How Much Does Probate Cost in Nantucket County, Massachusetts?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Nantucket County can expect.
One of the most common concerns families in Nantucket County have is how much probate will actually cost. The answer depends on the estate's value, complexity, and whether you hire an attorney.
In Massachusetts, attorney fees are based on reasonable compensationNo 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 and typically run 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. For simpler estates, flat-fee arrangements with Nantucket-area attorneys are common.
Estimate the total cost for this estate:
Court filing fees to open probate are $390M.G.L. c. 262, § 40; M.G.L. c. 262, § 4CVerified Apr 15, 2026 in Massachusetts, plus additional fees for motions and final accounting.
Attorney fees in Nantucket County typically range from 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, though many local attorneys offer flat-rate arrangements for straightforward cases. Executor compensation in Massachusetts is 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 payment for time and effort managing the estate.
You'll need to publish a creditor notice in a local Nantucket County newspaper ($200-$500). Real estate and business interests also require professional appraisals, typically $300-$600 each.
The Probate and Family Court may require a surety bond unless the will explicitly waives it. When required, annual premiums run about 0.5%M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-603Verified Apr 15, 2026 of estate value.
Probate at the Probate and Family Court typically takes 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, during which these costs add up. Much of that timeline is the 12 monthsM.G.L. c. 190B § 3-803Verified Apr 15, 2026 creditor claim window—a mandatory waiting period that extends the process 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket County probate.
Probate and Family Court
Nantucket County
16 Broad Street, 2nd Floor
Nantucket, MA 02554
Phone:
508-228-2669Fax:
508-228-3662
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 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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