Advance Directive

The Massachusetts Advance Directive form authorizes a health care proxy and contains an individual’s instructions regarding their health care and treatment. It also includes their last will. This form must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses. Full information and the form sample can be found on the Massachusetts’s official state site.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Massachusetts has no restrictions on who can obtain a death certificate provided the individual can present proof of legal interest or relation to the deceased. The required application information includes:

• Deceased’s name and social security number
• Date and place of death
• Names of deceased’s parents
• Applicant’s name and address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased or another purpose for the request
• A stamped self-addressed envelope for mailing the certificate

The certificate and one certified copy cost $28 including the mailing charge. When the application is handed in person, the price is $18. Expedited service costs $37.

The application can be handed in person or mailed to:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

150 Mt. Vernon Street, 1st Floor

Dorchester, MA 02125-3105

Digital Estate Planning Laws

HD 3489 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on January 1st, 2020.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Massachusetts is currently reviewing the End of Life Options Bill. Updates on this bill can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

The Massachusetts organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)

The Massachusetts Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment form can be found here. This form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Massachusetts legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in MGL, Part ll, Title ll: Descendent and Distribution, Wills, Estates or Deceased Persons and Absentees, Guardianship, Conservatorship and Trusts Act.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Massachusetts has an estate tax of up to 16%. More information can be found on Massachusetts state’s official page.