Probate courts are usually trial courts with the authority to hear only matters relating to wills, estates, probate, guardianships, and conservatorships. Courts dedicated to these matters are usually located in populous counties and are said to have exclusive jurisdiction (authority) over such matters within the county.
In Massachusetts, Probate and Family Courts have jurisdiction over matters including wills, estates, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, as well as family law issues such as divorce, child custody, and support. These courts are trial courts that handle cases related to the administration of a deceased person's estate, the distribution of assets, and the appointment of guardians or conservators for minors or incapacitated individuals. Each county in Massachusetts has a Probate and Family Court, and they have exclusive jurisdiction over these matters within their respective counties. This means that all legal issues pertaining to probate, estates, and related matters must be filed and heard in the Probate and Family Court located in the county where the individual lived or owned property.