How Do I File Probate in Bristol County, Massachusetts?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Probate and Family Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in Bristol County can be filed in person at the Probate and Family Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available.
Filings here are routed through Fall River Session and New Bedford Session. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Probate and Family Court is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Bristol County Self-Filing Assessment.
Bristol County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Original wills must be mailed or delivered to court within 5 calendar days of eFiling.
Publication required if interested person whereabouts unknown; must publish at least 7 days before return date.
Document Requirements
Certified copies of court records cost $25.00 each.
Service Requirements
Citation service requires 14 days notice when served within Commonwealth.
In-Person Filing
The Probate and Family Court is located at 40 Broadway, Suite 240, Taunton, MA 02780. Phone: 508-977-6040. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
What to Bring
To file at the Probate and Family Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Probate and Family Court website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Probate and Family Court in Bristol County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($390). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Bristol County uses the standard Massachusetts probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Massachusetts allows informal (unsupervised) probate, which many families handle themselves for simple estates. The Probate and Family Court in Bristol County does not require attorney representation. Use the Massachusetts self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.
Yes. The Probate and Family Court in Bristol County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
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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