Skip to main content
SimplyTrust
SimplyTrust
MobileNewForms & ToolsFreeResourcesStates
OverviewEstate Law
Probate by County
OverviewEstate Law
Forms
Revocable Living Trust for Massachusetts ResidentsMassachusetts Last Will and TestamentMassachusetts Pour-Over WillMassachusetts Healthcare Power of AttorneyMassachusetts Financial Power of Attorney
Getting Prepared
Massachusetts Estate Planning Cost CalculatorMassachusetts Revocable Living Trust Cost CalculatorMassachusetts Will Cost CalculatorMassachusetts Life Insurance CalculatorMassachusetts Beneficiary Designation CheckerMassachusetts Signing Requirements CheckerMassachusetts Document Portability CheckerMassachusetts Trust Need AssessmentMassachusetts Compare Estate Planning ServicesMassachusetts Trust or Will Decision Tool
Someone Just Passed Away
Massachusetts Death Certificate CalculatorMassachusetts Probate Decision ToolMassachusetts Inheritance ExplainerMassachusetts Estate Settlement Checklist
I'm an Executor
Massachusetts Probate Cost CalculatorMassachusetts Executor Fee CalculatorMassachusetts Self-File Probate AssessmentMassachusetts Creditor Claims DeadlinesMassachusetts Executor Duties Checklist
I'm a Trustee
Massachusetts Trustee Compensation CalculatorMassachusetts Trustee Duties Checklist
Taxes & Inheritance
Massachusetts Who Inherits CalculatorMassachusetts Estate & Inheritance Tax CalculatorMassachusetts Post-Death Tax Filing Guide
Company
AboutCareersContactFormsMobileNewPress
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSecurityAI Access

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc.

SimplyTrust Logo

Every family deserves a plan. We'll help.

Forms

  • Revocable Trust
  • Last Will
  • Pour-Over Will
  • Healthcare Proxy
  • Financial POA

Tools

  • Trust vs Will
  • Probate Calculator
  • Who Inherits
  • Estate Settlement
  • Death Tax Calculator
  • Life Insurance

Resources

  • Articles
  • State Guides
  • Estate Law
  • Life Events
  • Law Firms
  • Financial Assets
  • Digital Assets
  • Government Agencies

Company

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Mobile App

SimplyTrust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal counsel, or attorney review. Information on this platform is for general informational purposes only. Use of SimplyTrust does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are solely responsible for all documents you create. For advice tailored to your circumstances, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

© 2026 SimplyTrust Software Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy·Terms of Service·Security··AI Access

All content, data, and calculations are proprietary. Automated scraping, systematic downloading, or data extraction is prohibited under our Terms of Service. Product visuals are simulated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual experience. Logos provided by Logo.dev.

Estate planning, in your pocket.

Create and manage your trust from your phone.

Revocable Trusts

Skip probate with a revocable trust

Estate Ledger

Every decision signed, timestamped, and hashed

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing

Download

Get the app on iOS and Android

Home→Tools→Trustee Checklist→Massachusetts

What Are My Duties as Trustee in Massachusetts?

Step-by-step guide for administering a trust after the grantor passes away. Answer a few questions to get a personalized checklist for your situation.

Get Your Trustee Checklist

Answer a few questions to get a personalized checklist for your situation.

West Dakota: $999,999 (99.9%)East Montana: $888,888 (88.8%)

This checklist provides general guidance for trust administration. Requirements vary by state and trust document. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Immediate priorities for a successor trustee in Massachusetts include obtaining certified death certificates, locating the original trust document, securing trust assets, and notifying beneficiaries. An EIN is required since the trust becomes irrevocable after the grantor's death.

Massachusetts requires successor trustees to notify beneficiaries within 30 days of the grantor's death. Written notice is required. This notice must include the trustee's identity and information about the beneficiary's interest.

Yes. Massachusetts has adopted the Uniform Trust Code, which standardizes trust administration rules including trustee duties, beneficiary rights, and modification procedures.

In Massachusetts, custodial accounts under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) terminate when the minor reaches age 21. Trustees managing inherited custodial accounts follow this timeline.

What Are My Duties as Trustee in Massachusetts?

As a successor trustee in Massachusetts, you have fiduciary duties to manage trust assets prudently and distribute them according to the trust terms. Unlike probate, trust administration is private and does not require court involvement.

Massachusetts law requires you to notify qualified beneficiaries of your trusteeship. This notice typically must be sent within 60 days of the grantor's death and include your contact information and the beneficiary's right to request trust information.

You'll need to obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS since the trust becomes irrevocable after the grantor's death. This is required to open trust bank accounts and file tax returns.

Keep detailed records of all transactions, communications, and decisions. Beneficiaries have the right to request accountings, and proper documentation protects you from liability claims.

County-Specific Guides in Massachusetts

Get a trustee checklist customized for your county's probate court.

Barnstable CountyBerkshire CountyBristol CountyDukes CountyEssex CountyFranklin CountyHampden CountyHampshire CountyMiddlesex CountyNantucket CountyNorfolk CountyPlymouth CountySuffolk CountyWorcester County

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Named as Trustee

Named as Trustee

Being named trustee means managing trust assets and carrying out the grantor's wishes. Your duties, timeline, compensation, and how to get started.

Learn more

More estate planning resources

Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.

AllFormsSomeone Just Passed AwayI'm a Trustee
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

What's Fair Trustee Compensation?

Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.

Use Calculator

How Do I Settle an Estate?

Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.

Get Checklist

Massachusetts Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Massachusetts probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.