Massachusetts Probate Manual
Current—practical—essential guidance on the MUPC

- Product Number: 1880133EBK
- Publication Date: 7/2/2025
- Edition: 6th Edition 2025
- Copyright: © 2025 MCLE, Inc.
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Massachusetts Probate Manual
Current—practical—essential guidance on the MUPC
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Pricing: $195.00; Members: $175.50; New Lawyers: $132.50

- Product Description
- Table of Contents
- Editors & Authors
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Product Description
Product Description
The Massachusetts Probate Manual offers up-to-date guidance on the evolving issues surrounding probate practice in Massachusetts. The book offers practice tips and tracks the essential steps you must know in order to handle formal and informal probate matters, preprobate considerations, practical steps to take to avoid probate litigation arising from will contests and compromises, developments pertaining to the removal, death and resignation of fiduciaries, matters concerning real property and the disposition of assets, planning for postmortem issues, testate and intestate distributions, accounts, and the roles and responsibilities of trustees, as well as current developments in the area of guardianships and conservatorships. The book is also a trusted source for cresting case decisions, citations to key primary law sources, and trends.
Recent updates:
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Update: July 2025
Dear Subscriber:
Thank you for choosing to keep current with this 2025 edition of Massachusetts Probate Manual. In this edition, find hundreds of updates on topics such as the following:
- Transferring property owned by the decedent; how to determine process. See chapter 2 for a step-by-step list of action items useful when selecting the method by which to transfer property.
- Time limit for filing. See chapter 4 for the five exceptions to the general three-year time limit in which to commence a formal probate or appointment proceeding.
- Contesting the suitability of a nomination of a fiduciary. Chapter 5 cites a decision regarding standing needed to contest a nomination.
- Claims against the estate. Chapter 7 discusses a case holding that Section 3-108 does not apply retroactively to bar claims brought by MassHealth against estates of decedents dying prior to the enactment of the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code.
- Cryptocurrency. See chapter 9 for a practice note regarding the personal representative's responsibilities surrounding access to private keys to digital currencies without a physical form.
- Fiduciary's contractual obligation. Chapter 11 discusses the consequence of a failure on the parts of buyer and seller to agree to material terms of a purchase and sale agreement. A recent case is cited.
- Exculpatory provisions in trust. See chapter 16 for discussion of an exculpation clause giving trustees the power to invest income and principal "without being subject to legal limitations on investments by fiduciaries" and how this clause is to be understood in light of the prudent investor rule.
We at MCLE trust that you will find this new material useful in your probate practice and valuable in keeping your law library current.
Cordially,
MCLE Press
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Update: July 2025
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
expand allChapter 01 expandChronology of an Estate Administration
Buy ChapterChapter 02 expandChapter 03 expandInformal Probate
Buy ChapterExhibit 3A
- Petition for Informal Probate of Will/Appointment of Personal Representative (Form MPC 150) Buy FormExhibit 3B
- Instructions for Informal Probate with or Without a Will (Form MPC 962) Buy FormExhibit 3C
- Affidavit of Domicile (Form MPC 485) Buy FormExhibit 3D
- Assent and Waiver of Notice/Renunciation/Nomination/Waiver of Sureties (Form MPC 455) Buy FormExhibit 3E
- Instructions for Completing Assent and Waiver of Notice/Renunciation/Nomination/Waiver of Sureties—Form MPC 455 (Form MPC 941) Buy FormExhibit 3F
