If a person domiciled in Massachusetts dies leaving an estate consisting entirely
of personal property, and the total value which may include a motor vehicle the decedent
owned, and other personal property does not exceed $25,000 in value (the value of
the motor vehicle does not count against the $25,000 ceiling), any interested person
may file, with the court of the county where the decedent resided. The interested
party must file, on a form prescribed by the court, a statement (verified by oath
or affirmation) that the person will act as voluntary administrator of the estate.
This procedure applies after the expiration of 30 days from the death of the decedent,
provided no petition for appointment of a personal representative has been filed with
the court of the county where the decedent resided.
The form, verified by oath or affirmation, must contain:
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the name and residential address of the affiant;
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the name, residence, and date of death of the deceased;
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the relationship of the affiant to the deceased;
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a schedule showing every asset of the estate known to the affiant and the estimated
value of each such asset;
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a statement that the affiant has undertaken to act as voluntary administrator and
will administer the estate according to the law, and apply the proceeds thereof in
conformity with this law; and
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the names and addresses of people (known to the affiant) with rights to the estate
under a will or intestacy law. If there is a will, the affiant must file it with the
form.