{"id":287057,"date":"2017-08-14T16:30:00","date_gmt":"2017-08-14T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/probate\/simplified-or-summary-probate-for-small-estates.html"},"modified":"2025-07-24T07:32:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T12:32:00","slug":"simplified-or-summary-probate-for-small-estates","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/simplified-or-summary-probate-for-small-estates.html","title":{"rendered":"Simplified or Summary Probate for Small Estates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Simplified or Summary Probate for Small Estates<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Summary probate is a streamlined legal process that allows heirs to settle small estates without the lengthy and complex procedures of formal probate. This process is available in most states for estates that fall below a certain value, which varies by state.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

For large estates, the\u00a0formal probate process<\/a>\u00a0can take years to complete. For small estates in some states, there’s a simplified version of the process called simplified probate or summary probate. Most states allow this simplified probate procedure, which saves both money and time.<\/p>\n

In some states, state law provides simplified probate (or summary probate) for small estates. Most states allow this simplified probate procedure. For large estates, the\u00a0formal probate process<\/a>\u00a0can take years to complete. Thus, a simplified probate procedure can save your loved ones money and time.<\/p>\n

This FindLaw article explains summary probate for small estates. Every state’s probate law is different. You must review your\u00a0state’s laws<\/a>\u00a0or consult a local attorney for legal advice. An attorney can advise you if the decedent’s estate that you manage qualifies as a small estate. An experienced probate attorney can also guide you through the process for a simplified probate process.<\/p>\n

What Is Simplified or Summary Probate for Small Estates?<\/h2>\n

Most states allow simplified or “summary probate” as long as the value of the estate doesn’t exceed a specified total value. That limit, and what counts toward that limit, varies by state.<\/p>\n

Summary probate can usually be done without a court hearing or a time-consuming process. Instead, heirs can use an affidavit to get the assets released. They may need to petition the court for an order, but this is a one-time action. You will not need to go to court again if the petition is approved. A summary probate procedure eliminates full probate.<\/p>\n

Example of Summary Probate: California<\/h2>\n

Let’s look at an example of how this may work. The State of California provides three options for summary probate for small estates:<\/p>\n