© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.
Probate in Massachusetts typically costs 2%–4% of the estate value in attorney feesNo specific statute for general probate attorney fees; reasonable compensation subject to court review. M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-720 covers litigation expense reimbursement only.Verified Jun 19, 2026, plus court filing fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and any required surety bond. Attorney fees in Massachusetts are negotiated, so the actual cost depends on the firm and complexity. Total all-in costs typically run 3-8% of estate value. The Massachusetts probate calculator gives a detailed estimate based on estate value.
Massachusetts allows "independent administration" (sometimes called unsupervised or informal probate), which lets the executor handle most estate decisions without ongoing court approval. The executor still files the will, inventories assets, and reports to the court, but doesn't need a hearing for routine actions like paying bills or selling assets. Independent administration typically saves both time and attorney fees compared to supervised probate.
Estate planning attorneys in Massachusetts average $387 per hourClio Legal Trends Report 2025Verified Jan 1, 2025 for wills and estates work. Flat-fee packages run roughly $1,161–$2,322 for a simple individual will and $3,920–$5,880 for a basic revocable trust. Online and DIY services cost $30–$300 for the same documents — see the will cost calculator for a side-by-side comparison.
Massachusetts allows estates under $25,000 to use a simplified Voluntary Administration procedure, which is a form rather than a court case and typically doesn't require an attorney. For larger estates, formal probate is involved enough that retaining counsel is usually practical — the procedural work is what they're there for. Use the Massachusetts probate calculator to estimate the costs.
In Massachusetts, the situations where retaining counsel is typically worth the cost are: blended families with children from prior relationships; ownership of a business, rental property, or significant investment assets; special-needs dependents who need a special-needs trust to preserve benefits; estates near or above the Massachusetts estate tax threshold; substantial property held in multiple states. If none of these describe your situation, the simpler online and DIY tools are often enough.
Search 4,014 estate law firms across 51 states.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability.
90 firms
Serving the legal needs of individuals and businesses in Pittsfield and surrounding towns in Berkshire County for over 50 years. Provides personalized professional legal services for estate planning (wills and trusts) and estate administration.
Location
57 Wendell AvenuePittsfield, MA 01201
Phone
(413) 499-1200
Established
1966
Service Area
1 county
Milton-based estate planning and elder law firm serving Boston's South Shore and eastern Massachusetts from offices in Milton, Brockton, and Mashpee. Handles wills, trusts, probate and estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship, and MassHealth/Medicaid planning, led by attorney Matthew P. Albanese. Offers a free consultation and home visits for mobility-challenged clients.
Location
487 Adams StreetMilton, MA 02186
Phone
(617) 698-2100
Lenox firm serving Berkshire County in estate, trust, and tax planning, elder law, and long-term care strategy. Handles trust and estate administration, Medicaid and VA benefits planning, and life-care coordination. Founder Paula K. Almgren has practiced two decades, is accredited with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and has been named a Massachusetts Super Lawyer six consecutive years.
Location
1 West StreetLenox, MA 01240
Phone
(413) 637-5075
Service Area
1 county
Beverly firm serving Essex County and greater Boston in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and fiduciary income and estate tax matters. Handles probate administration, business succession, elder law, and asset protection. Led by Peter E. Bernardin, both an attorney and a CPA, giving the firm a tax-focused edge on estate and trust accounting over 20+ years of practice.
Location
100 Cummings Center, Suite 217CBeverly, MA 01915
Phone
(978) 712-4378
Service Area
1 county
Waltham firm serving Greater Boston and the broader Commonwealth, with additional offices in Florida and New Hampshire. Handles estate planning, probate and trust administration, asset protection, and MassHealth/Medicaid planning, plus federal and Massachusetts estate tax work. Led by David M. Beliveau, both an Esq. and CPA, anchoring the firm's tax and elder-law practice.
Location
2 Winter Street, Suite 102Waltham, MA 02451
Phone
(781) 890-8600
Established
2001
Service Area
5 counties
One of the largest estate planning and probate groups in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Founded 1895 with over 130 years of service. Decades of experience in Springfield probate courts. Attorney Gina M. Barry named "Lawyer of the Year" for Springfield Elder Law by Best Lawyers in 2026.
Location
33 State StreetSpringfield, MA 01103
Phone
(413) 781-0560
Established
1895
Service Area
2 counties
Hingham-based estate planning and elder law firm serving the South Shore and southeastern Massachusetts from four offices in Hingham, Holliston, Brockton, and Plymouth. Handles wills, trusts, probate and estate administration, MassHealth/Medicaid and VA benefits planning, asset protection, and guardianship. Led by attorney Michael Baker; the initial consultation is complimentary.
Location
72 Sharp Street, Suite A5Hingham, MA 02043
Phone
(781) 996-5656
Service Area
3 counties
Fall River firm serving Bristol County and nearby Rhode Island, including Taunton and New Bedford. Handles wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, probate of estates, intestate estate administration, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, guardianship, and conservatorship. Also assists with special-needs trusts, life-estate deeds, and long-term care/Medicaid planning.
Location
901 Eastern Avenue, Unit 2Fall River, MA 02723
Phone
(508) 500-1551
Service Area
1 county
Western Massachusetts firm of 35+ lawyers established in 1920, ranked "Best Law Firm" for Trusts & Estates in the greater Springfield area for 12 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. Recently merged with Cain Hibbard, expanding their western Massachusetts presence with offices in Springfield, Hadley, Pittsfield, and Great Barrington.
Location
1500 Main Street, Suite 2700Springfield, MA 01115
Phone
(413) 272-6200
Established
1920
Service Area
4 counties
Serving Cape Cod families since 1976 with estate planning, estate administration, trust administration, probate and settlement of estates, elder law, asset protection, and charitable planning. AV rated (highest rating) in Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory and listed in Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
Location
1060 Falmouth Road, Suite BHyannis, MA 02601
Phone
(508) 444-9688
Established
1976
Service Area
1 county