What to do when someone dies in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has its own estate tax that applies to estates over $2 million, and there's a cliff effect: if the estate exceeds the threshold by even $1, the entire estate becomes taxable, not just the excess. Probate runs through the Probate and Family Court.

What this guide covers

How probate works in this state
Estate and inheritance taxes
Surviving spouse rights and protections
Small estate shortcuts and affidavit thresholds
Step-by-step checklist for your family

Order walks your family through every task — from filing the will with the court to closing the final accounts. Use it to stay organized, assign tasks to family members, and make sure nothing gets missed.