In general, when someone dies, the estate must go through probate which can be a complicated and lengthy process. But many states provide less complicated options for smaller estates.

Massachusetts law provides for simplified probate when the value of an estate consisting entirely of personal property less does not exceed $15,000.  If no petition for letters testamentary or letters of administration have been filed with the probate court in the county in which the decedent died, a family member may file a verified statement with the court after a waiting period of 30 days.