Massachusetts § 32 - Foreign executor; license to sell realty

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 32 — Foreign executor; license to sell realty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 32. Foreign executor; license to sell realty

Section 32. An executor or administrator appointed in another state or country upon the estate of a person who was not at the time of his death a resident of this commonwealth and upon whose estate administration has not been granted in this commonwealth, duly qualified and acting, may file an authenticated copy of the record of his appointment and of his bond in the probate court for any county where there is real estate of the deceased; and such executor or administrator, after such notice to the commissioner of revenue, creditors and all other persons interested as the court may order, may be licensed to sell said real estate or an undivided interest therein in such manner and upon such notice as the court orders. But such license shall not be granted unless the court finds that six months have expired since the death of the deceased, that the executor or administrator has given a sufficient bond and will be liable to account for the proceeds of the sale in the state or country where he was appointed that the executor or administrator has filed in the probate court a certificate of the commissioner of revenue showing either that the amount of tax under chapter sixty-five C has been paid, that payment thereof has been secured as provided in section ten of said chapter sixty-five C, or that no tax is due, and that no creditor or other person interested will be prejudiced thereby. The net proceeds of such sale, after deducting the expenses thereof and after the payment and satisfaction of all claims against said estate in this commonwealth, may be taken by said foreign executor or administrator out of the commonwealth to be accounted for in the court in which he received his appointment. For dates of death on or after January 1, 1997, said certificate of the commissioner shall not be required.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 32

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 32 cover?

Section 32 ("Foreign executor; license to sell realty") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 32?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 32" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 32 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.