Probate a Small Estate

Step-by-Step Guidance

Step 1: Determine if alternative shortcut procedures may be used

Before beginning a probate administration, whether supervised or unsupervised, with an informal or formal proceeding, consider whether any small estate shortcut procedures can be used. The Checklist for Estate Distribution Without Court Involvement sets out the shortcut procedures and their requirements. It may be possible to use more than one of these shortcut procedures if the chief goal is to retitle assets without the expense and delay of traditional probate proceedings and the total value of the assets is less than the eligibility limit ($51,000 in 2025), which is adjusted each year for inflation. See MCL 700.3982.

Step 2: Evaluate other options with court involvement

If none of the shortcut procedures in the checklist in step 1 apply, value the decedent’s estate to see whether you are a candidate for either a petition for assignment (see step 3) or summary procedure (see step 4).

Step 3: Follow the small estate procedure

Identify all personal and real property of the decedent’s estate that does not automatically pass to another person, such as through a revocable living trust, by way of a beneficiary designation (such as with an insurance policy), or joint ownership. If the value of all these assets, after the payment of funeral and burial expenses, is under the eligibility limit, a petition for assignment may be used. This means that an estate valued at or under $51,000 in 2025 after deducting what was paid for funeral and burial expenses may qualify for distribution without lengthy court proceedings under MCL 700.3982. This procedure can be used for real property or personal property, whether the decedent died testate or intestate.

Note: The governing statute, MCL 700.3982, refers to an eligibility limit of $50,000, so you may see this procedure referred to as the $50,000 small estate procedure. This eligibility limit is indexed for inflation every year, so for 2025 the limit is $51,000.

• Determine whether funeral and burial expenses have been paid. If these expenses have not been paid, the court will order them to be paid first (or the person who paid them to be reimbursed) and the remaining assets to be distributed to the surviving spouse or to the decedent’s heirs, if there is no surviving spouse. It is extremely important that you confirm payment was made and you have proof of payment, meaning a receipt showing the name of the person who paid. The person who made the payment is entitled to be reimbursed even if there is someone else filing the petition.
• Complete and file Petition and Order for Assignment, PC 556 (see Instructions).
• Have an original and one copy (to be returned to you after filing) of the petition signed by the surviving spouse or, if no surviving spouse, by the person paying the funeral bill or the decedent’s heirs.
• Use a certified copy of the order signed by the judge to transfer assets of the estate without court involvement.
• If real estate is involved, record a certified copy of the order in the register of deeds office of the county in which the property is located.
• Prepare and file decedent’s final income tax returns.
• Use the tracking sheet for small estates to manage this process.

No fiduciary needs to be appointed, and there are no court proceedings, so the usual duties to give notices of appointment and notice to creditors and Friend of the Court as well as notice of attorney fees and accountings are not required. However, although there are no notices to creditors, an heir receiving property under this procedure (other than minor children or a spouse who qualifies for allowances) is responsible for the decedent’s unsatisfied debts (up to the value assigned by the order) for 63 days after the order’s date. MCL 700.3982(3). In addition, an inventory fee must be paid based on the value of the assets listed on the petition.

Step 4: Determine whether you can use summary procedure

If the value of the estate is over $51,000 in 2025, and the funeral and burial expenses are not enough to reduce the estate to $51,000, you may be able to take advantage of the total allowances small estate (or summary) procedure. There is no specific dollar limitation for this procedure under MCL 700.3987 and .3988, and it may be used whether the decedent dies testate or intestate. The limit is determined by adding the administration costs and expenses, reasonable funeral and burial expenses, the statutory homestead allowance ($29,000 in 2025), the exempt tangible property allowance ($20,000 in 2025), the family allowance (amount not specified in the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC), but MCL 700.2405(2) gives the personal representative the authority to pay a lump sum of $35,000 for the family allowance in 2025), and reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses of the decedent’s last illness. Based on the allowances alone, the floor for this procedure for decedents who die in 2025 is $84,000. Then, determine the value of the decedent’s estate by adding the value of the assets that do not automatically pass to another person. The total allowances ($84,000 in 2025) and preceding costs (administration costs and expenses, reasonable funeral and burial expenses) when added together must equal or exceed the value of the decedent’s estate as reduced by outstanding liens, mortgages, and encumbrances for an estate to qualify for this small estate procedure. The allowances that make up the limit for the total allowance for the small estate procedure are indexed for inflation each year.

