State guide
Massachusetts
Massachusetts probate uses the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, with a court-run publication step for informal probate and a separate one-year creditor-claim limit tied to death rather than publication. The Probate and Family Court also publishes a county-by-county list of newspapers designated for informal publication.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Publishing the notice
- For informal probate, Massachusetts requires publication once in a newspaper designated by the register of probate and having general circulation in the county where the proceeding is pending; the court publishes a list of designated papers.
- Creditor claim deadline
- 1 year after death (not keyed to first publication)
- Outside deadline
- 1 year after death
- Law
- Mass. Gen. Laws c.190B, §§ 3-306, 3-803, 3-1201
- Small-estate limit
- $25,000 in personal property, excluding one motor vehicle
- Legal newspaper list
- Official page →
Official resources in Massachusetts
Main Massachusetts Court System overview page for probate types, forms, and next steps.
Official statute on informal probate notice and the post-appointment newspaper publication.
Official creditor-claims limitations statute, including the one-year rule after death.
Official Probate and Family Court list of newspapers designated for informal publication by location.
Official court page for Massachusetts small-estate voluntary administration.
Key facts for Massachusetts
- Mass. Gen. Laws c.190B, § 3-306 requires one newspaper publication after informal probate or appointment.
- Mass. Gen. Laws c.190B, § 3-803 generally bars creditor actions unless commenced within 1 year after death.
- Mass.gov says informal publication uses a newspaper designated by the register of probate and having general circulation in the county.
- Mass. Gen. Laws c.190B, § 3-1201 allows voluntary administration for personal property up to $25,000, excluding one motor vehicle.
- Mass.gov publishes a location-based list of newspapers approved for informal probate publication.
What to do next
- Check whether the estate qualifies for voluntary administration before opening a full probate.
- Use the Probate and Family Court newspaper list for the decedent’s city or town before arranging publication.
- Calendar the 1-year date from death early, because Massachusetts creditor timing is not shortened by publication.
Helpful guides
- What is a notice to creditors in probate?
- How to publish a probate notice in a newspaper
- How much does it cost to publish a probate notice?
- What counts as a legal newspaper for probate notices
Creditor deadline calculator →