For the executor, trustee, or heir after a death in Massachusetts: every settlement tool from the first week to the final distribution, each answered from Massachusetts statutes, court rules, and fee schedules.
25 tools for Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040M.G.L. c. 62, § 4(b), (d); Mass. Const. Amend. Art. XLIV, as amended by Amend. Art. CXXI (Fair Share Amendment)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
Settling an estate in Massachusetts: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysMGL c. 190B §§ 3-706, 3-707, 3-708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 12 monthsMGL c. 190B §§ 3-306, 3-801, 3-803, 3-804, 3-805, 3-806Verified Sep 15, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
Settling a trust in Massachusetts happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeM.G.L. c. 203E § 101 et seq.Verified Jul 15, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 30 daysMGL c. 203E §§ 813, 1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
After a death in Massachusetts, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $25,000M.G.L. c. 190B § 3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 12 monthsM.G.L. c. 190B § 3-803Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to file claims after notice.