Massachusetts Probate Form MPC 161

Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: August 28, 2026

Working through the Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

About Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment

Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment (MPC 161) is a probate form used during estate settlement in Massachusetts.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment is published as a PDF by the Massachusetts courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment (PDF) →

Source: mass.gov

Link last checked: August 28, 2026

Prefer to fill it in online? The Massachusetts courts also publish Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment as a guided online form that walks you through each field and then saves a completed PDF you can file.

Fill MPC 161 online at the Massachusetts courts →

How to file Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment in Massachusetts

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formDouble-check that Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment (MPC 161) is the right form for your situation. Massachusetts probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Massachusetts county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

Probate in Massachusetts

See the full Massachusetts probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Massachusetts probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment (MPC 161)?
Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment (MPC 161) is a probate form used during estate settlement in Massachusetts. It's filed with the probate court as part of administering a deceased person's estate.
Where do I file Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment in Massachusetts?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Massachusetts county where the deceased person lived. Our Massachusetts probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment available online?
Most Massachusetts probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Massachusetts Probate Forms

Petition for Informal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal RepresentativeMPC 150Petition for Formal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal RepresentativeMPC 160Surviving Spouse, Children, Heirs at LawMPC 162DeviseesMPC 163

Need help with Massachusetts probate?

  • Personalized to your assets, heirs, and jurisdiction
  • Deadlines calculated from your date of death
  • Track progress and store documents in one place
Get step-by-step help

Free — no credit card required

Informational guidance only — not legal advice

Find the other Massachusetts probate forms you'll need →

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.