The first step is to determine whether the deceased individual left a will. If there is a will, the executor or some other person may offer the will for probate in the Probate Court.
Even if the will is not going to be probated, anyone with the will of a decedent must bring the choice to the Probate Court for filing.
If there is no will, the usual procedure is to appoint an administrator to take care of the decedent’s estate. However, whether or not there is a will, if a spouse or minor child (under age 18) survives the decedent, they may want to consider whether to file for Year’s Support.