Massachusetts Probate Form MPC 855

Petition for Order of Complete Settlement

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

Working through the Petition for Order of Complete Settlement? 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

About Petition for Order of Complete Settlement

A petition to obtain a court order settling an estate completely, allowing for final distribution of assets and closure of the probate proceedings.

When you'd use it: Filed by a personal representative after one year has passed since appointment (or death if personal representative is the petitioner) and the claim period has expired, to request final account allowance, testacy/heir determination if needed, and authorization for final distributions.

Where to get the official form

Petition for Order of Complete Settlement 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 Order of Complete Settlement in Massachusetts

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Petition for Order of Complete Settlement (MPC 855) when filed by a personal representative after one year has passed since appointment (or death if personal representative is the petitioner) and the claim period has expired, to request final account allowance, testacy/heir determination if needed, and authorization for final distributions. 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 Order of Complete Settlement 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 Order of Complete Settlement 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 Order of Complete Settlement? 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 Order of Complete Settlement (MPC 855)?
A petition to obtain a court order settling an estate completely, allowing for final distribution of assets and closure of the probate proceedings. You'd typically use it when filed by a personal representative after one year has passed since appointment (or death if personal representative is the petitioner) and the claim period has expired, to request final account allowance, testacy/heir determination if needed, and authorization for final distributions.
Where do I file Petition for Order of Complete Settlement 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 Order of Complete Settlement?
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 Order of Complete Settlement 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

Need help with Massachusetts probate?

  • Personalized to your assets, heirs, and jurisdiction
  • Deadlines calculated from your date of death
  • Track progress and store documents in one place
Get step-by-step help

Free — no credit card required

Informational guidance only — not legal advice

Find the other Massachusetts probate forms you'll need →

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.