Step 5: File forms to open estate proceedings

In the total allowances (or summary) procedure, the estate is started just as any traditional estate would. The crucial time deadlines should be determined and organized at the beginning and on an ongoing basis, using the significant date list for summary administration. The process should be managed by using the tracking sheet for summary administration (using informal proceedings). When all known significant dates are filled in, you can start the estate administration using informal proceedings by following these steps:

• Prepare and file Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565, see Instructions).
• Prepare and file Supplemental Testimony to Identify Nonheir Devisees, Testate Estate (PC 566, see Instructions).
• Prepare and file Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Testate/Intestate) (PC 558, see Instructions). If person seeking to be appointed personal representative does not have priority under MCL 700.3202, either
  • secure signed Renunciation of Right to Appointment, Nomination of Personal Representative and Waiver of Notice (PC 567, see Instructions) forms from each person with equal or higher priority, or
  • serve each person who has equal or higher priority with the Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 557, see Instructions) (attaching a copy of the application) and prepare a Proof of Service (PC 564). Note, if this method is used, the personal representative cannot be appointed until 14 days after the date the notice is mailed.

Step 6: File supporting documentation

• sworn testimony forms (PC 565 and PC 566)
• will and codicils (if any)
• death certificate or alternative documentation of death (such as an obituary)
• Renunciation of Right to Appointment (PC 567) or Proof of Service (PC 564) of Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 557)
• $175 filing fee ($150 filing fee plus $25 e-filing fee)
• proposed copies of the Register’s Statement (PC 568, see Instructions), Bond of Fiduciary (PC 570) (if the will requires one or if an interested person files a written demand for bond with the probate register), signed Acceptance of Appointment (PC 571), and Letters of Authority for Personal Representative (PC 572)

Step 7: Get Register’s Statement (PC 568) and a certified copy of the Letters of Authority (PC 572) from the court

The register must first determine whether

• the application is complete;
• the applicant has affirmed or made an oath that the statements in the application are true to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief;
• the applicant appears to be an interested person;
• venue is proper;
• an original (or authenticated copy), properly executed, and apparently unrevoked will is in the register’s possession (if applicable);
• any will to which the requested appointment relates has been or is being offered for probate; and
• notice requirements regarding informal appointment have been met, if applicable.

Step 8: Enter into fee arrangements with personal representative and notify interested persons

After the personal representative is appointed, the following duties must be performed:

• Execute an attorney fee agreement with the personal representative and give a copy to the personal representative.
• Mail Notice of Appointment and Duties of Personal Representative (PC 573, see Instructions), Notice Regarding Attorney Fees (PC 576), and a copy of the fee agreement to all interested persons, as listed in MCL 700.3306 and MCR 5.125, and prepare a Proof of Service (PC 564) to keep in your file.

Step 9: File spousal election form (if there is a surviving spouse)

• Notify the spouse of the right of election using PC 581 (see Instructions).
• Complete the proof of service section of the form.
• Serve form on spouse and file the form with the court.

Step 10: Prepare Inventory (Decedent Estate) (PC 577)

• Prepare an Inventory (Decedent Estate) (PC 577, see Instructions) of the estate assets.
• Present the Inventory to the court and pay the Inventory Fee
• Serve completed Inventory on all interested persons.
• Prepare Proof of Service (PC 564) to keep in your file.

