About Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service
Notifies interested parties of intent to file for informal probate of a will or appointment of a personal representative under Massachusetts law, and documents service of that notice.
When you'd use it: When initiating informal probate proceedings under G.L. c. 190B, § 3-306, before filing the actual petition with the Probate and Family Court.
Where to get the official form
Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service 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 Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service in Massachusetts
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service (MPC 550) when when initiating informal probate proceedings under G.L. c. 190B, § 3-306, before filing the actual petition with the Probate and Family Court. 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 Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service 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 Notice of Informal Probate and Return of Service 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).