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How it works

Start to finish, settling a small estate this way takes about an hour of your time spread over a couple of days, most of which is the trip to the notary and the bank. Here is each step and what you’ll need.

Start with the free check
  1. 1

    Check whether you qualify

    2 minutes · free

    Six questions: the state, the date of death, roughly what the estate is worth, whether there's a house, whether there's a will, and whether anything is complicated. We compare that against your state's statute and answer immediately.

    The answer is a real answer, not a lead-capture form. If you don't qualify, we say so and explain which fact disqualified you. If you're inside a waiting period, we tell you the exact date you can proceed.

  2. 2

    Answer the detail questions

    10 minutes · free

    Who died and when. Who the heirs are and how they're related. What's in the estate: accounts, a vehicle, a final paycheck, personal belongings: and, where your state requires it, what's owed.

    Everything saves as you go, so you can stop and come back. Nothing is transmitted until you choose to create a document, and none of it ever appears in a web address.

  3. 3

    Review and download

    2 minutes

    You see the completed documents before you pay. Once you're satisfied, you pay once. $39 or $79, and download the packet.

    Corrections and re-downloads are free for twelve months. Typos happen, and an account number you got wrong shouldn't cost you a second purchase.

  4. 4

    Sign it in front of a notary

    15 minutes · usually under $15

    Most states require the affidavit to be sworn before a notary, and some also want disinterested witnesses. Your packet says exactly what yours requires.

    Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and many public libraries have notaries. Bring photo ID. Don't sign before you get there, the notary has to watch you sign.

  5. 5

    Present it and collect the property

    Varies by institution

    Take the signed affidavit, a certified death certificate and your ID to whoever holds the property. Your packet has a page for each type of institution.

    Order at least three certified copies of the death certificate, institutions frequently keep one, and running out mid-process is the most common avoidable delay.

What to have at hand

You don’t need all of this to start, the eligibility check needs almost nothing, but this is the full list for the interview.

  • Certified copies of the death certificate. Order three or more
  • The decedent's full legal name, date of death and last address
  • Names, addresses and relationships of every heir
  • Bank and credit union account numbers, and rough balances
  • The vehicle title or VIN, if there's a car
  • The employer's payroll contact, if there are unpaid wages
  • A list of known debts, if your state requires one
  • Your own photo ID, for the notary

Where the packet takes you

The affidavit is one page. The instructions are the part people actually get stuck on, so they’re written per institution.

  • Banks and credit unions

    What the statute obliges them to do, and what to say if the first teller refuses.

  • The DMV

    Your state’s title-transfer form number and whether the vehicle counts toward the limit.

  • The employer

    How to claim a final paycheck and accrued leave, which most states release without any court involvement.

Where we stop

Kinclaim is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide self-help software and statutory forms. We generate documents and instructions. We do not file on your behalf, appear in court, or handle any money or property. Read the full disclaimer.

Start with the part that’s free

Two minutes and you’ll know whether any of this applies to you.

Check if you qualify