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File an informal probate for an estate

Informal probate is an administrative probate process that can be faster if you meet all the requirements. Find out how to file an informal probate for an estate and what forms you'll need.

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1. Begin the process & give notice

A magistrate can issue an informal probate order as soon as 7 days after the decedent’s death.

Informal probate is an administrative probate proceeding and is processed by a Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (MUPC) Magistrate instead of a judge.

You'll need to give notice about the probate proceeding to the people entitled to notice by delivering them a written notice at least 7 days before filing an informal petition. 

Key Actions   for 1. Begin the process & give notice

Find out when it’s necessary to probate an estate  Find out who is entitled to notice in a probate proceeding 

Additional Resources   for 1. Begin the process & give notice

Open file,  Learn about the types of probate for an estate

2. Fill out the forms

There are different forms you'll need to file depending on whether or not the decedent (the person who died) died with a will.

If the decedent died with a will

You’ll need to file:

If the decedent died without a will

You’ll need to file:

Additional forms you may need to file

Some forms may not display correctly in your browser. Please download the forms and open them using Acrobat reader.

Key Actions   for 2. Fill out the forms

What to do if you can't open court PDFs 

Additional Resources   for 2. Fill out the forms

Open PDF file, 207.01 KB,  Checklist for Informal Probate (MPC 966) (English, PDF 207.01 KB)
Open PDF file, 508.27 KB,  Instructions for Petition for Informal Probate (MPC 962) (English, PDF 508.27 KB)
Open PDF file, 27.08 KB,  Instructions for Completing MPC 455 Combo Assent Form (MPC 941) (English, PDF 27.08 KB)

3. Gather the fees

Contact the Probate & Family Court location you're filing at to find out what forms of payment they accept for fees.

Name Fee
Informal probate petition filing fee $375
Informal probate surcharge fee $15

4. File the forms and fees

There are 3 ways you can file an informal probate.

Online

You can eFile an informal probate 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 correct Probate & Family Court.

  • If the decedent lived in Massachusetts — File in the county where they lived when they died.
  • If the decedent didn't live in Massachusetts — File in any county where the decedent had property when they died. You may need to file additional forms in the state where the decedent lived too.

In person

You can submit the forms and fees in person at the correct Probate & Family Court.

  • If the decedent lived in Massachusetts — File in the county where they lived when they died.
  • If the decedent didn't live in Massachusetts — File in any county where the decedent had property when they died. You may need to file additional forms in the state where the decedent lived too.

Key Actions   for 4. File the forms and fees

Find your Probate & Family Court  Learn about eFiling in the Trial Court  Check the status of your case online 

5. Post a publication notice

Once the informal petition is accepted by the court, you should post a publication notice in one of the newspapers designated by the register within 30 days. 

Additional Resources   for 5. Post a publication notice

Open file,  List of newspapers for informal publication

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