid.  Only those successors who would be affected thereby shall agree to a waiver of a defense of limitations available to an estate.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-917 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-917 - Partial Distribution

Section 3–917. [Partial Distribution.]  If the court finds that partial distribution of the property of an estate in process of settlement can, without detriment to such estate, be made to the persons entitled thereto, the court may, subject to the rights of creditors and after notice, order such partial distribution to be made.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-915 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-915 - Distribution to Person Under Disability

Section 3–915. [Distribution to Person Under Disability.]  (a) A personal representative may discharge his obligation to distribute to any person under legal disability by distributing in a manner expressly provided in the will.  (b) Unless contrary to an express provision in the will, the personal representative may discharge an obligation to distribute to a minor or person under other disability as authorized by chapter two hundred one A or any other statute. If the personal representative knows that a guardian of the estate or conservator has been appointed or that a proceeding for appointment of a guardian of the estate or conservator is pending, the personal representative is authorized to distribute only to the guardian of the estate or conservator.  (c) If the heir or devisee is under disability other than minority, the personal representative is authorized to distribute to:  (1) an attorney in fact who has authority under a power of attorney to receive property for that person; or  (2) the spouse, parent or other close relative with whom the person under disability resides if the distribution is of amounts not exceeding $10,000 a year, or property not exceeding $10,000 in value, unless the court authorizes a larger amount or greater value.  Persons receiving money or property for the disabled person are obligated to apply the money or property to the support of that person, but may not pay themselves except by way of reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses for goods and services necessary for the support of the disabled person. Excess sums shall be preserved for future support of the disabled person. The personal representative shall not be responsible for the proper application of money or property distributed pursuant to this subsection.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-913 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-913 - Distributions to Trustee

Section 3–913. [Distributions to Trustee.]  (a) If a trust instrument does not excuse the trustee from giving bond, before distributing to a trustee a personal representative may petition the appropriate court to require that the trustee post bond with sureties if the personal representative apprehends that distribution might jeopardize the interests of persons who are not able to protect themselves, and the personal representative may withhold distribution until the court has acted.  (b) No inference of negligence on the part of the personal representative shall be drawn from his failure to exercise the authority conferred by subsection (a).
MA Gen L ch III § 3-912 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-912 - Private Agreements Among Successors to Decedent Binding on Personal Representative

Section 3–912. [Private Agreements Among Successors to Decedent Binding on Personal Representative.]  Subject to the rights of creditors and taxing authorities, competent successors may agree among themselves to alter the interests, shares, or amounts to which they are entitled under the will of the decedent, or under the laws of intestacy, in any way that they provide in a written contract executed by all who are affected by its provisions. The personal representative shall abide by the terms of the agreement subject to his obligation to administer the estate for the benefit of creditors, to pay all taxes and costs of administration, and to carry out the responsibilities of his office for the benefit of any successors of the decedent who are not parties. Personal representatives of decedents' estates are not required to see to the performance of trusts if the trustee thereof is another person who is willing to accept the trust. Accordingly, trustees of a testamentary trust are successors for the purposes of this section. Nothing herein relieves trustees of any duties owed to beneficiaries of trusts.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-909 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-909 - Improper Distribution; Liability of Distributee

Section 3–909. [Improper Distribution; Liability of Distributee.]  Unless the distribution or payment no longer can be questioned because of adjudication, estoppel, or limitation, a distributee of property improperly distributed or paid, or a claimant who was improperly paid, is liable to return the property improperly received and its income since distribution if he has the property. If he does not have the property, then he is liable to return the value as of the date of disposition of the property improperly received and its income and gain received by him.
MA Gen L ch III § 3-908 (2021)
2021 Massachusetts General Laws|Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations|Title II - Descent and Distribution, Wills, Estates of Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts|Chapter 190b - Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code|Article III - Probate of Wills and Administration|Section 3-908 - Distribution; Right or Title of Distributee

Section 3–908. [Distribution; Right or Title of Distributee.]  Proof that a distributee has received an instrument or deed of distribution of assets in kind, or payment in distribution, from a personal representative, is conclusive evidence that the distributee has succeeded to the interest of the estate in the distributed assets, as against all persons interested in the estate, except that the personal representative may recover the assets or their value if the distribution was improper.