- Cause of Death Affidavit (Form MPC 475) Buy FormExhibit 3G
- Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at Law (Form MPC 162) Buy FormExhibit 3H
- Devisees (Form MPC 163) Buy FormExhibit 3I
- Degrees of Kinship Chart (Form MPC 960) Buy FormExhibit 3J
- Bond (Form MPC 801) Buy FormExhibit 3K
- Demand for Sureties (Form MPC 360) Buy FormExhibit 3L
- Affidavit in Support of Release of Demand for Sureties (Form MPC 490) Buy FormExhibit 3M
- Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service (Form MPC 550) Buy FormExhibit 3N
- Informal Probate Publication Notice (Form MPC 551) Buy FormExhibit 3O
- Military Affidavit (Form TC 002) Buy FormExhibit 3P
- Order of Informal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Form MPC 750) Buy FormExhibit 3Q
- Domiciliary Foreign Personal Representative’s Sworn Statement (Form MPC 180) Buy FormChapter 04 expandFormal Probate
Buy ChapterExhibit 4A
- Petition for Formal Appointment of a Personal Representative (Form MPC 160) Buy FormExhibit 4B
- Instructions for Formal Probate with or Without a Will (Form MPC 963) Buy FormExhibit 4C
- Affidavit of Domicile (Form MPC 485) Buy FormExhibit 4D
- Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment (Form MPC 161) Buy FormExhibit 4E
- Instructions for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment (Form MPC 964) Buy FormExhibit 4F
- Assent and Waiver of Notice/Renunciation/Nomination/Waiver of Sureties (Form MPC 455) Buy FormExhibit 4G
- Instructions for Form MPC 455 (MPC Form 941) Buy FormExhibit 4H
- Cause of Death Affidavit (Form MPC 475) Buy FormExhibit 4I
- Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at Law (Form MPC 162) Buy FormExhibit 4J
- Instructions for Form MPC 162–Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at Law (Form MPC 958) Buy FormExhibit 4K
- Massachusetts Degrees of Kinship Chart (Form MPC 960) Buy FormExhibit 4L
- Devisees (Form MPC 163) Buy FormExhibit 4M
- Instructions for Form MPC 163–Devisees (Form MPC 959) Buy FormExhibit 4N
- Decree and Order on Petition for Formal Adjudication (Form MPC 755) Buy FormExhibit 4O
- Motion to Waive Guardian ad Litem Buy FormExhibit 4P
- Bond (Form MPC 801) Buy FormExhibit 4Q
- Demand for Sureties (Form MPC 360) Buy FormExhibit 4R
- Affidavit in Support of Release of Demand for Sureties (Form MPC 490) Buy FormExhibit 4S
- Notice of Appearance and/or Objection (Form MPC 505a) Buy FormExhibit 4T
- Motion for Allowance of Copy of Will Buy FormExhibit 4U
- Motion for Appointment of Special Personal Representative Buy FormExhibit 4V
- Petition for Appointment of Special Personal Representative (Form MPC 350) Buy FormExhibit 4W
- Petition for Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative (Form MPC 255) Buy FormExhibit 4X
- Petition for Formal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative (Form MPC 270) Buy FormChapter 05 expandWill Contests, Compromises, and Practical Steps to Avoid Litigation
Buy ChapterTiffany M. Bentley, Esq., Day Pitney LLP
Brian D. Bixby, Esq., Wilchins Cosentino & Novins LLP
Charles R. Hunsinger, Esq.,Chapter 06 expandRemoval, Resignation, and Death of Fiduciaries
Buy ChapterExhibit 6A
- Petition for Formal Removal of Personal Representative (Form MPC 265) Buy FormExhibit 6B
- Petition to Render Inventory (Form MPC 856) Buy FormExhibit 6C
- Uniform Counsel Certification Form Buy FormExhibit 6D
- Resignation of Fiduciary (Form MPC 264) Buy FormExhibit 6E
- Petition for Removal of Trustee (Form MPC 266) Buy FormExhibit 6F
- Petition for Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative (Form MPC 255) Buy FormExhibit 6G
- Petition for Formal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative (Form MPC 270) Buy FormExhibit 6H
- Renunciation of Right to Appointment and/or Nomination of Personal Representative (Form MPC 455) Buy FormChapter 07 expandChapter 08 expandChapter 09 expandPowers and Duties of the Personal Representative
Buy ChapterChecklist 9.1
- Checklist of Duties of the Personal Representative Relative to Collecting and Identifying Assets Buy FormExhibit 9A
