Small Estate Affidavit

When a person dies with an estate that does not exceed $150,000 in value, the successors in interest may be able to avoid probate by using a "Small Estate Affidavit". This is also known as an "Affidavit for the Collection of Personal Property under Probate Code Section 13100". The Small Estate Affidavit can only be used for personal property, not for real estate. Examples of personal property include bank accounts, securities, cars, jewelry and furniture.