About Affidavit of Domicile
To establish the domicile of a deceased person for probate purposes in Massachusetts.
When you'd use it: Filed in probate court to provide sworn testimony regarding where the decedent was domiciled at the time of death.
Where to get the official form
Affidavit of Domicile 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 Affidavit of Domicile in Massachusetts
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Affidavit of Domicile (MPC 485 (3/19/12)) when filed in probate court to provide sworn testimony regarding where the decedent was domiciled at the time of death. 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.
- Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Affidavit of Domicile 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 Affidavit of Domicile 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).