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Probate of Wills and Estates

Find out when it's necessary to probate an estate, what the types of probate are, and how to probate an estate.

Find information on probate, the process of transferring property and ownership after someone has died. This is different from a will, which is the document in which someone states their final requests and wishes.

Before you file

Before you begin the probate process, find out if you need to probate an estate, and if so, which type of probate you should file for.

When is it necessary to probate an estate?  Learn about the types of probate for an estate  Find out who you must give notice to in a probate matter 

File for probate of an estate

In Massachusetts, there are 3 types of probate and a simplified process called voluntary administration.

Formal probate  Informal probate  Late and limited formal probate  Voluntary administration  Forms for wills, estates, and trusts 

Wills and probate records

Get a copy of a will  Get access to historic probate records  Find out which historic probate records are available online  Check the status of your probate case 

Massachusetts law about wills and estates  Massachusetts law about estate taxation  Mass. Law G. L. c. 190B   List of newspapers for informal publication 
MUPC Estate Administration Procedural Guide (English, PDF 4.28 MB)

Contact Information

Online

Probate and Family Court locations 

Locations

A list of court locations where you can file to probate an estate

Find court locations

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