- Petition for Sale of Real Estate—G.L. c. 202, § 19 (Form MPC 210) Buy FormExhibit 9B
- MUPC Inventory (Form MPC 854) Buy FormExhibit 9C
- Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at Law—G.L. c. 190B, § 3-301 (Form MPC 162) Buy FormExhibit 9D
- Closing Statement—G.L. c. 190B, § 3-1003 (Form MPC 850) Buy FormExhibit 9E
- Petition for Order of Complete Settlement (Form MPC 855) Buy FormChapter 10 expandSale of Personal Property and Treatment of Digital Assets
Buy ChapterExhibit 10A
- Bill of Sale, Personal Property Buy FormChapter 11 expandReal Estate Transfers and Sales
Buy ChapterExhibit 11A
- Memo from Christina T. Geaney, Esq., Chief Title Examiner, Re: Land Court Guideline 14. Death: The Effect of Death upon Registered Land Titles (October 31, 2019) Buy FormExhibit 11B
- REBA Title Standard No. 40: Transfers by Devisees Under a Will Containing a Power of Sale Buy FormExhibit 11C
- Assent and Release Buy FormExhibit 11D
- General Assent (Form MPC 455) Buy FormExhibit 11E
- REBA Title Standard No. 10: Power of Sale Under Will Buy FormExhibit 11F
- REBA Title Standard No. 78: Personal Representative Conveyances Per Power of Sale Under Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code Buy FormExhibit 11G
- Petition for License to Sell: Debts, Legacies, and Charges of Administration (Form CJ-P 75) Buy FormExhibit 11H
- Petition for Sale of Real Estate (Form MPC 210), Personal Representative’s Checklist (Form MPC 973), and Decree of Sale of Real Estate (Form MPC 794) Buy FormExhibit 11I
- REBA Form No. 32: Affidavit Pursuant to G.L. c. 65C, § 14(a) Buy FormExhibit 11J
- REBA Title Standard No. 3: Federal Estate Tax Liens Buy FormExhibit 11K
- REBA Title Standard No. 24: Massachusetts Estate Tax Liens Buy FormExhibit 11L
- Petition for License to Sell: Foreign (Form CJ-P 143) Buy FormExhibit 11M
- REBA Title Standard No. 41: List of Heirs Buy FormExhibit 11N
- REBA Form No. 58: Deed of Distribution Pursuant to G.L. c. 190B, § 3-907 Buy FormChapter 12 expandChapter 13 expandTestate and Intestate Distributions
Buy ChapterExhibit 13A
- Intestate Succession Under the MUPC Buy FormExhibit 13B
- Intestate Succession Under Pre-MUPC Rules Buy FormExhibit 13C
- Degrees of Kinship Buy FormExhibit 13D
- Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at Law (Form MPC 162) Buy FormExhibit 13E
- Devisees (Form MPC 163) Buy FormExhibit 13F
- Petition to Render (Form MPC 856) Buy FormExhibit 13G
- Petition for Formal Removal of Personal Representative (Form MPC 265) Buy FormChapter 14 expandChapter 15 expandExhibit 15A
- Executor’s First and Final Account (Form MPC 853) Buy FormExhibit 15B
- Trustee’s Tenth Account (Form MPC 859) Buy FormExhibit 15C
- Petition for Allowance of Account (Form MPC 857) Buy FormExhibit 15D
- Petition for Order of Complete Settlement (Form MPC 855) Buy FormExhibit 15E
- Decree and Order of Complete Settlement (Form MPC 790) Buy FormExhibit 15F
- Small Estate Closing Statement (Form MPC 851) Buy FormExhibit 15G
- Closing Statement (Form MPC 850) Buy FormExhibit 15H
- Petition to Render Inventory/Account (Form MPC 856) Buy FormExhibit 15I
- Order to Render Account (Form MPC 754) Buy FormExhibit 15J
- Contempt: Failure to Render Account (Form CJ-D 103) Buy FormExhibit 15K
- Motion to Waive Appointment of Guardian ad Litem Buy FormExhibit 15L
- Affidavit Under Uniform Practice XVIA Buy FormExhibit 15M
- Guardian ad Litem and Next Friend Buy FormExhibit 15N
- Affidavit as to Military Service Buy FormExhibit 15O
- Appointment of Military Attorney Buy FormExhibit 15P
- Assent and Waiver of Notice (Form MPC 455) Buy FormExhibit 15Q
- Release of Guardian and Surety Buy FormExhibit 15R
- Decree and Order: Allowance of Trustee’s Account (Form MPC 791) Buy FormExhibit 15S
- Decree and Order: Allowance of Personal Representative’s Account (Form MPC 791) Buy FormExhibit 15T
- Appearance (Form MPC 505a) Buy FormExhibit 15U
- Objection to Personal Representative’s Account Buy FormExhibit 15V
- Motion to Strike Appearance Buy FormExhibit 15W
