Massachusetts Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Massachusetts, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Massachusetts guide.
- Will
- Massachusetts will requirements under c. 190B: age 18, sound mind, a signed writing, two witnesses, no handwritten wills, and a self-proving affidavit. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How a Massachusetts revocable living trust works under M.G.L. c. 203E: creation, funding a deed and accounts, the nominee trust, and the pour-over will. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Massachusetts never adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. A POA here is durable only if it carries the wording in M.G.L. c. 190B, Section 5-501. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Massachusetts has no living will statute. The health care proxy under M.G.L. c. 201D is the only advance directive, and it takes two witnesses, not a notary. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Massachusetts requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Massachusetts estate planning guides
Massachusetts Estate Planning Basics
Massachusetts estate planning basics: a will under c. 190B, a power of attorney that says the right words, a health care proxy, and a funded revocable trust.
Massachusetts Will Requirements
Massachusetts will requirements under c. 190B: age 18, sound mind, a signed writing, two witnesses, no handwritten wills, and a self-proving affidavit.
Massachusetts Power of Attorney
Massachusetts never adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. A POA here is durable only if it carries the wording in M.G.L. c. 190B, Section 5-501.
Massachusetts Health Care Proxy
Massachusetts has no living will statute. The health care proxy under M.G.L. c. 201D is the only advance directive, and it takes two witnesses, not a notary.
Massachusetts Guardianship Planning
Massachusetts guardianship planning under M.G.L. c. 190B Article 5. Name your own guardian in a durable power of attorney, and see what a judge must find first.
Massachusetts Revocable Living Trust
How a Massachusetts revocable living trust works under M.G.L. c. 203E: creation, funding a deed and accounts, the nominee trust, and the pour-over will.
Massachusetts Trust Administration
Massachusetts trust administration under M.G.L. c. 203E: the 30-day notice to qualified beneficiaries, trustee accounting, paying debts, and distribution.
Massachusetts Pet Trusts
A Massachusetts pet trust under M.G.L. c. 203E, Section 408: who can enforce it, when a judge may cut the fund, and where unspent money goes.
Massachusetts Digital Assets After Death
Massachusetts has not enacted RUFADAA. With no digital-assets article in c. 190B, account access runs on provider tools and written fiduciary authority.
Not sure what you need in Massachusetts?
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Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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