Small Estate Affidavit Form - Massachusetts

How to File a Small Estate Affidavit in Massachusetts?

Here is what you have to do to quickly settle the estate of an individual that died in the state of Massachusetts:

1. Make sure you comply with the state regulations that prescribe the correct actions of the affiants. You must wait for thirty days after the date of the estate owner's passing before filing the documentation, pay the required fee of $115, confirm the estate does not exceed $25.000 (excluding a vehicle), and book an appointment with a local notary public who will witness you signing the affidavit.
2. During the certified copy of the death certificate and a copy of the will if it exists - note that you have two years to bring a claim.
3. Complete the Massachusetts Small Estate Affidavit Form. You have to state your own name and contact details that can be used to reach out to you, include the name of the departed individual and their residential address at the time of passing, explain your relationship with the estate owner, tell the court about the date of their passing, share names and contact information of other heirs that are entitled to the estate, whether the decedent left specific written or verbal instructions regarding the distribution of assets or not, list all the tangible and intangible assets that comprise the estate and indicate their amount, sign and date the form.
4. Find the probate court closest to the last address of the decedent and submit all the papers to the court clerk.