Probate in Massachusetts, handled for you
Massachusetts settles estates through the Probate and Family Court in each county. Massachusetts adopted the Uniform Probate Code in 2012, which modernized the process and added informal and formal probate tracks. A surviving spouse can use voluntary administration for small estates ($25,000 or less), and informal probate is available for uncontested estates. Kindred handles the administration for one flat fee.
Massachusetts lets you handle an uncontested probate without a lawyer. Massachusetts allows a personal representative to handle both informal and formal probate without an attorney, under the Uniform Probate Code. Kindred handles the administrative work; if a formal or contested proceeding arises, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing.
The four things families ask first
Hourly / flat fee
Read moreA formal Massachusetts probate typically runs about 10 to 15 months.
Read more$25,000 personal property (plus one vehicle)
Read moreProbate and Family Court, in the county where the person lived
What it could cost in Massachusetts
≈ 45 hours of admin and legal work, all billed at lawyer rates.
Kindred + your attorney
Estimated difference vs. a full-service firm
$5,500
+ about 150 hours of your own time
Full-service estimated at $250–$400/hr for ~45hours; the attorney figure is an illustrative fixed fee. Illustrative only — not a quote or legal advice. Figures vary by estate. We're not a law firm; an independent attorney always handles the legal work.
Worth knowing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts estate tax
Massachusetts is one of the few states with an estate tax (threshold: $2 million). It's separate from probate costs and applies to the estate's total value, not to individual inheritances. Kindred coordinates the estate tax filing where it applies.
Frequently asked
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Massachusetts?
No — Massachusetts adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which allows a personal representative to handle both informal and formal probate without an attorney. Kindred handles the administrative work for a flat fee. If a formal or contested proceeding arises, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing. Kindred is not a law firm.
How much does probate cost in Massachusetts?
No statutory percentage fee — attorneys typically bill $250-$450/hour or a flat fee. Court filing fees vary by probate track. Estates above $2 million may owe Massachusetts estate tax. Voluntary administration for estates under $25,000 is much cheaper. These are illustrative figures.
How long does probate take in Massachusetts?
A formal probate typically runs 10 to 15 months — creditors have 1 year to file claims. Informal probate can be faster (6-10 months). Voluntary administration for small estates ($25,000 or less) can resolve in weeks.
Does Massachusetts have an inheritance tax?
Massachusetts has an estate tax (not an inheritance tax) for estates valued above $2 million. The estate tax is paid by the estate before distribution, not by individual heirs. Estates below $2 million owe no Massachusetts estate tax. There is no separate inheritance tax based on heir relationship.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
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