You can use this program if: If the decedent (the person who died) had $50,000 or less in personal property. If the decedent owned real property, he/she owned it jointly with someone else and you don't plan to sell the real estate.
A) Small Estates/Voluntary Administration When the value of decedent's estate is $50,000 or less. Whether decedent died with or without a Will. Excludes authority to sue for personal injuries or wrongful death, or to administer real property (house, land, inium).
THE THRESHOLD FOR PROBATE IN NEW YORK In New York, if the estate has assets valued at $50,000 or more, probate may be required. This threshold is set by the Surrogate's Court in New York and applies to all assets held solely in the decedent's name.
How to Submit a Claim A copy of the death certificate. Proof of Address or Ownership connecting the owner to the address or funds. Letters of Authority (Testamentary/Administration) issued by the court certifying your appointment, dated within the last six months, or a Small Estates Affidavit and Table of Heirs.
Filing for a Small Estate If there is a Will, the Executor files the original Will and a certified death certificate with the small estate affidavit petition and other supporting documents in the Surrogate's Court in the county where the Decedent had their primary residence.
Further, the probate process can take anywhere between several months to several years. If the estate in question is eligible, a small estate affidavit can help a family skip through this entire process. Ideally, a small estate affidavit can get approved in just a few days, or a few weeks at most.
Only an estate valued over $50,000 must be probated when there is a will. The court has a “small estate proceeding” when the estate is below $50,000. An estate without a will is “administered,” not probated.
If there is no Will, an Intestate Administration proceeding is filed. The court will then appoint an Administrator and he or she will have all of the powers of an Executor.
In New York, creditors have a maximum of seven months to file claims against an estate. If you have questions related to this aspect of estate administration, Jules Haas is a seasoned New York City estate litigation attorney who may be able to assist you.