Step 11: Distribute the estate

The personal representative may immediately disburse and distribute the estate to the persons entitled to the estate. MCL 700.3987. There is no notice given to creditors, and the property is not subject to creditors’ claims. Id. If there is not sufficient property to satisfy all allowances, exempt property, administration expenses, funeral expenses, and medical expenses of the decedent’s last illness, distributions should be made in the following order:

1. costs and expenses of administration
2. funeral and burial expenses
3. homestead allowance
4. family allowance
5. exempt tangible property
6. debts and taxes with priority under federal law, including medical assistance payments that are subject to adjustment or recovery from an estate under §1917 of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 1396p
7. reasonable medical and hospital expenses of the decedent’s last illness and compensation of persons attending the decedent
8. distributions

MCL 700.2402–.2404, .3805.

Step 12: File Sworn Closing Statement

The personal representative then

• files a Sworn Closing Statement, Summary Proceeding, Small Estates (PC 590, see Instructions), with the probate court register as required by MCL 700.3988, stating that the value of the total estate did not exceed the allowances and expenses, that the estate has been distributed, that a full account has been furnished to the distributees, and that a copy of the closing statement has been furnished to the distributees and creditors; and
• serves a Sworn Closing Statement on the distributees and creditors.

When to Use

This How-To Kit is designed to help lawyers through two proceedings to administer small estates: (1) the petition for assignment when the estate assets may be over $51,000 in 2025, but there are funeral and burial expenses which reduce the estate value to $51,000 or less, and (2) summary procedure when the allowances are equal to or more than the value of the estate assets. This How-To Kit also provides a checklist for other methods of estate distribution without any court involvement, including the procedures for the following types of estates: paycheck only, automobile only, and $500 plus wearing apparel, and affidavit (using Affidavit of Decedent’s Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (PC 598, see Instructions)). This How-To Kit includes the applicable SCAO forms plus detailed instructions on how to fill them out.

Using these materials is not a substitute for the attorney’s independent judgment, drafting, and research.

Other Resources

Books

• Estate Administration in Michigan

Instructions

Instructions for Completing Petition and Order for Assignment (PC 556)

1. Be sure you have determined that the total value of the decedent’s probate estate (real and personal property) is at or less than $50,000 (subject to the annual cost-of-living adjustment under MCL 700.1210). It is the gross value of property that is relevant.
2. Enter the name of the county in which the petition will be filed. This will be the county in which the decedent resided at the time of death, MCL 700.3201(1)(a), or, if the decedent was not a Michigan resident, the county in Michigan where the decedent left property to be administered, MCL 700.3201(1)(b).
3. Leave the file number field blank; the number will be assigned by the court. However, many courts require that you add the prefix (Year) and suffix (Case Code—PE).
4. Enter the decedent’s full name. If the decedent was known by more than one name, list all names. List the last four digits of the decedent’s Social Security number on separate form MC 97, box 2.
5. Enter the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner.
6. Enter the name, address, bar number, and telephone number of the attorney representing the petitioner.
7. Enter the name of the petitioner and the petitioner’s relationship to the decedent, if any.
8. Complete item 1: date of death.
9. Check and complete item 2, indicating the decedent’s residence within the county or that the decedent was a nonresident but left an estate within the county.
10. For item 3, describe the real property, state its gross value, and list any lien amounts. If the date of death is on or after March 28, 2013, the gross value of the real estate parcel can be reduced by the lien amount; however, the remaining inventory value of that parcel cannot be less than zero. Verify that the legal description of the real property is complete and correct. For personal property, the gross value and inventory value are the same. The total inventory value must be $50,000 or less (subject to the annual cost-of-living adjustment under MCL 700.1210).
11. For item 4, state the amount of the funeral and burial expenses, list the persons who have paid these expenses in whole or in part, and state the amount of funeral and burial expenses that remain unpaid. If expenses have been paid, provide a receipt.
12. For item 5, list the names of the decedent’s heirs and their ages, relationships to the decedent, and addresses.
13. For item 6, request the assignment of the estate in the following order:
    1. to the person or persons who paid or is owed for funeral and burial expenses
    2. the balance to the spouse
    3. if there is no spouse, to the decedent’s heirs
14. Have the petitioner sign the petition. Enter the date the petition was signed.
15. Complete Order Assigning Assets, item 7, in accordance with item 6. State the proportionate share of each heir if there is no surviving spouse.
16. If there is real property to be retitled, include the legal description of the real property.
17. File the petition with the court.
18. Pay the filing fee.
19. Pay the inventory fee.