- Motion to Strike Objection and Appearance Buy FormChapter 16 expandExhibit 16A
- Petition to Render Account (Form MPC 856) Buy FormExhibit 16B
- Petition for Allowance of Account (Form MPC 857) Buy FormExhibit 16C
- General Trust Petition (Form MPC 201) Buy FormExhibit 16D
- Petition to Modify Bond (Form MPC 295) Buy FormExhibit 16E
- Bond (Form MPC 801) Buy FormExhibit 16F
- Petition for Removal of Trustee/Appointment of Successor Trustee (Form MPC 266) Buy FormExhibit 16G
- Statement of Confirmation of Appointment of Testamentary Trustee (Form MPC 275) Buy FormExhibit 16H
- Decree and Order on Petition for Removal of Trustee/Appointment of Successor Trustee (Form MPC 782) Buy FormExhibit 16I
- General Trust Petition for Appointment of Guardian ad Litem—Trust (Form MPC 351) Buy FormExhibit 16J
- Decree and Order on General Trust Petition Appointing Guardian ad Litem (Form MPC 777) Buy FormExhibit 16K
- Petition to Terminate Trust (Form MPC 267) Buy FormExhibit 16L
- Decree and Order of General Probate/Trust Petition (Form MPC 792) Buy FormExhibit 16M
- Amended Report of the Supreme Judicial Court’s Ad Hoc Committee on Bosch Litigation Buy FormChapter 17 expandGuardianships and Conservatorships
Buy ChapterExhibit 17A
- Checklist of Court Required Duties as a Conservator Buy FormExhibit 17AA
- Petition for Removal of a Guardian (Form MPC 221) Buy FormExhibit 17B
- Checklist of Court Required Duties as a Guardian of Incapacitated Persons Buy FormExhibit 17BB
- Petition for Removal of a Conservator (Form MPC 231) Buy FormExhibit 17C
- Notice of Intent to Admit to a Nursing Facility for Short Term Services (Form MPC 829) Buy FormExhibit 17CC
- Instructions for Completion of Notice of Intent to Admit to a Nursing Facility for Short Term Services (MPC 829) (Form MPC 955) Buy FormExhibit 17D
- Petition for Special Proceeding in re: a Health Care Proxy (Form MPC 405) Buy FormExhibit 17DD
- Application for Appointment of Counsel for Parent of Minor Child (Form MPC 263) Buy FormExhibit 17E
- Statement of Attending Physician Filed with Petition for Special Proceeding in re: a Health Care Proxy (Form MPC 406) Buy FormExhibit 17EE
- Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor (Form MPC 140) Buy FormExhibit 17F
- Decree on Special Proceeding in re: Health Care Proxy (Form MPC 793) Buy FormExhibit 17G
- Guardianship Petition (Form MPC 120) Buy FormExhibit 17H
- Conservatorship Petition (Form MPC 130) Buy FormExhibit 17I
- Medical Certificate (Form MPC 400) Buy FormExhibit 17J
- Medical Certificate Affidavit (Form MPC 403) Buy FormExhibit 17K
- Clinical Team Report (Form MPC 402) Buy FormExhibit 17L
- Notice of Hearing (Form MPC 504) Buy FormExhibit 17M
- Certificate of Service (Form MPC 500) Buy FormExhibit 17N
- Bond (Form MPC 801) Buy FormExhibit 17O
- Verified Motion for Appointment of Temporary Guardian (Form MPC 320) Buy FormExhibit 17P
- Sample Decree and Order of Appointment of a Guardian (Form MPC 740) Buy FormExhibit 17Q
- Guardian’s Personal Care Plan/Report (Form MPC 821) Buy FormExhibit 17R
- Sample Conservator’s Financial Plan (Form MPC 831) Buy FormExhibit 17S
- Instructions for Completing Conservator’s Inventory (Form MPC 934) Buy FormExhibit 17T
- Combined Account (Form MPC 853) Buy FormExhibit 17U
- Account Without Schedules (Form MPC 853a) Buy FormExhibit 17V
- Probate and Family Court Standing Order 1-2025 Buy FormExhibit 17W
- Petition to Expand/Modify/Limit the Powers of a Guardian (Form MPC 220) Buy FormExhibit 17X
- Petition to Expand/Modify/Limit the Powers of a Conservator (Form MPC 230) Buy FormExhibit 17Y
- Petition for Termination of a Guardianship and/or Conservatorship (Form MPC 203) Buy FormExhibit 17Z
- Petition for Resignation of a Guardian and/or Conservator (Form MPC 202) Buy Form -
Editors & Authors
Editor(s)
Author(s)
Brian D. Bixby, Esq., Wilchins Cosentino & Novins LLP, Needham HeightsJennifer A. Maggiacomo, Esq., Norfolk Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, CantonWilliam H. Schmidt, Esq., Squillace & Associates, PC, BostonRobert G. Stewart, Esq., Robert G. Stewart, P.C., Gloucester