Here’s something that might surprise you about Massachusetts: despite being one of the most educated states in the country, the Bay State is still stuck in the paper age when it comes to wills. You can create your will online, but you still need to print it out and sign it with wet ink like it’s 1995.
Without a will, Massachusetts decides who gets your stuff. And state bureaucrats don’t know that you wanted your Cape Cod beach house to go to your ocean-loving daughter, not your son who gets seasick on a ferry ride.
Creating a will puts you in control and gives your family clarity instead of leaving them to navigate Massachusetts’ legal system.
Massachusetts Will Laws (What You Need to Know)
Massachusetts’ will requirements come from Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 191 (Wills), with specific execution requirements outlined in Section 1. The Bay State allows online will creation but hasn’t adopted electronic will legislation, so you must print your online-created will and sign it with wet ink.
This means Massachusetts residents have fewer modern options than people in states that have embraced electronic wills.
What This Actually Costs
Here’s the honest money breakdown:
- Traditional attorney route: Few hundred to several thousand dollars (varies by complexity)
- Online platforms: Around $200–$300 for comprehensive packages
- DIY approach: Cheapest upfront, risky if you mess up legal requirements
Most people with straightforward situations don’t need expensive attorneys unless they have complicated business structures or family drama requiring special legal handling.
Massachusetts Will Requirements (The Make-or-Break Rules)
Your will must satisfy these requirements or it becomes worthless paper:
Basic Requirements:
✓ Must be in writing
✓ You must be 18+ and of sound mind
✓ Must be signed by you (the testator)
✓ Must be signed by a minimum of 2 witnesses
✓ Witnesses must watch you sign OR hear you acknowledge your signature
✓ Must have testamentary intent (intention to make this your will)
✓ Must be printed with original wet ink signatures
Critical Massachusetts Rule: No electronic wills allowed — you must print and sign on paper.
Can You Create Your Own Will? (Yes, But Be Smart)
Massachusetts allows you to create your own will without an attorney. But here’s what most people don’t realize: one unclear sentence or missing legal requirement can leave your family dealing with probate complications.
If you’re going DIY, use a reliable online platform designed by attorneys who know Massachusetts’ specific requirements. Don’t try to wing it unless you enjoy potential legal headaches.
Do You Need a Lawyer? (Usually Not)
Massachusetts doesn’t require attorneys for will creation. You might want one if:
- Your estate includes complex business interests
- You own assets in multiple states or countries
- You have intricate family dynamics
- You need sophisticated tax planning
For most individuals with simple estates and straightforward wishes, online will creation handles everything at a fraction of attorney costs.
Step-by-Step Massachusetts Will Creation
Here’s the process that actually works:
- Choose a trusted online platform
- Draft your will using guided questions about assets and beneficiaries
- Review and finalize everything
- Print the will on paper (required by Massachusetts law)
- Sign with wet ink in front of two witnesses
- Get witness signatures
- Add notarization (optional but recommended for self-proving status)
- Store securely both physical copy and digital backup
- Review regularly and update as life changes
Notarization: Not Required But Smart
Massachusetts doesn’t require notarization, but it’s cheap insurance. Here’s why:
- Without notary: Witnesses may need to testify about the will’s authenticity during probate
- With notary: Will becomes “self-proving” and can be admitted to probate more quickly
Massachusetts Witness Requirements
Your witnesses must be:
- Competent adults over 18
- Present when you sign OR when you acknowledge your signature
- Able to provide their own signatures
Important note: Massachusetts doesn’t legally restrict beneficiaries from being witnesses, but it’s generally discouraged to avoid conflicts of interest.
What Goes in Your Massachusetts Will
Your will should address:
- Nominated executor – who handles your estate
- Guardian selection for minor children or pets
- Asset inventory – what you own
- Beneficiary list – who inherits from your estate
- Specific distribution instructions for sentimental items
- Property manager for dependent children
- Final arrangements – burial, cremation preferences
- Personal messages to loved ones
Common Massachusetts Will Mistakes
Legal Requirements:
- Trying to create a digital-only will (invalid in Massachusetts)
- Not printing and signing on paper with wet ink
- Missing proper witness signatures
Witness Problems:
- Not having witnesses present during signing or acknowledgment
- Using witnesses under 18
- Unclear witness procedures
Content Issues:
- Vague language creating confusion
- Missing key appointments (executor, guardian)
- Not addressing Massachusetts’ specific laws
Storage Problems:
- Family can’t locate the will when needed
- No secure backup copies
- Poor organization of important documents
Why Massachusetts Is Behind the Times
While progressive states have embraced electronic wills, Massachusetts still requires paper and wet ink signatures. This means Massachusetts residents must:
- Print their online-created wills
- Use physical signatures only
- Store paper documents securely
- Deal with potential paper document issues (loss, damage, forgery)
The Massachusetts Disadvantage
Massachusetts residents miss out on benefits available in other states:
- No electronic will recognition
- No remote witnessing capabilities
- No digital signature acceptance
- Outdated paper-based requirements
Take Action Today
Every day without a will is a day your family’s future depends on Massachusetts’ default inheritance laws instead of your personal wishes.
Don’t be the person whose family faces unnecessary probate complications trying to figure out what you would have wanted. Even though Massachusetts requires old-fashioned paper and signatures, you can still create your will online and simply print and sign it.
Get Started Now
The key is following Massachusetts’ specific requirements exactly, including the paper printing and wet ink signature requirements. Your loved ones will thank you for taking 30 minutes to protect their future instead of leaving them to navigate legal complexities.
This information is educational only and not legal advice. Complex situations may require professional legal guidance.