5 Tips for Siblings Dealing With Inherited Property in Massachusetts

Have you inherited property in Massachusetts? Sadly, without proper forethought, you may suddenly face life without your parents, who have left their property to all of their children without a plan in place, which can be quite a chaotic experience. Dealing with a sudden whirlwind of paperwork and details during such an emotionally difficult time can be extremely daunting. And there is a great deal of critical legal and financial information you will also have to absorb. 

While you may have fond memories of the family cabin on the lake, when you suddenly find yourself an heir sharing the responsibilities for the property, it can be both an emotional and financial burden. Even for siblings who can move through the loss of their parent in harmony, the estate settlement will be a long, costly, and drawn-out process that can take years if you should face probate court.

Read on to learn these five tips for siblings dealing with inherited property in Massachusetts

One Person in Charge

If your parent didn’t set out a strategy in the will, such as appointing a non-sibling trustee, having one person coordinate everything is advantageous for siblings dealing with an inherited property in Massachusetts. There should be one central checklist to ensure that everyone follows up on the steps necessary to manage the property. It is helpful to handle all of the tasks by dividing the responsibilities among the siblings, and everyone can keep the person in charge of their progress, such as paying property taxes or performing routine maintenance of the property. You may find it best to hire a property manager and share the expenses.

Stay Civil

The sad truth is that nearly 70 percent of Americans die without a will in place. Communication is key and an essential tip for siblings dealing with an inherited property in Massachusetts. If you cannot have calm, adult discussions regarding business matters, it may be wise to bring in an impartial mediator. It is better to act sooner than later. Establishing guidelines and working out details helps avoid conflict among the siblings; after all, preserving the family is the ultimate goal.

Right Motivations

At times, a parent will favor giving to each by their need, perhaps aware of economic issues that particular child faces. Alternatively, a parent may dislike or even distrust a child’s spouse and place their portion of the inheritance under the control of another party. In contrast, other parents may prefer splitting the estate evenly in the hopes of avoiding hurt feelings or jealousy. Often infighting and emotional outbursts occur, which can cause long-term family rifts.  

One of the top conflicts among siblings is how to divide an inheritance, so it would well serve parents and their children to discuss the matter openly. Understanding the motivation behind the estate division is helpful for siblings dealing with an inherited property in Massachusetts. 

Be Fair

Being incredibly realistic is a valuable tip for siblings dealing with an inherited property in Massachusetts, which means acknowledging that there will be disagreements in the future. By accepting this reality, you can plan to deal with these situations in advance, with a system for majority rule that everyone feels is fair, whether it is a decision about paint color or more significant, such as a sibling desiring to live in the property full time. You will be glad you took the time to create some rules for guidance on permanent decisions, above the individual emotions of the siblings, which may be temporary.

Understand the Probate Process in Massachusetts

One important thing to keep in mind when dealing with inherited property is whether the estate will go through probate. In Massachusetts, probate can be complex and time-consuming—especially if there is no will or if the estate includes debts or legal disputes. During probate, the court oversees the distribution of the estate, which can delay any plans to sell the property or access funds. Learning the basics of how probate works can help siblings make more informed decisions early in the process. The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court offers resources for understanding timelines, forms, and steps involved in the process. Being proactive can prevent surprises and reduce stress during an already emotional time.

Evaluate the Property’s Financial Picture Together

It’s easy to make assumptions about a family property’s value, but taking time to get a clear financial picture is essential before making decisions. This includes reviewing the current market value, assessing repair needs, checking for unpaid taxes, and reviewing mortgage balances or liens. Sometimes the home may have significant deferred maintenance or code violations that make keeping or renting the property unrealistic. Tools like the Massachusetts Land Records search can help you check for title issues or liens. Getting an honest evaluation—whether through a local real estate agent, contractor, or investor—can help siblings determine the best course of action, whether that’s renovating, renting, or selling the home as-is.

Consider the Emotional Toll of Long-Term Co-Ownership

While it may seem like a good idea for siblings to hold onto the property together, co-ownership can become difficult to manage over time. Conflicting priorities, unequal financial contributions, or lifestyle changes can create tension. Even well-intentioned families may find that ongoing communication, repairs, and expenses cause strain. In many cases, it’s better to preserve relationships by choosing a clean financial break—especially if no one plans to live in the home. Massachusetts offers multiple options for co-owners looking to sell, including partition actions, buyouts, or working with cash buyers to sell the home quickly and avoid legal battles.

Sell and Divide 

Finally, for siblings dealing with an inherited property in Massachusetts, selling the property and splitting the profits is a good solution if owning property will cause a rift. Another reason to sell and divide the proceeds is that one or more of the siblings cannot financially carry their share of any financial burdens or are under extreme economic duress and need the funds. Perhaps none of the children wish to live in or make use of the property. Regrettably, while many parents have the best intentions, they pass on a home in a state of severe disrepair, and the heirs don’t have the time or interest in making repairs. Another situation that may call for the siblings to agree to sell is when the property is near being foreclosed upon, which requires a fast sale.

At Ephesus LLC, we’ve helped siblings and families navigate inherited property sales across Massachusetts—including Boston, Revere, Malden, Everett, Chelsea, and Lynn. Whether the home was tied up in probate, had legal complications, or simply needed too much work, we’ve guided families through the process with empathy and clarity. Our goal is to help you avoid conflict, sell without pressure, and move forward with a fair outcome. We offer free private consultations with no obligations—just honest answers and a plan tailored to your needs. Call us at (617) 340-6527 or send us a message when you’re ready to talk.