Probate in Massachusetts.

9–14 months for full probate

Massachusetts offers informal/unsupervised probate, which is typically faster and less expensive when the will is clean and the heirs aren't in dispute.

Massachusetts does not require an attorney for probate, though most families with non-trivial estates use one. Average legal fees: $1,500–$5,000.

What makes Massachusetts different.

• •Massachusetts has its own state estate tax — kicks in at $2 million (2024) with rates up to 16%. Substantially lower threshold than the federal level.
• •Probate is handled by the Probate and Family Court (one combined court for both kinds of cases).
• •Massachusetts adopted the Uniform Probate Code in 2012 — informal probate (no hearing) is now the default for uncontested cases.
• •The 'magistrate's hour' is a longstanding tradition — uncontested matters can often be resolved at a brief magistrate hearing rather than a full judge hearing.

What the executor will file.

• MPC 150 — Petition for Informal Probate
  Standard path for uncontested estates with a will.
• MPC 170 — Voluntary Administration
  Small-estate path under $25,000.
• Estate Tax Return (Form M-706)
  Required if estate exceeds $2 million.