What Should You Do When Someone Dies in Massachusetts?
Get a personalized checklist of steps to settle an estate. Answer a few questions about your situation and we’ll guide you through the process.
Get Your Estate Settlement Checklist
Answer a few questions to get a personalized checklist for your situation.
This checklist provides general guidance for estate settlement. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immediate priorities include obtaining certified death certificates (10-15 copies are typically needed), locating estate planning documents, securing property and assets, notifying financial institutions, and determining whether probate is required.
In Massachusetts, the estate inventory must be filed within 90 days of the executor's appointment.
Massachusetts allows a surviving spouse to elect against the will and receive 3300% of the estate. This election must be made within 180 days of receiving notice of probate.
Yes. Massachusetts provides a family allowance to spouse, minor children, dependent children during estate administration. The amount is at court discretion for up to 12 months.
County-Specific Guides in Massachusetts
Get a estate settlement customized for your county's probate court.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Death of a Parent
Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.
Learn more
Loss of a Spouse
When you're ready, this won't take long. Settling the estate, claiming survivor benefits, retitling assets, and updating your own plan.
Learn moreMore estate planning resources
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
Free
Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Get Started
Free
Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Get Started
$12/month
Revocable Living Trust
Find out if a revocable trust makes sense based on your state's laws.
Get Started
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Use Calculator
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Use Calculator
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
Use Calculator
Do I Need Probate?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
Check Now
I'm Inheriting - What Should I Expect?
Find out what to expect when inheriting money, property, or other assets. See timeline estimates, inheritance tax implications, and understand what the executor or trustee is handling behind the scenes.
Learn More
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
See when creditors must file claims, what notice you must publish, whether direct notice is required, and the statutory priority for paying debts. Enter dates to calculate specific deadlines.
Check Deadlines
What Are My Duties as Executor?
Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.
Get Checklist
What Are My Duties as Trustee?
Step-by-step guide for successor trustees administering a trust. Understand your duties, notification deadlines, and asset management responsibilities.
Get Checklist
Massachusetts Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Massachusetts probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.