Massachusetts Executor and Estate Kit: the $25,000 Small Estate Route After 30 Days, First Month Checklist and Estate Ledger

Who it is for

Whoever is settling the estate of someone who lived in Massachusetts. Through a court office. The statement is filed with the Probate and Family Court in the county where the person lived.

Not the right fit if

The person didn't live in or own property in Massachusetts, or a will contest or family dispute means you need an estate attorney. Not a form preparation or legal service.

Why it is different

• Sources, checked November 2026: Mass.gov: Instructions for voluntary administration with or without a will (MPC 961); M.G.L. c.190B, 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills (Massachusetts Legislature).
• 2 facts aren't stated on those pages, so the kit says so and links where to check.

What is inside

• Massachusetts small estate route. Personal property only, worth $25,000 or less not counting the value of a car. Real estate in the person's name alone takes the estate out of this procedure. 30 days. Thirty days or more after the death. Through a court office. The statement is filed with the Probate and Family Court in the county where the person lived. Voluntary Administration Statement (MPC 170). With the instructions (MPC 961) from the Probate and Family Court. Voluntary administration: A statement filed with the Probate and Family Court lets a voluntary administrator collect and distribute a small personal-property estate.
• How a Massachusetts will had to be signed. Two witnesses, who saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment. Allowed at signing or later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where it is signed. The will stays valid, but a gift to a witness or the witness's spouse is void unless two other witnesses who get nothing similar also signed, or the witness shows no fraud or undue influence.
• Massachusetts estate ledger (Excel). Assets, debts, payments and distributions; it compares the countable assets with $25,000, dates day 30 after the death, flags real estate in the person's name alone, which rules the route out and leaves vehicles out.
• First 30 days, tracker and letters. The first month in order with day 30 marked, a documents and accounts tracker, and plain letters to a bank, a utility and Social Security.
• Still to confirm in Massachusetts. notary or oath: check Mass.gov: Instructions for voluntary administration with or without a will (MPC 961); if the will is handwritten: check M.G.L. c.190B, 2-502, Execution; witnessed wills (Massachusetts Legislature).