Voluntary administration is a simplified probate procedure for an estate with minimal assets and no real estate. Find out how to file a voluntary administration for an estate and what forms you'll need.
- This page, File a voluntary administration for an estate, is offered by
- Probate and Family Court
- Massachusetts Court System
File a voluntary administration for an estate
Table of Contents
1. Fill out the forms
To complete a voluntary administration, you'll need to file:
- A Voluntary Administration Statement (MPC 170)
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- The original will, if any
You may also need to file:
Some forms may not display properly in your browser. Please download the forms and open them using Acrobat reader.
Key Actions for 1. Fill out the forms
Additional Resources for 1. Fill out the forms
Open PDF file, 194.23 KB,
Checklist for Voluntary Administration (MPC 965)
(English, PDF 194.23 KB)
Open PDF file, 311.81 KB,
Instructions for Voluntary Administration with or without a Will (MPC 961)
(English, PDF 311.81 KB)
2. Gather the fees
The filing fee includes one attested copy of the Voluntary Administration Statement issued by the Register of Probate. Contact the Probate & Family Court location you're filing at to find out what forms of payment are accepted for fees.
| Name | Fee |
|---|---|
| Voluntary administration statement filing fee | $100 |
| Voluntary administration filing surcharge fee | $15 |
3. File the forms and fees
There are 3 ways you can file a voluntary administration for an estate.
Online
You can eFile a voluntary administration for an estate online. For information on how to eFile, please see eFiling in the Probate and Family Court.
By mail
You can mail the forms and fees to the Probate & Family Court in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death.
In person
You can submit the forms and fees in person at the Probate & Family Court in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death.
Key Actions for 3. File the forms and fees
4. Check the status of your case
To find out how to check the status of your case, please see How to search court dockets.