Estates & Powers of Attorney

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Transferring property with a small estate affidavit basics Intro

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A small estate affidavit is a way for someone’s personal property to be transferred when they die without having to go to court. It cannot be used to transfer a house, or other real estate. When someone dies, and if their estate is small enough, they do not need to go to probate court. The probate process can take a lot of time, and cost a lot of money. Using a small estate affidavit is faster and costs less money than going through the probate court.

Learn more about small estate affidavits.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
March 11, 2026
Last revised by staff
October 08, 2025

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Transferring a car with a small estate affidavitHow-To
Learn the steps to use a Small Estate Affidavit (SEA) to transfer a person's car after the die.
Using a small estate affidavitHow-To
Get the facts on using a small estate affidavit to transfer a person's property after they pass away.
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Forms

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Small estate affidavit Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you make forms to transfer someone's personal property worth up to $150,000 after their death.
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Learn more

Find detailed explanations, frequently asked questions, videos, and related topics.

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Small estate affidavits FAQ
Explore the commonly asked questions about small estate affidavits.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

What’s next?

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Forms

Create forms to help resolve your legal issue.

arrow
Small estate affidavit Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you make forms to transfer someone's personal property worth up to $150,000 after their death.
icon

Learn more

Find detailed explanations, frequently asked questions, videos, and related topics.

arrow
Small estate affidavits FAQ
Explore the commonly asked questions about small estate affidavits.
icon

Take action

Follow step-by-step instructions for handling your legal issue.

arrow
Transferring a car with a small estate affidavitHow-To
Learn the steps to use a Small Estate Affidavit (SEA) to transfer a person's car after the die.
Using a small estate affidavitHow-To
Get the facts on using a small estate affidavit to transfer a person's property after they pass away.