FigureMyTax

Massachusetts Probate Timeline Calculator

Massachusetts runs longer than most states for a specific reason: careful executors deliberately wait out the full one-year creditor window before making a final distribution.

Based on M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-803, 3-108 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Massachusetts probate

Pick the options that match your estate — the estimate updates instantly.

Estimated timeline in Massachusetts
12–14 months
Informal probate, not MassHealth-exposed, under $2 million
Informal vs formal? →
Facing probate in Massachusetts?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Massachusetts attorney

Massachusetts's probate timeline, at a glance

MilestoneMassachusetts ruleSource
Voluntary administration eligible30 days after death, personal property ≤ $25,000, no real estateM.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-1201
Creditor claim period (standard)1 year from date of deathc. 190B, § 3-803
MassHealth (Medicaid) claim period3 years from date of death — not the standard 1 yearEstate recovery practice
Probate must be commenced by3 years from date of death (limited exceptions)M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-108
Estate tax return (if over $2M)Form M-706 within 9 monthsM.G.L. c. 65C
Estate-tax Release of Lien on real property~4-12 weeks from Dept. of RevenueMA Dept. of Revenue practice

Massachusetts probate timeline — frequently asked questions

How long does probate take in Massachusetts?

Most uncontested estates on informal probate take 12 to 14 months. That's longer than the 9-to-14-month U.S. average, driven by the one-year creditor claim window and, for taxable estates, the wait for an estate-tax lien release on real property.

How long do Massachusetts creditors have to file a claim?

One year from the date of death, under M.G.L. c. 190B, Section 3-803 — but a creditor must actually commence an action and serve or have it accepted by the personal representative, or file a notice with the register, within that year. A careful personal representative typically waits until the year passes before making final distributions.

Does the one-year creditor deadline apply to MassHealth?

No. MassHealth, pursuing Medicaid estate recovery, has three years from the date of death to file a claim — not the standard one year that applies to other creditors.

Why does an estate-tax lien slow down Massachusetts probate?

Real property in an estate subject to the Massachusetts estate tax (above the $2 million threshold) carries an automatic lien until the Department of Revenue issues a Release of Lien, which commonly takes 4 to 12 weeks and can delay selling or transferring that property.

Massachusetts probate tools & guides

Massachusetts Probate DeadlinesEvery statutory date, with citations What Delays Probate in MassachusettsThe real causes, beyond the baseline Informal vs Formal ProbateWhich one applies to your estate Massachusetts Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on Massachusetts statute (M.G.L. c. 190B, § 3-803, 3-108, 3-1201) and Massachusetts Department of Revenue practice for estate-tax liens. Actual timelines depend on the specific county Probate and Family Court, whether the estate is contested, and how quickly a lien release is processed. Confirm current timelines with the Probate and Family Court, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, or a licensed Massachusetts attorney before acting.