Free Pennsylvania Small Estate Affidavit Forms and Templates

Pennsylvania Small Estate Affidavit Form: What Is It?

A Pennsylvania Small Estate Affidavit is a formal instrument used to apply for the position of an agent that will take charge of the small estate distribution. If you believe the estate of the deceased individual is small enough and you have sufficient knowledge about the assets, debts, and heirs of the estate owner, you have an opportunity to skip the traditional probate and be able to handle the property of the decedent quicker and with fewer expenses whether the person died with or without composing a will.

Pennsylvania Small Estate Affidavit Types

• Form REV-1500, Inheritance Tax Return - Resident Decedent. The agent of the individual that died has to file a tax return that specifies the estate and includes their name for further communication with the Department of Revenue. Refer to this form in the main affidavit you submit later to certify you have paid the inheritance tax;
• Form OC-01, Petition for Adjudication /Statement of Proposed Distribution Pursuant to PA. O.C. Rule 2.4. You are obliged to prepare a supplemental form that contains your own suggestions regarding the distribution of the estate - the judge will either make their own decision or appoint an auditor who will deal with the distribution and its schedule;
• Pennsylvania Small Estate Affidavit Form. This document is completed to give the applicant the right to collect the estate. You will transfer the property to yourself and other beneficiaries named in the affidavit only after this form is approved by the court.

How to File a Small Estate Affidavit in Pennsylvania?

Follow these steps to draft and submit a Pennsylvania Affidavit of Small Estate:

1. Check the local regulations to be sure the estate qualifies for a simplified settlement. You are advised to wait for at least two months before filing the affidavit, the estate cannot exceed $50.000, and the form must be signed before a notary public.
2. Estate Affidavit Form. It has to contain the identification of the decedent and elaborate on your own status and relationship to them, confirm the existence or absence of the will, list the beneficiaries and relatives that have or may have a claim to the estate, describe the assets of the decedent for the future review, name known creditors of the deceased individual and specify the unpaid debts and expenses highlighting administrative and medical expenses, verify the filing of the tax return and clarify whether the inheritance tax was paid in full already, include the signature and contact details of the person submitting the form, and record the calculation of the assets and debts.
3. Once the document is ready, submit it alongside the certified copy of the will to the local court. Upon the approval and completion of the affidavit, it has to be presented at the local Register of Wills as well. Make sure you send formal notices to all the known and prospective beneficiaries of the decedent - they have to learn about the filing and prepare their own claims if needed.