Estate Planning & Probate in Suffolk County, Massachusetts
Most Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk County, probate runs through the Probate and Family Court at 24 New Chardon Street, Boston.
Full Suffolk Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Probate and Family Court
Suffolk County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Registry of Deeds
Suffolk County · Register of Deeds
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$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 Suffolk County is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Full address, phone, hours, and e-filing details are listed on this page.
Yes. E-filing is available but optional in Suffolk County. Many families filing without an attorney prefer paper filing at the Probate and Family Court; both are accepted.
Yes. The Probate and Family Court offers a self-help center where staff review paperwork and explain filing procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on a specific case. The center is open Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM; Friday 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Assistance is available in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese in addition to English.
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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk County.
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