About Small Estate Closing Statement
To close a small estate probate by the Personal Representative's statement that the estate has been fully administered and distributed.
When you'd use it: When a small estate (under Massachusetts G.L. c. 190B, § 3-1204) has been fully administered and the Personal Representative is ready to terminate their appointment.
Where to get the official form
Small Estate Closing Statement 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 Small Estate Closing Statement in Massachusetts
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Small Estate Closing Statement (MPC 851) when when a small estate (under Massachusetts G.L. c. 190B, § 3-1204) has been fully administered and the Personal Representative is ready to terminate their appointment. 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 Small Estate Closing Statement 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 Small Estate Closing Statement 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).