The Massachusetts Petition for Formal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal Representative is the legal document used to open a probate estate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Petition formally requests the court to recognize the validity of a decedent’s will and to appoint a personal representative, if necessary. There are two types of Massachusetts Petition for Formal Probate of Will and/or Appointment of Personal Representative: • Petition for Probate of Will: This type of petition is used when there is a valid will in place and the executor wishes to be appointed as the personal representative. • Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative: This type of petition is used when there is no valid will in place or when the executor of the will is unable or unwilling to serve as the personal representative. The Petition must be filed in the county where the decedent was domiciled at the time of their death, and must include the decedent’s name, address, and date of death as well as the names and addresses of the heirs and beneficiaries of the estate. Additionally, the Petition must include a verified inventory of the decedent’s assets and liabilities, the name and address of the personal representative, and any other relevant information.