Go to PC 556.

Instructions for Completing Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC 565)

1. Enter the name of the county in which the application or petition will be filed and the file number assigned by the court (if known). This number will usually be assigned by the probate court when the application or petition for probate and appointment of the personal representative is filed.
2. Enter the decedent’s full name.
3. Complete items 1 and 2 with the name, address, and relationship of the person providing the information to fill out the form. Complete item 3 with the date and time of the decedent’s death and the decedent’s last address.
4. Complete items 4, 5, and 6, treating any person who died within 120 hours after the decedent as if they did not survive the decedent.
   1. For item 4, see MCL 700.2801 (conditions for disqualification as surviving spouse).
   2. For item 5, see MCL 700.1103(h) (definition of child); MCL 700.2108 (afterborn children); and MCL 700.2114 (establishment of parent-child relationship).
   3. For item 6, see MCL 700.1103(l) (definition of descendant) and MCL 700.2114 (establishment of parent-child relationship). Answer this question only if item 5a is checked.
5. Complete items 7–11.
   1. For item 7, see MCL 700.1106(j) (definition of parent). Complete this item only if the decedent has no surviving descendants.
   2. For item 8, see MCL 700.2107 (relatives of half blood). Complete items 8 and 9 if the decedent has no surviving spouse, descendants, or parents.
   3. Complete items 10 and 11 only if the decedent has no surviving spouse, descendants, parents, or descendants of a parent.
6. Complete item 12. See MCL 700.5401 (definition of heirs who may be under legal disability); see also MCL 700.1103(o) (definition of disability); MCL 700.1105(a) (definition of incapacitated individual). If any heirs are listed and are not legally represented, determine the need for a guardian ad litem. See MCL 700.1403(d).
7. Complete items 13 and 14.
8. Check the appropriate box in item 15 if the decedent left a will, all devisees are heirs, or some of the devisees are not heirs.
9. Enter the name, address, bar number, and telephone number of the attorney representing the personal representative.
10. The form no longer needs to be notarized. MCR 1.109(D)(3), MCR 5.302(B). The personal representative and the attorney should sign the form. MCR 1.109(E)(2)(a).

Go to PC 565.

Instructions for Completing Supplemental Testimony to Identify Nonheir Devisees (Testate Estate) (PC 566)

(Complete only if the decedent’s will names devisees that are not heirs, such as a charity or trust.)

1. Enter the name of the county in which the application or petition will be filed, the file number assigned by the court (if known), and the decedent’s full name as on the application or petition.
2. For item 16, see MCL 700.1103(n) (definition of devisee) and MCL 700.1103(f) (definition of beneficiary).
3. For item 17, see MCL 700.2603 (antilapse statute).
4. For item 19, see MCL 700.1103(l) (definition of descendant) and MCL 700.2114 (establishment of parent-child relationship).
5. For item 20, see MCL 700.2707 (class gifts).
6. For item 21, see MCL 700.5401 (definition of heirs who may be under legal disability). See also MCL 700.1103(o) (definition of disability); MCL 700.1105(a) (definition of incapacitated individual). If any heirs are listed and are not legally represented, determine the need for a guardian ad litem. See MCL 700.1403(d).
7. For item 23, see MCL 700.1403(d) (appointment of guardian ad litem).
8. Enter the name, address, bar number, and telephone number of the attorney representing the personal representative.
9. The witness’s signature does not need to be notarized. MCR 5.302(B). The witness and the attorney should sign the form. MCR 1.109(E)(2)(a).MCR 1.109(E)(2)(a).

