How much does probate cost in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has no statutory percentage fee — attorneys bill hourly or a flat fee. The main cost driver is the complexity of the estate. Small estates can use voluntary administration, a much simpler and cheaper path.
- No statutory percentage fee — Massachusetts attorneys typically bill $250-$450/hour or a flat fee for an uncontested estate.
- Court filing fees vary by probate track: informal probate is less expensive than formal probate.
- Voluntary administration (small estate) is available for estates of $25,000 or less in personal property (plus one vehicle) — much cheaper than full probate.
- Massachusetts does not have a separate inheritance tax, but estates above $2 million may owe Massachusetts estate tax (separate from federal).
- Kindred's flat administrative fee takes the months of paperwork off your plate without lawyer hourly rates for the administrative work.
Estimate your Massachusetts costs
≈ 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.
Common questions
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.
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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