Free template
Small Estate Affidavit Template
Draft your custom agreement in seconds with AI Lawyer
Download template
Small Estate Affidavit Template
This Small Estate Affidavit (the “Affidavit”) is made on [Date] by:
Affiant (Claimant): [Full Name], address: [Address], phone/email: [Contact] (“Affiant”).
Decedent: [Full Legal Name] (the “Decedent”)
Date of Death: [Date]
County/State of Death: [County/State]
Last Address: [Address]
1. Purpose
1.1 I am making this Affidavit to claim and/or transfer certain assets of the Decedent under applicable small estate procedures, where permitted.
2. Eligibility Statements (Customize to Your State)
2.1 Waiting Period: At least [__] days have passed since the Decedent’s date of death (if required).
2.2 No Probate: No petition for the appointment of a personal representative/executor is currently pending or has been granted, or if it has, this Affidavit is allowed by law: ☐ Yes ☐ No (explain).
2.3 Estate Value: To the best of my knowledge, the total value of the Decedent’s probate estate subject to this procedure does not exceed the applicable statutory limit in [State]: $[Limit] (or “as defined by law”).
2.4 No Known Disputes: There are no known disputes among heirs/successors regarding the property described below, except: [Explain].
3. Relationship and Successor Information
3.1 My relationship to the Decedent is: ☐ spouse ☐ child ☐ parent ☐ sibling ☐ other: [Explain].
3.2 The Decedent’s successors/heirs are (attach additional page if needed):
[Heir Name], relationship: [], address: [], share: [__]%
[Heir Name], relationship: [], address: [], share: [__]%
3.3 Will (If Any):
☐ The Decedent left a will dated [Date]. A copy is attached.
☐ No will is known to exist.
4. Assets Being Claimed
4.1 I request transfer/payment of the following assets (attach supporting statements if available):
Asset #1: [Bank/Institution], account/asset ID: [], estimated value: $[]
Asset #2: [Vehicle], VIN: [], estimated value: $[]
Asset #3: [Personal property], description: [], estimated value: $[]
4.2 Total Estimated Value of Listed Assets: $[Total].
5. Debts, Expenses, and Claims
5.1 Known debts/expenses of the Decedent include: [List].
5.2 Funeral/burial expenses: ☐ paid ☐ unpaid. Amount: $[__].
5.3 I agree to use received assets to pay lawful debts and expenses as required.
6. Indemnification
6.1 I agree to indemnify and hold harmless any person or institution that transfers property to me in reliance on this Affidavit from any claims by other heirs or creditors, except as prohibited by law.
7. Supporting Documents (Attach as Available)
7.1 ☐ Certified death certificate
7.2 ☐ Copy of will (if any)
7.3 ☐ Proof of identity
7.4 ☐ Asset statements (bank/vehicle title)
7.5 ☐ Heirship documentation (if required)
7.6 ☐ Other: [List]
8. Statement Under Oath
8.1 I declare under penalty of perjury that the statements in this Affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signatures
Affiant: [Full Name]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________
Witnesses (If Required)
Witness Name: [Name]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________
Notary / Notarization (If Required)
State of [State]
County of [County]
On [Date], before me, [Notary Name], personally appeared [Affiant Full Name], known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to this Affidavit, and acknowledged that they executed it for the purposes stated.
Notary Public Signature: _______________________
My Commission Expires: _______________________
Notary Seal (if applicable): ___________________
No time to fill it up? Generate your custom agreement with AI Lawyer in seconds
Details
Learn more about
Small Estate Affidavit Template
SMALL ESTATE AFFIDAVIT TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a small estate affidavit?
A Small Estate Affidavit is a sworn statement used to collect or transfer assets from a deceased person’s estate without a full probate process, when the estate qualifies as “small” under state law. The rules, dollar limits, and waiting periods vary widely.
Who can use a small estate affidavit?
Usually an heir, surviving spouse, or other successor can use it if they are legally entitled to the asset and there is no active probate case. Some states also require that all heirs agree or that specific family members have priority.
What assets can be transferred?
Often bank accounts, vehicles, small personal property, or other non-real-estate assets may qualify. Real estate rules are more restrictive and vary by state. This template includes general asset fields, but you should confirm what is allowed in your jurisdiction.
What information is commonly required?
Common items include: decedent identity, date of death, residence, list of heirs and their shares, statement that the estate qualifies, description of the assets being claimed, funeral expense statement, and a promise to indemnify the holder of the assets.
Do you need a notary?
Often yes. Many institutions require notarization and sometimes witnesses. This template includes a notarization section and an optional witness section.
What is AI Lawyer?
AI Lawyer is an AI-powered assistant that helps you create and customize legal and business document templates online. It guides you through key sections, suggests wording, and explains complex concepts in simple language. AI Lawyer does not replace a licensed attorney or provide legal advice, but helps you prepare better documents faster and more confidently.
Similar templates









