In situations where the deceased died intestate, or without a will, a Small Estate Affidavit is a form that allows the decedent's heirs to avoid a lengthy process in settling the estate.
Personal representatives (i.e., executors and administrators of the estate) are required to provide beneficiaries and other interested parties (i.e., persons or entities with a financial stake in the estate) with financial information about the estate they are overseeing.
If there are no claims against the estate within nine months of the death of the deceased, the executor can distribute the assets to beneficiaries and issue a declaration of discharge. So, nine months is essentially the minimum timeline for settling estates valued at over $20,000 in New Jersey.
An estate can be closed in one of four fashions: (1) the funds can simply be distributed directly by the Executor or Administrator to estate beneficiaries; (2) the funds can be distributed to an heir(s) after each signs a Release and Refunding Bond waiving his or her right to a formal accounting; (3) distribution can ...
Report the estate to the office of the Master of the High Court. This is usually done by the family of the deceased, or the executor of the estate. The Master's office issues the Letters of Executorship, giving the executor authority to wind-up the deceased estate.
Paying Debts and Taxes: This step can take several months to a year, particularly if estate tax returns are required. Distribution of Assets: Typically occurs within a few months after debts and taxes are settled. Closing the Estate: Final accounting and court approval can take a few weeks to several months.
Beneficiaries or heirs have the right to review the estate's accounting and either approve or challenge it. Once they give their approval, the assets can be distributed. After all debts and taxes have been settled, the executor can submit a petition to the probate court to close the estate.
The Surrogate's Court will issue Short Certificates (Letters Testamentary) to the executor, which the executor will use to obtain access to the decedent's estate assets. The executor will then distribute the assets pursuant to the terms of the will.
Formal probate can take several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity and any contested issues. Voluntary Administration: This option is available for small estates with personal property valued at $25,000 or less (excluding the value of a car).
Massachusetts Probate Process in 5 Steps Step 1 – Estate Administration & Intestate Succession. After death, a decedent's estate must go through probate court. Step 2 – Appoint a Personal Representative. Step 3 – Inventory & Liquidation. Step 4 – Disbursement. Step 5 – Reporting. Summary of Massachusetts Probate Process.