The Massachusetts Probate Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters such as wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
For example, if a person passes away in Massachusetts, and there are matters of probate, their family or attorney must file probate matters in the county where they officially lived before their death.
The Probate Courts also have jurisdiction over family-related matters:
If you're unfamiliar with Massachusetts city or county borders, you can view or download these present-day maps.
County Established 10 May 1643
24 New Chardon Street, 3rd FL
Boston, MA 02114
Telephone: (671) 788-8301
Hours: M - F 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Email: Suffolk Probate Court
Virtual Registry: https://www.zoomgov.com/my/suffolkpf
Virtual Registry operates from 8:00AM - 1:00PM, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Towns In Court's Jurisdiction: Boston, Brighton, Charlestown, Chelsea, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Revere, Roslindale, South Boston, Winthrop
County Established 1 April 1731 from Middlesex, Suffolk, and Hampshire County
225 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Telephone: (508) 831-2200
Email: Worcester Probate Court
Virtual Registry: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1614383173
Hours: M - F 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Towns In Court's Jurisdiction: Ashburnham, Athol, Auburn, Barre, Berlin, Blackstone, Bolton, Boylston, Brookfield, Charlton, Clinton, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Fitchburg, Gardner, Grafton, Hardwick, Harvard, Holden, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leicester, Leominster, Lunenburg, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Northborough, Northbridge, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Templeton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Brookfield, Westborough, Westminster, Winchendon, Worcester