Go to PC 566.

Instructions for Completing Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (Testate/Intestate) (PC 558)

1. Enter the name of the county in which the application will be filed. This is the county where the decedent resided or, if the decedent was not a Michigan resident, a county where the decedent left property. MCL 700.3201.
2. Leave the file number field blank; the number will be assigned by the probate court when the application is filed. However, many courts require that you add the prefix (Year) and suffix (Case Code—DA or DE).
3. Enter the decedent’s full name. If the decedent was known by more than one name, list all names; be sure to include all names and variations under which the decedent owned assets.
4. Complete item 1. The applicant must establish their interest in the estate by specifying their relationship to the decedent.
5. Complete item 2. EPIC requires a person to survive a decedent for 120 hours to be considered a survivor of that decedent unless, in testate estates, the will provides otherwise. MCL 700.2104 (intestate estates); MCL 700.2702 (testate estates). This makes the time and date of the decedent’s death very important when survivorship questions arise. List the last four digits of the decedent’s Social Security number. List the decedent’s domicile at the date of death. This will be included in MC 97 to protect the personal information, including the date of birth and social security number.
6. Indicate whether a death certificate has been issued in item 3 by checking the appropriate box. If a certificate has been issued, attach a copy. Otherwise, provide alternative documentation of the death, such as an obituary.
7. Complete item 4. MCR 5.125(A), (C)(1), (2) lists the interested persons in an application to probate a will and appoint a personal representative. See also MCL 700.1105(c) (definition of interested person). Great care must be exercised to see that this information is complete and accurate. Interested persons who may require representation include minors and any individuals for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed. See MCL 700.5401 (definition of heirs who may be under legal disability); see also MCL 700.1103(o) (definition of disability); MCL 700.1105(a) (definition of incapacitated individual). If any heirs who may require representation are listed and are not legally represented, determine the need for a guardian ad litem. See MCL 700.1403(d).
8. Check the appropriate box in item 5 regarding venue. As discussed in step 1, venue is proper in the county of the decedent’s residence or, for a decedent who did not reside in Michigan, in any county where the decedent left property. MCL 700.3201.
9. Check item 6a if decedent left no unrevoked testamentary instruments relating to property located in Michigan. Check and complete 6b if there is an unrevoked testamentary instrument, which is not being probated. If checking 6b, also check one of the boxes related to the whereabouts of this instrument.
10. Check and complete item 6c if the decedent’s will is being offered for probate, and note the whereabouts of this will. Check and complete 6d if the will has already been probated in another court.
11. Check and complete item 8 if the application concerns ancillary administration for a nonresident decedent. Include the name, address, and appointment information of the foreign personal representative.
12. Check and complete item 9 with the name, address, and priority information of the person seeking appointment as the personal representative.
13. If there are other persons with higher or equal priority for appointment, check and complete item 10. Attach their signed renunciations of the right to appointment or proof of service of the notice of intent to request informal appointment to the application.
14. Check item 11 if the will requires the personal representative to serve with a bond and item 12 if you are seeking appointment of a special personal representative. These items will usually not be checked.
15. Check item 13 if a will is being offered for probate.
16. Check item 14 and indicate whether the appointment of the personal representative is to be with or without bond. If the appointment of a special personal representative is sought, check item 15.
17. Enter the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of both the attorney and the applicant. The attorney must sign the application. MCR 1.109(E)(2)(a).
18. Enter the date the application is signed. The applicant should always sign the application, since they are required to swear that it is accurate and complete to the best of the applicant’s knowledge. MCL 700.3301.
19. File the application with the probate court along with the sworn testimony forms, the will, renunciations of those with equal or greater priority for appointment or proof of service of the notice of intent to seek appointment, the filing fee, and other documents necessary to complete appointment listed.

