About Informal Probate Publication Notice
Informal Probate Publication Notice (MPC 551) is a probate form used during estate settlement in Massachusetts.
Where to get the official form
The official version of Informal Probate Publication Notice 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 Informal Probate Publication Notice (PDF) →
Source: mass.gov
Link last checked: August 28, 2026
Prefer to fill it in online? The Massachusetts courts also publish Informal Probate Publication Notice as a guided online form that walks you through each field and then saves a completed PDF you can file.
Fill MPC 551 online at the Massachusetts courts →How to file Informal Probate Publication Notice in Massachusetts
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formDouble-check that Informal Probate Publication Notice (MPC 551) 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.
- Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Informal Probate Publication Notice 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.
- 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.
- Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Informal Probate Publication Notice 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).