How to Locate Massachusetts Probate Records

Navigating probate records can be challenging, especially when trying to learn important data regarding a departed loved one's estate. Massachusetts probate records provide a wealth of information for genealogists researching family history, lawyers handling estates, and anyone piecing together a loved one's final affairs.

This Guide Will Help You:

  • Locate probate records in Massachusetts
  • Analyze and efficiently use these records
  • Gain significant insights into your research
  • Streamline your probate record search process

Step 1: Determine County of Residence

  • Helps you select the appropriate courthouse for your research
  • Is organized alphabetically from Barnstable County to Worcester County
  • Displays names of towns and cities for each county
  • Provides court website links with free online probate record searches
  • Shows 2-3 county courthouses per page to save bandwidth
  • Offers easy navigation to view more counties

How to Request Probate Records in Massachusetts

  • To locate a Massachusetts probate record, start by searching the probate court in the county where the deceased person officially resided, not where they passed away.
  • If you don't know, you can first order a death certificate or transcribed death record (1931-2025) to obtain this information.
  • Then, after determining the correct county, contact that county court clerk's office to request a copy of the probate record. You could also utilize our court record retrieval services for even faster and more discrete service.
  • Either way, provide the full name of the deceased and any relevant details, such as the will date or executor's name.
  • The court clerk, or us, if you use our service, will search the records and provide a copy if available.
Find the Right County Probate Court

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What Information Can You Find in Estate Probate Records?

Types of Records

Estate Probate files may include:

  • Wills
  • Bonds
  • Inventories
  • Accounts
  • Claims
  • Petitions
  • Lists of heirs
Example of Middlesex County Probate Files
Example of Probate File Storage for Middlesex County, 2017 Records

Required Documentation Checklist

Files vary in size and content, ranging from extensive to minimal. Wills often list spouses, children, and other next-of-kin, frequently including their residences and relationships to the deceased.

Broader Search Strategy

Not everyone leaves a will or probate record. Expand your search to include family members and related individuals for a more comprehensive picture.

Pro Tip: Broaden your search beyond a single individual. Look for probate files of children, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins to uncover additional family connections and details.

Our Massachusetts Probate Court Research Services

Looking for a more efficient way to request probate records? Consider these options:

  • Public access: Probate court files are public records available for review, copying, and purchasing as certified copies.
  • Direct requests: Request records directly through our service for discreet and transparent copies of probate records from Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties in Massachusetts.

Our experienced team can help you navigate the complexities of probate record retrieval, saving you time and effort in your research process.

Place an Order for Probate Records

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Accessing Historical Probate Records in Massachusetts

For older records, consider these research avenues:

  • Online sources: Search for published Massachusetts probate records available digitally or in book form.
  • Recent records: Use online indexes for records from the last 15-20 years.
  • Mid-20th century records: Some older records may not be indexed online and may require direct requests to the court.

Types of Probate Records in Massachusetts

There are two main classes of probate records:

  • Testate: When a person dies leaving a will. These records typically include the will itself and documents related to its execution.
  • Intestate: When a person dies without a will, usually resulting in a letter of administration. These records detail how the estate was distributed according to state law.

For a more in-depth understanding of probate records, their value, and terminology, we recommend reading "The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy" by Val D. Greenwood, published by the Genealogical Publishing Company. Chapters 13, 14, and 17 are particularly informative on probate matters, wills, and miscellaneous probate records.

Locating Probate Records in Massachusetts

Example of Suffolk County, MA Probate Court Index Books
Suffolk County, MA Probate Book Indexes. These index books have not been scanned or digitized and are viewable only at the probate court on New Chardon Street in Boston.

In Massachusetts, probate records are filed at the county level, based on the deceased person's official residence at the time of death.

For example, say a person died at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (Suffolk County) but lived in Duxbury (Plymouth County), the probate file would be filed in Plymouth Probate Court and not Suffolk Probate Court. If they lived in Lowell, the probate file would be filed in Middlesex County. If their official residence was in Springfield, the petition for probate would have been filed in Hampden County.

Locating older original probate records can also be challenging due to:

  • Records being relocated to various archive depositories
  • Space constraints in courthouses
  • Measures to prevent theft

Massachusetts County Map

Map of Massachusetts Counties
PDF icon Download Massachusetts County Map (PDF)

A Note on Adoption Records in Massachusetts

It's important to note that adoption records in Massachusetts are sealed and not available to the public without a court order. This confidentiality is maintained to protect the privacy of all parties involved in the adoption process.

If you're seeking an adoption record, you'll need to contact the probate court directly and request a local court order for access. This process typically requires demonstrating a legitimate need for the information.

For more information on adoption laws in Massachusetts, refer to Chapter 210: Adoption of Children and Change of Name in the state's legal code.

Massachusetts Probate FAQs

Find answers to common questions about obtaining and using Massachusetts probate records.

How can I find Massachusetts Probate Records?

To locate Massachusetts probate records, start by searching for the probate court in the county where the person who made the will lived, not their place of death. Our Massachusetts Probate Court Directory can help you find the right court.

What information do I need to provide to obtain a probate record?

You will need to provide the full name of the person who made the will and any relevant information, such as the date of the will or the name of the executor, when requesting a probate record from the court clerk's office.

Are probate records public in Massachusetts?

Yes, Massachusetts state law mandates that probate court files are public records. Certified and plain copies of probate records from Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties can be obtained for a fee on our website.

How can I request older probate records from the 18th or 19th century?

Older probate records may not be indexed online. For older records, you can request them directly from the relevant probate court or consider using our probate record retrieval service.

Are adoption records available in probate records?

No, adoption records in Massachusetts are sealed and require a court order for access. This is to protect the privacy of all parties involved in the adoption process.

What kind of information can I find in Massachusetts probate records?

Probate records can contain various documents such as wills, bonds, inventories, accounts, claims, petitions, administrations, and lists of heirs. They often provide valuable genealogical information and details about the deceased's assets and family relationships.

How can the staff at mass-doc.com help with probate records?

The staff at mass-doc.com have experience in locating original probate case files and offer probate record retrieval services for Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties in Massachusetts. We can help streamline your research process and provide expert assistance in navigating the complexities of probate records.