Go to PC 558.

Instructions for Completing Renunciation of Right to Appointment, Nomination of Personal Representative and Waiver of Notice (PC 567)

1. Enter the name of the county in which the application will be filed and the file number assigned by the court (if known). This number will usually be assigned by the probate court when the application is filed. However, many courts require that you add the prefix (Year) and suffix (Case Code—DA or DE).
2. Enter the decedent’s full name.
3. Complete item 1 by entering the name of the person who has a higher or equal right to appointment (the person to whom you are sending the notice). Complete a separate form for each person having a higher or equal right to appointment.
4. Check the box in item 2 renouncing the right to appointment.
5. Check the second box in item 3, renouncing the right to nominate a qualified person to act as personal representative.
6. Check the box in item 4, waiving notice of appointment.
7. Fill in the name, bar number, address, and telephone number of the attorney and the address and telephone number of the person named in item 1.
8. Have the person named in item 1 sign and date the renunciation form.

Go to PC 567.

Instructions for Completing Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment of Personal Representative (PC 557)

1. Enter the name of the county in which the application will be filed and the file number assigned by the court (if known). This number will usually be assigned by the probate court when the application is filed. However, many courts require that you add the prefix (Year) and suffix (Case Code—DA or DE).
2. Enter the decedent’s full name.
3. Enter the name of the person you are seeking to have informally appointed as personal representative. This is often the applicant.
4. Fill in the name, bar number, address, and telephone number of the attorney and the name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.
5. Have the applicant sign the notice and fill in the date the notice was signed.
6. Attach a copy of the completed application to the notice and serve it on all persons with equal or higher priority. You may file the application with the court along with a copy of this notice and a proof of service beginning 14 days after the date of service if the notice is mailed or 7 days after the date of service if the notice is served personally.

Go to PC 557.

Instructions for Completing Register’s Statement (PC 568)

1. Enter the name of the county where the estate is being probated, the file number assigned to the estate by the court, and the decedent’s full name.
2. Complete item 1. If the application is for both the appointment of a personal representative (i.e., item 9 of the application was completed) and the probate of a will (i.e., box c of item 6 in the application was checked), check the first two boxes. If there was no will (i.e., box a of item 6 in the application was checked), check only the a second box.
3. If a will is being probated, check 2d. Complete the information after 2d, related to the existence and location of the will. Check the second box in item 2d if there were ancillary proceedings of a nonresident decedent’s will.
4. Check 2f if the will was previously admitted to probate.
5. Check the box in front of 2g and the appropriate boxes thereafter if the person being appointed acquired priority from persons with greater or equal priority by giving notice of intent to seek informal appointment or by obtaining renunciations of the right to appointment.
6. Check 2h if a previously administered estate is being reopened.
7. If a will is being probated, check and complete item 3.
8. Check the box in front of item 4, enter the name of the person being appointed personal representative, and check the appropriate box regarding bond.
9. Enter the name, bar number, address, and telephone number of the attorney.

Go to PC 568.

Instructions for Completing Notice of Appointment and Duties of Personal Representative (PC 573)

1. Enter the name of the county where the estate is being probated and the file number assigned to the estate by the court.
2. Enter the decedent’s full name.
3. Complete item 1 by filling in the date of appointment and checking the box indicating whether bond was required and, if so, the amount of the bond. The date of appointment is the date the letters of authority were issued. See MCL 700.3103. Attach a copy of the application for the personal representative’s appointment (PC 558) to the notice.
4. Fill in the information about the location of probate court filing, and check the appropriate box indicating whether the administration of the estate is supervised or unsupervised.
5. If the decedent had a will, check the box in front of item 2, and check the box indicating whether it was admitted to probate. Then attach a copy of the will and any codicils to the notice.
6. Fill in the name, bar number, address, and telephone number of the attorney, the name, address, and telephone number of the personal representative, and the date the notice was prepared.
7. Serve the notice within 14 days. (The statute provides for 28 days “or other time specified by court rule,” and MCR 5.304(8) provides for 14 days.)

