How Much Does Probate Cost in Massachusetts?
Use our free calculator to estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Probate costs in Massachusetts typically include attorney fees (based on reasonable compensation determined by the court), executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs.M.G.L. c. 190B §§ 1-307, 3-301, 3-302, 3-303, 3-306, 3-307, 3-308, 3-501, 3-603, 3-706, 3-707, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-801 (Reserved), 3-803, 3-1201 (all fetched live on malegislature.gov, verified 2026-07-14); Mass. estate tax per Ch. 50 of the Acts of 2023 (mass.gov)Verified Jul 14, 2026 On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $30,739 — roughly 6% of estate value — varying with complexity. Use the executor fee calculator to estimate executor compensation separately.
Massachusetts allows estates valued at $25,000 or less to use the Voluntary Administration, which avoids full probate administration.M.G.L. c. 190B §§ 1-307, 3-301, 3-302, 3-303, 3-306, 3-307, 3-308, 3-501, 3-603, 3-706, 3-707, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-801 (Reserved), 3-803, 3-1201 (all fetched live on malegislature.gov, verified 2026-07-14); Mass. estate tax per Ch. 50 of the Acts of 2023 (mass.gov)Verified Jul 14, 2026 In Massachusetts the affidavit is filed with the court, and holders honor it once filed — but no personal representative is appointed and no letters issue. The waiting period is 30 days after death. Check eligibility with the Massachusetts probate need checker.
In Massachusetts, simple estates typically take 6-9 months. Average estates take 9-14 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets can take 14-24 months or longer.M.G.L. c. 190B §§ 1-307, 3-301, 3-302, 3-303, 3-306, 3-307, 3-308, 3-501, 3-603, 3-706, 3-707, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-801 (Reserved), 3-803, 3-1201 (all fetched live on malegislature.gov, verified 2026-07-14); Mass. estate tax per Ch. 50 of the Acts of 2023 (mass.gov)Verified Jul 14, 2026 The 12-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.
Yes — the calculator above estimates Massachusetts probate attorney fees from the estate value. Massachusetts uses a "reasonable compensation" standard, so fees depend on estate complexity, time spent, and local rates.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 Jul 14, 2026 Typical fees run 2.2% to 3.5% of estate value. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.
Massachusetts allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 14, 2026 Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Massachusetts executor fee calculator.
Real property cannot be transferred through this procedure in Massachusetts — an estate that includes real estate uses a separate process.M.G.L. c. 190B §§ 1-307, 3-301, 3-302, 3-303, 3-306, 3-307, 3-308, 3-501, 3-603, 3-706, 3-707, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-801 (Reserved), 3-803, 3-1201 (all fetched live on malegislature.gov, verified 2026-07-14); Mass. estate tax per Ch. 50 of the Acts of 2023 (mass.gov)Verified Jul 14, 2026
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