How Much Does Probate Cost in Bristol County, Massachusetts?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Bristol County can expect.
Probate in Bristol County, Massachusetts runs through the Probate and Family Court at 40 Broadway, Suite 240, Taunton. The total cost depends on the estate's size, whether the will is contested, and how much professional help the executor uses.
Probate matters are handled through Fall River Session and New Bedford Session. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court: Original wills must be mailed or delivered to court within 5 calendar days of eFiling; Citation service requires 14 days notice when served within Commonwealth; Publication required if interested person whereabouts unknown; must publish at least 7 days before return date. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Massachusetts charges $390M.G.L. c. 262, § 40; M.G.L. c. 262, § 4CVerified Apr 15, 2026 to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Probate and Family Court accepts e-filing (https://www.efilema.com/). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Massachusetts are negotiated, typically 2%No 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 Apr 15, 2026 to 4%No 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 Apr 15, 2026 of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 2%M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 15, 2026 to 4%M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 15, 2026 of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Massachusetts requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Apr 15, 2026 of estate value annually.
Probate in Massachusetts typically runs 9 monthsM.G.L. c. 190B §§ 3-301, 3-306, 3-603, 3-706, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-803, 3-1201Verified Apr 15, 2026 to 14 monthsM.G.L. c. 190B §§ 3-301, 3-306, 3-603, 3-706, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-803, 3-1201Verified Apr 15, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 12 monthsM.G.L. c. 190B § 3-803Verified Apr 15, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
Legal Sources
- M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603
- M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-803
- M.G.L. c. 190B §§ 3-301, 3-306, 3-603, 3-706, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-803, 3-1201
- M.G.L. c. 262, § 40; M.G.L. c. 262, § 4C
- No 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.
Data sourced from Massachusetts statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Bristol County, that means filing fees ($390 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs $390 in Bristol County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Massachusetts uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Massachusetts allows "reasonable" executor compensation, typically 1–5% of estate value depending on complexity. Family executors often waive fees because the fee is taxable income while an inheritance is not.
Yes. Massachusetts estates under $25,000 can use a Voluntary Administration and avoid most probate costs. Check the Massachusetts self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Bristol County probate.
Probate and Family Court
Bristol County
40 Broadway, Suite 240
Taunton, MA 02780
Phone:
508-977-6040Fax:
508-977-6088
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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