Suffolk County
Probate Court
In Massachusetts, estates are probated in the Probate and Family Court. This page gathers where to file in Suffolk County, the state rules that apply, and where every detail comes from.
located via OpenStreetMap
Where to file in Suffolk County
- Handled by
- Probate and Family CourtIn Massachusetts, probate cases are heard by the Probate and Family Court Department across 14 divisions under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (MUPC).
- Probate office
- Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon St, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 788-8301 Checked on the court's website, Sept 2026 · mass.gov
- County building
- Suffolk County Courthouse In Boston, MA — street address not tagged in OpenStreetMap. OpenStreetMap · view the map entry
- Phone
- (617) 788-8301court website
- Opening hours
- Not published in an open source. Check the court or county website before you go.
- County website
- masslandrecords.comcounty website
- Court website
- mass.gov/locations/suffolk-probate-and-family-co
- State courts & e-filing
- mass.govCase search: Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access (MassCourts)
How probate runs in Suffolk County
Six stages, with the Massachusetts rules that set the pace.
- 01
Secure the original will
Find the original signed will and order certified death certificates. Massachusetts deadline: Must deliver will to Probate Court within 30 days of notice of death; 3-year limit for probate.
- 02
Pick the right track
If the probate estate is under $25,000, a small-estate procedure (M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-1201 (Voluntary Administration)) may avoid full administration.
- 03
Petition the court
File the petition with the Probate and Family Court for Suffolk County. The court appoints the executor or administrator and issues letters.
- 04
Inventory the estate
Open an estate bank account (the IRS issues the EIN), list assets at date-of-death values and file the inventory if the court requires it.
- 05
Notify creditors
Publish or send notice to creditors. Window: 1 year from the date of decedent's death (strict statutory bar M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-803).
- 06
Account and distribute
Pay debts, taxes and fees (M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-719), file the final account if required, distribute to heirs and ask to close the estate.
Where to get help.
We don't sell leads or take referral fees. Eligibility, availability and fees depend on the provider; confirm them directly.
- 01 Massachusetts courts — self-help & formsOfficial judiciary website: forms, filing rules and e-filing.
- 02 Legal aid directory — LawHelp.orgNonprofit directory of free and low-cost legal aid by state, including probate and estates.
- 03 Find a probate lawyer — American Bar AssociationState-by-state links to bar lawyer-referral services and pro bono programs.
Massachusetts rules that apply here
Probate law is state law — these apply in all 14 Massachusetts counties.
- Small estates
- $25,000 personal property (excluding one automobile)M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-1201 (Voluntary Administration) · wait 30 days
- Filing the will
- Must deliver will to Probate Court within 30 days of notice of death; 3-year limit for probate
- Creditor claims
- 1 year from the date of decedent's death (strict statutory bar M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-803)M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-803
- Executor fees
- Reasonable compensation determined by court based on services rendered and estate complexity (M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-719)M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-719 · estimate the fee
- Handwritten wills
- Not recognized without witnesses. Massachusetts does NOT recognize unwitnessed handwritten wills executed in MA (requires two witnesses).
- Estate tax
- Yes — exemption $2 million.Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $2 million (reformed in 2023 with a uniform $99,600 tax credit; top rate 16%).
- Inheritance tax
- No.No inheritance tax in Massachusetts.
- Typical duration
- 9 to 15 monthsA lawyer is not required by statute, though most formal estates use one.
Rules re-checked Sept 2026 against: mass.gov