Massachusetts § 187E - Small claims; payments to heirs of decedents
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 187E — Small claims; payments to heirs of decedents, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 187E. Small claims; payments to heirs of decedents
Section 187E. A company which upon the death of an individual residing in the commonwealth owes his estate an aggregate sum not exceeding ten thousand dollars under any policy or policies of life, endowment, or accident or health insurance, or any annuity or pure endowment contract or contracts, may, at any time not less than sixty days thereafter, upon satisfactory proof, pay such sum to his surviving spouse, or, if none, to one or more of his heirs under section three of chapter one hundred and ninety; provided, that at the time of such payment no written claim for such sum has been received at the company's home office from any executor, administrator or special administrator of the estate of such individual. Any payment made under any such policy or contract under authority of this section to a person eighteen years of age or older shall constitute a full discharge of the company from all liability thereunder.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 187E
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 187E cover?
Section 187E ("Small claims; payments to heirs of decedents") 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 § 187E?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 187E" (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 § 187E 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.