Go to PC 573.

Instructions for Notice to Spouse of Rights of Election and Allowances, Proof of Service, and Election (PC 581)

1. Enter the name of the county where the estate is being probated, the file number assigned by the probate court, and the decedent’s name.
2. Enter the name of the surviving spouse.
3. If the decedent died testate, check the box in item 1. Otherwise, check the box in item 2.
4. The Proof of Service of Notice portion should be completed when the notice is served on the spouse.
5. Items 1–4 under Spouse’s Election and the Proof of Service of Election are to be filled out by the spouse.
6. Deliver the notice to the spouse along with an explanatory letter.

Go to PC 581.

Instructions for Completing Inventory (Decedent Estate) (PC 577)

1. Enter the name of the county where the estate is being probated, the file number assigned by the probate court, and the decedent’s name.
2. Enter the name and title of the personal representative and enter the date of death.
3. List all the assets of the estate and the date-of-death dollar value for each item. Any interest the decedent had in any type of property that requires estate administration must be included on the inventory. For real property only, if the date of death is on or after March 28, 2013, the gross value of the parcel can be reduced by any lien amount; however the remaining inventory value of that parcel cannot be less than zero. Give legal descriptions of all real property. Automobiles should be listed by make, model, year, and serial number. Jewelry should be listed by size, quality, and number of gems and quality of metal. It is most likely that this information will be included in the appraisal—see below—so it may not be necessary to list each individual piece on the Inventory. Bank accounts should be listed by name of the bank, account number (some courts do not want a partial or complete account number; it is always a good idea to check with the county), and type of account. Stocks, bonds, treasury bills, and so forth must be designated by the name of the issuer, amount, class, and identifying number. For personal property, the gross value and inventory value are the same.
4. For property that has been appraised, attach a copy of the appraisal that includes a description of the property and the appraiser’s name and address.
5. Fill in the name, bar number, address, and telephone number of the attorney and the name, address, and telephone number of the personal representative.
6. Have the attorney and the personal representative sign the inventory and fill in the date it was signed.

Go to PC 577.

Instructions for Completing Sworn Closing Statement, Summary Proceeding, Small Estates (PC 590)

1. Enter the name of the county where the estate is being probated, the file number assigned by the probate court, and the decedent’s full name.
2. For item 2, have the personal representative enter any changes in the interested persons or their addresses that occurred between the time the application or petition was filed and the date of this closing statement.
3. Be sure that the personal representative has carried out their duties as set forth in items 3 though 6.
4. Complete the rest of the form by having the attorney sign the form and filling in the attorney’s and personal representative’s names and addresses.

Go to PC 590.

Instructions for Completing Affidavit of Decedent’s Successor for Delivery of Certain Assets Owned by Decedent (PC 598)

1. Be sure you have determined that the probate estate of the decedent consists solely of personal property and has a date-of-death value of $50,000 or less (as adjusted for inflation in the year of the decedent’s death).
2. Enter the decedent’s full name. If the decedent was known by more than one name, list all names.
3. Complete item 1 by checking the box indicating the successor’s relationship to the decedent and filling in any blanks associated with the option chosen.
4. Complete item 2 by entering the decedent’s residence and date of death.
5. Make sure more than 28 days have passed since the date of death.
6. Make sure there is no real property.
7. Complete item 6 by entering a description of the personal property in the estate.
8. Complete item 7 by listing any other heirs or devisees and their addresses, relationships to the decedent, and shares of the estate.
9. Attach a copy of the death certificate.
10. Enter the successor’s or affiant’s name and address.
11. Have the successor or affiant read the entire form and sign it in the presence of a notary public.

Go to PC 598.