Document background
The Small Estate Affidavit Form was developed to provide a streamlined process for handling estates that fall below certain value thresholds, which vary by state in the United States. This document is particularly useful when the cost and time of formal probate proceedings would be disproportionate to the estate's value. It allows legal heirs to claim and transfer assets with minimal court intervention, typically including details about the deceased person, their assets, outstanding debts, and rightful heirs. The form must be completed under oath and usually requires notarization. It's important to note that eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and maximum estate values vary significantly by jurisdiction.
