How Do I Close the Estate in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's official closing forms are dynamic-XFA PDFs that can be neither filled nor reproduced; the builder links the state's own forms and does not produce a substitute.
Closing an estate in Massachusetts
The personal representative closes an informally administered estate by filing a verified Closing Statement (MPC 850) under MGL c. 190B § 3-1003, certifying that the creditor-claim period has expired, the estate is fully administered and distributed, and a full written account has been furnished to affected distributees; no hearing or court order is required. Alternatively, the PR (or an interested person) may petition for an order of complete settlement under § 3-1001, on which the court enters an order discharging the PR. (MGL c. 190B §§ 3-608, 3-803, 3-1001, 3-1003, 3-1005, 3-1006.)
No earlier than six months after the original appointment of a general personal representative (MGL c. 190B § 3-1003(a)), and only after the creditor-claim period has expired — one year after the date of death under § 3-803(a). The practical floor is the later of the two. (MGL c. 190B §§ 3-1003(a), 3-803(a).)
No court order closes this route — the closing runs by operation of law once the filing is made and the statutory period passes. On the default closing-statement track, discharge runs by operation of law: proceedings against the PR for breach of fiduciary duty are barred unless commenced within 6 months after the closing statement is filed (MGL c. 190B § 3-1005), and the statement itself may not be challenged if no proceedings are pending one year after filing (§ 3-1003(b)) — both fraud excepted; no discharge order issues. The § 3-1001 formal-settlement track instead ends in a court order that discharges and forever exonerates the PR. (MGL c. 190B §§ 3-1003(b), 3-1005, 3-1001(b).)
Frequently asked questions
The personal representative closes an informally administered estate by filing a verified Closing Statement (MPC 850) under MGL c. 190B § 3-1003, certifying that the creditor-claim period has expired, the estate is fully administered and distributed, and a full written account has been furnished to affected distributees; no hearing or court order is required. Alternatively, the PR (or an interested person) may petition for an order of complete settlement under § 3-1001, on which the court enters an order discharging the PR. (MGL c. 190B §§ 3-608, 3-803, 3-1001, 3-1003, 3-1005, 3-1006.)
No earlier than six months after the original appointment of a general personal representative (MGL c. 190B § 3-1003(a)), and only after the creditor-claim period has expired — one year after the date of death under § 3-803(a). The practical floor is the later of the two. (MGL c. 190B §§ 3-1003(a), 3-803(a).)
Yes — an account of the administration is part of closing on this route (MGL c. 190B § 3-1003(a)(3)).
No court order closes this route — the closing runs by operation of law once the filing is made and the statutory period passes. On the default closing-statement track, discharge runs by operation of law: proceedings against the PR for breach of fiduciary duty are barred unless commenced within 6 months after the closing statement is filed (MGL c. 190B § 3-1005), and the statement itself may not be challenged if no proceedings are pending one year after filing (§ 3-1003(b)) — both fraud excepted; no discharge order issues. The § 3-1001 formal-settlement track instead ends in a court order that discharges and forever exonerates the PR. (MGL c. 190B §§ 3-1003(b), 3-1005, 3-1001(b).)
Yes — Closing Statement (MPC 850), Petition for Allowance of Account (MPC 857), Decree and Order for Complete Settlement (MPC 790). This tool links the official forms and explains the duty; it does not produce a substitute document.
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