What are the first legal steps I should take after someone dies?
The first step is to determine whether the individual who has died left a will. If there is a will, then the executor or some other person may offer the will for probate in the Probate Court. Even if the will is not going to be probated, anyone who is in possession of the will of a decedent must bring the will to the Probate Court for filing. If there is no will, then the usual procedure is to have an administrator appointed to take care of the decedent's estate. Whether or not there is a will, if a spouse or minor child (under age 18) survives the decedent, they may want to consider whether to file for year's support. For more information, view When a Loved One Dies.

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1. What are the first legal steps I should take after someone dies?
2. Do I need to have a lawyer?