MASSACHUSETTS PROBATE RESOURCES
Massachusetts Probate Forms
The forms you’ll actually need to settle an estate — what each one is for, when to file it, and a direct link to the official form and instructions on Mass.gov.
Which forms you need depends on your path. There are three:
Voluntary Administration (a small-estate shortcut — no real estate and $25,000 or less in personal property);
Informal Probate (the faster, administrative route when there’s a valid will and no disputes); and
Formal Probate (heard by a judge, for anything complicated). Not sure which applies? Start with our
Do I need probate? flowchart.
Step 1 — Open the estate (get appointed)
You’ll file one of these to become the personal representative (executor).
MPC 170
Voluntary Administration Statement
📄The small-estate shortcut — no real estate and $25,000 or less in personal property (excluding one vehicle).
🕘File 30+ days after the death.
💵$115 filing fee.
MPC 150
Petition for Informal Probate
📄Starts an informal probate — the faster, administrative path when there’s a valid will (or clear heirs) and no disputes. Reviewed by a magistrate, usually no hearing.
📝Full name: “Petition for Informal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal Representative.”
MPC 160
Petition for Formal Probate
📄Starts a formal probate — heard by a judge. Used when there are disputes, an unclear or invalid will, a missing heir, or other complications.
📝Full name: “Petition for Formal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal Representative.”
Step 2 — File these with your petition
These go in alongside the petition above.
MPC 162
Surviving Spouse, Children & Heirs at Law
📄Required in every estate case. Identifies the decedent’s spouse, children, and heirs at law. Children must be listed even if they aren’t heirs.
💵No filing fee.
MPC 163
Devisees
📄Lists the people and organizations named to inherit under the will. Filed when there is a will.
MPC 801
Bond
📄The personal representative’s bond — a promise to administer the estate faithfully. Required in most cases; sureties may be needed unless waived.
ALSO NEEDED
Not court forms, but required
📃A certified copy of the death certificate (from the city/town clerk).
📜The original will, if there is one — filed with the petition.
Step 3 — Inventory, account & close
After you’re appointed, these document how the estate was handled.
MPC 854
Inventory
📄A dated list of everything the estate owns and each item’s value, prepared after appointment. Beneficiaries can request a copy.
MPC 853
Account
📄The financial report of what came in, what was paid out, and what was distributed — using Schedules A, B & C. (MPC 853a is a simpler version without schedules.)
More forms & official guides
⚖️ Not legal advice. Form numbers and requirements are compiled from Mass.gov and can change — always download the current form and instructions from the court, and confirm what your specific estate needs. Next Step Probate is a real estate service, not a law firm; for legal questions, consult a licensed Massachusetts probate attorney.
Sources
All forms and links come from the Massachusetts Probate & Family Court:
Once you’re appointed, if there’s a house to sell
That’s the part we help with — a free valuation and an honest read on your best path, coordinated with your attorney.
Important: Next Step Probate provides general educational information about the Massachusetts probate process and helps families sell estate real estate. We are not attorneys, accountants, or financial advisors, and nothing on this website is legal, tax, or financial advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult a licensed Massachusetts probate attorney before acting.
