Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 190B, § 3-103: Necessity of appointment for administration

Section 3–103. [Necessity of Appointment for Administration.]

Except as otherwise provided in article IV, to acquire the powers and undertake the duties and liabilities of a personal representative of a decedent, a person shall be appointed by order of the court or a magistrate, qualify and be issued letters. Administration of an estate is commenced by the issuance of letters.