If someone contests it, the matter may need to go to court, which could complicate things and potentially lead to a longer process.
You don't necessarily need a lawyer to file a Small Estate Affidavit, but having one can help make sure everything is done correctly and smoothly.
You can use the Small Estate Affidavit to claim things like bank accounts, personal property, and real estate, as long as they fall under the state's value limit.
It's usually a quicker process compared to regular probate, but the timeline can vary based on the court’s schedule and any potential issues that come up.
To file a Small Estate Affidavit, you need to be entitled to inherit from the deceased and the total value of the estate should be under the limit set by California law.
Typically, immediate family members, like spouses, children, or parents, can use a Small Estate Affidavit to access the deceased person's assets.
A Small Estate Affidavit is a legal document that helps people claim assets from someone who has passed away without going through a full probate process, as long as the estate is below a certain size.