Free Massachusetts Affidavit of Heirship Form

1Who is Making

2Deceased Person

3Decedent and Relationship

4Property

5Personal Property items

6Address of the property

7Decedent Married

8Marital History

9Surviving Heirs

10Affidavit be signed

11Person making affidavit

• Who is making this Affidavit?

  Enter the name and contact information of the person making the declaration in this
  Affidavit. In legal terms, this person is called the "Affiant."

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code

• What is the deceased person's name, date, and place of death?

  Enter the decedent's full legal name and the date and place of death listed on his or her death certificate.

• Name
• Date of Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• City of Death
• State of Death
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

• How and for how long did you know the Decedent?

  Enter the start and end dates you knew the Decedent and your relationship to him or her.

• From
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Until
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• The Decedent was my:
  AuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife

• What type of property did the Decedent leave?

• Real estate and personal property should be covered in separate affidavits to ensure the original can be recorded with the proper authority.
  • Personal Property
  • Real Property (Land, Residence, Real Estate)

• List the personal property items left by the Decedent.

  List each item one at a time. You will be able to enter as many items as necessary. The location refers to the bank, business or individual who currently maintains the property.

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Second Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Third Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fourth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fifth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Sixth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Seventh Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Eighth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Ninth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Tenth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value

• What is the address of the property owned by the deceased party?

  You should also indicate the county where the property is located and the legal description. The legal description can be found on the deed to the property. This Affidavit should only cover property located in the same county.

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• rental add another
  • Add another

• Second Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Third Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fourth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fifth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Sixth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Seventh Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Eighth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Ninth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Tenth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description

• Did the Decedent ever marry?

• Select "Yes" if the Decedent was ever married in his or her life.
• Did the Decedent ever marry
  • Yes
  • No, never married

• Describe the marital history of the Decedent here.

  Leave blank any fields that do not apply.

• First Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Second Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Third Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fourth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fifth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Sixth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Seventh Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Eighth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Ninth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Tenth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Who are the remaining surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Who are the surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Second Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Third Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fourth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fifth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Sixth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Seventh Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Eighth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Ninth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Tenth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• When will this Affidavit be signed?

  You can leave this question blank if you are unsure of the signing date.

• Date
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Did the Decedent address the property in a Last Will and Testament?

  Select the option that applies to your situation. If the property was addressed in a Will, this document is not needed.

• Addressed in a Will, this document is not needed
  • No, the Will did not specifically refer to the property
  • No, decedent did not leave a Will

• Where will the person making the Affidavit sign the document?

• This document must be signed by a notary public. Choosing the state where the Affidavit is signed will determine the proper format for the notary section. Certain states may require witnesses to sign the affidavit as well.

• County (not country)
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

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Simplify Inheritance in Massachusetts with an Affidavit of Heirship

The loss of a loved one is a sensitive time, often accompanied by the complexities of settling their estate. Fortunately, Massachusetts law offers helpful tools to streamline this process in certain situations. One such tool is the Affidavit of Heirship. This blog post aims to provide a positive and clear understanding of the Affidavit of Heirship in Massachusetts, explaining its purpose, benefits, and how it can simplify the transfer of assets to rightful heirs

What is an Affidavit of Heirship? A Helpful Summary

In Massachusetts, an Affidavit of Heirship is a legal document that serves as a declaration of who the legal heirs are when a person passes away without a valid will. This situation is known as dying "intestate." Think of it as a sworn statement that outlines the family tree of the deceased, identifying the individuals legally entitled to inherit their property under Massachusetts intestacy laws.

The beauty of the Affidavit of Heirship lies in its ability to potentially simplify estate administration. For smaller, more straightforward estates, it can offer a less complex and more efficient alternative to the formal probate process. It's about making things easier and more manageable for families during a difficult time.

How is an Affidavit of Heirship Used in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, Affidavits of Heirship are primarily used to transfer specific types of property, particularly personal property, in estates that qualify for simplified procedures. Here's how they are commonly used in a positive way:

• Facilitating Small Estate Administration : Massachusetts offers a simplified probate process for "small estates." While the definition of a small estate can vary, it generally involves estates with a limited value of assets. In these cases, an Affidavit of Heirship can be a valuable asset, potentially allowing heirs to bypass full probate and directly access and transfer assets. This can save significant time and costs

• Efficient Transfer of Personal Property: Affidavits of Heirship are frequently used to transfer personal property like bank accounts, vehicles, and stocks or bonds, especially when these assets are held solely in the deceased's name and are part of a small estate. Banks, financial institutions, and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles may accept a properly executed Affidavit of Heirship to release or transfer these assets to the rightful heirs without requiring formal probate. This direct transfer can be a significant convenience for grieving families.

• Addressing Real Estate in Limited Scenarios: In Massachusetts, while less common, Affidavits of Heirship might be considered for real estate transfer in very specific and limited circumstances, typically involving property of modest value and without mortgages or liens. However, real estate transfers often involve more complex title requirements, and it's crucial to consult with legal professionals and title companies to determine if an Affidavit of Heirship is suitable for real property in Massachusetts. In cases where it is applicable, it can still offer a more streamlined approach than full probate.

When is an Affidavit of Heirship a Positive Choice in Massachusetts?

The Affidavit of Heirship is particularly beneficial and a positive choice in certain situations in Massachusetts:

• Simple Family Situations: When the family structure is straightforward, with clear and undisputed heirs (such as a surviving spouse and children), the Affidavit of Heirship process can be remarkably smooth and efficient.

• Cooperative Heirs: If all potential heirs are in agreement about who should inherit and how the estate should be divided, an Affidavit of Heirship can provide an amicable and less contentious way to settle the estate.

• Smaller Estates Qualifying for Simplified Procedures: For estates that meet Massachusetts's small estate criteria, the Affidavit of Heirship is specifically designed to be a user-friendly and less burdensome alternative to traditional probate.

The Positive Benefits of Choosing an Affidavit of Heirship in Massachusetts

Opting for an Affidavit of Heirship when appropriate in Massachusetts offers several positive advantages:

• Saves Time : Avoid the often lengthy and complex probate court process. The affidavit route is generally much faster, allowing heirs to access assets and finalize the estate sooner

• Reduces Costs: Typically less expensive than formal probate. Lower court fees and potentially reduced attorney fees mean more of the estate's value remains for the heirs

• Simplifies the Process: Less paperwork, fewer court appearances, and a more understandable process compared to probate. This simplicity can be a great comfort during a stressful time

• Minimizes Stress: Streamlining estate administration during bereavement can significantly reduce stress and allow families to focus on healing and supporting each other.

Important Considerations and Disclaimer

While Affidavits of Heirship offer many positive aspects, it's important to keep in mind:

• Not a Universal Solution: Affidavits of Heirship are not appropriate for large or complicated estates, estates with disputes among heirs, or complex real estate situations. Formal probate is usually necessary in those cases.

• Accuracy is Key: The information presented in the Affidavit of Heirship must be accurate and truthful. False statements can have legal consequences.

Conclusion: Empowering Simpler Estate Resolution in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the Affidavit of Heirship stands as a valuable tool for simplifying estate administration in appropriate circumstances. When used correctly, it offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and less stressful way for families to navigate the transfer of assets after a loved one's passing. By understanding its purpose and advantages, you can confidently consider whether an Affidavit of Heirship is the right path to bring clarity and positive resolution to estate matters in Massachusetts.