Estate Planning & Probate in Norfolk County, Massachusetts

Most Norfolk County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Probate and Family Court details.

The Probate Process in Norfolk County

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Norfolk County, probate runs through the Probate and Family Court at 35 Shawmut Road, Canton.

Full Norfolk Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →

Probate Court Record

Probate and Family Court

Norfolk County

Address

35 Shawmut RoadCanton, MA 02021

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing optional
How to file probate in Norfolk County

Recording Deeds & Property Documents

Recording Office Record

Registry of Deeds

Norfolk County · Register of Deeds

Address

649 High StreetDedham, MA 02026Mailing: P.O. Box 69, Dedham, MA 02026-0069

Fax

781-326-4742

Hours

Monday - Friday; Building: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Customer Service: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Recording: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile
Visit recorder website →

$155 flat, regardless of page count; transfer tax may need separate review.

Full recording details →

Verified July 13, 2026 · Source

Frequently Asked Questions

The Probate and Family Court for Norfolk County is located in Canton, Massachusetts. Full address, phone, hours, and e-filing details are listed on this page.

Yes. E-filing is available but optional in Norfolk County. Many families filing without an attorney prefer paper filing at the Probate and Family Court; both are accepted.

No. Massachusetts allows estates under $25,000 to use a Voluntary Administration and skip formal probate. The waiting period is 30 days after death. Use the Massachusetts probate decision tool to see if the estate qualifies.

When there is no will, Massachusetts' intestate succession rules decide who inherits. Spouses, children, and parents are prioritized in that order. The Norfolk County probate court applies the state rules without variation. See who inherits in Massachusetts for the exact order.

A revocable living trust is the cleanest way for most families to skip probate entirely. Assets titled to the trust pass to beneficiaries without court involvement, filing fees, or the Norfolk County probate docket. Create a revocable trust online to avoid putting your family through this process later.

Massachusetts Estate Planning Articles

Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Norfolk County.