Massachusetts Probate Form MPC 255 (10/23/12)

Petition for Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative

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: June 27, 2026

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About Petition for Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative

To request the informal appointment of a successor personal representative to replace a previously appointed personal representative in an unsupervised probate administration.

When you'd use it: When the current personal representative resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, or is removed, and a qualified successor needs to be appointed under Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code.

Where to get the official form

Petition for Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative is published through the Massachusettscourts' official forms page. Open it to find and download the current version directly from the court rather than a third-party copy:

Official court source

Open the official Massachusetts forms page →

Source: courtforms.jud.state.ma.us

Link last checked: June 27, 2026

How to file Petition for Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative in Massachusetts

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Petition for Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative (MPC 255 (10/23/12)) when when the current personal representative resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, or is removed, and a qualified successor needs to be appointed under Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code. Double-check it's 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 Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative 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 Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative 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 Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative? 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 Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative (MPC 255 (10/23/12))?
To request the informal appointment of a successor personal representative to replace a previously appointed personal representative in an unsupervised probate administration. You'd typically use it when when the current personal representative resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, or is removed, and a qualified successor needs to be appointed under Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code.
Where do I file Petition for Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative 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 Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative?
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 Informal Appointment of Successor Personal Representative 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

Decree of Sale of Real Estate Personal RepresentativeMPC 794Decree and Order on Petition for Formal AdjudicationMPC 755Informal Probate Publication NoticeMPC 551 (3/19/12)Assent and Waiver of NoticeMPC 455 (10/23/12) AWR

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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.