How do I look up probate cases in Massachusetts?
Trial Court case information is available at designated public access computers located in District, Boston Municipal, Probate and Family, Superior, Housing, and Land Courts and County Registry of Deeds sites. The public access PCs run the eAccess application and allow searches by name, case type, and case number.
Are probate records public in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you can choose to file your will for safekeeping in your local county probate court. When you die, if no one claims your will from the court’s files, the probate court opens it up to the public following publication of your death.
Does a will have to be probated in Massachusetts?
Does a Will Have to Be Probated in Massachusetts? Yes, a will must be filed with the court in the county where the decedent lived. The court will establish the validity of the will and ensure that all provisions in the will are upheld.
How do I find a will of a deceased person?
The best way to view the will is to get the probate court file number. The executor can give you this information. You may also be able to access the file number by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse by providing the deceased’s name and date of death.
How long do you have to file probate after death in Massachusetts?
three years
Per Massachusetts law, “an estate must be probated within three years.” Many factors can delay the probate process. As a Massachusetts probate lawyer, I can help work to avoid the delays and ensure that any complications that occur are resolved quickly.
How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate in Massachusetts?
The estate must be valued at or below $25,000 with no real estate and excluding the value of an automobile.
How do you find out if I have an inheritance?
The best place to begin your search is www.Unclaimed.org, the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). This free website contains information about unclaimed property held by each state. You can search every state where your loved one lived or worked to see if anything shows up.
How do you find out if you are a beneficiary in a will?
The best and most efficient way to find out is to ask that person’s executor or attorney. If you don’t know who that is or if you are uncomfortable approaching them, you can search the probate court records in the county where the deceased person lived.