Small Estate Affidavits

A small estate affidavit may be used in place of a formal estate proceeding (opening an estate before a judge) to collect the decedent’s (person who died) assets when the total value of the decedent’s assets are less than $100,000 and include no real estate.

An affidavit must be completed which states the names and addresses of the heirs at law (individuals who will receive the assets) if the decedent died without a will or the beneficiaries’ names and addresses if the decedent had a will. The affiant (individual who signs the affidavit) must state that no estate proceeding before a court is pending nor is one comtemplated. He must also state that all funeral expenses have been paid and that there is no unknown claimant (debtor) and no known claims against the assets which have not been paid. All assets must be listed on the affidavit as well.

No notice is required to heirs, beneficairies or creditors. The affiant can be held financially responsible to creditors of the decedent who rely upon the affidavit and who suffer a loss because of their reliance.

The small estate affidavit does not need to be filed with the court.

It is a useful tool whern there is no question about the debts of the decedent and there are assets in the decedent’s name which need to be accessed.

Consult your estate planning attorney for further information.