File a voluntary administration for an estate

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.

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:

• A Cause of Death Affidavit (MPC 475) or Affidavit of Domicile (MPC 485)

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Find out when it’s necessary to probate an estate  Learn about the types of probate for an estate 

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 and 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 Online +

You can eFile a voluntary administration for an estate online. For information on how to eFile, please visit eFiling in the Probate and Family Court.

By mail By mail +

You can mail the forms and fees to the Probate and Family Court in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death.

In person In person +

You can submit the forms and fees in person at the Probate and Family Court in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death.

Learn about eFiling in the Trial Court 

4. Check the status of your case

To find out how to check the status of your case, please refer to How to search court dockets.