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
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.
Not sure what you need in Massachusetts?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
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.