Small Estate Affidavit Eligibility Checker
Pick a state, enter the estate value and the days since death, and this checker tests the affidavit cap and wait on the numbers entered. It tests numbers only. The state guide states the other conditions, such as debts, notice, and who may file.
Check eligibility
Pick a state and enter a value and days since death.
How to read the result
- The result tests two things only. The dollar cap and the waiting period, on the numbers you entered. A passing result does not mean the affidavit fits. Debts, notice duties, residency, heirship, and filing conditions in the state guide must also be met.
- Value means different things by state. Texas excludes homestead and exempt property and uses the affidavit date. Arizona personal property uses all personal property wherever located, less liens. Colorado counts real property value toward the cap. Oregon tests two limbs and does not reduce for liens. Washington excludes the surviving spouse or domestic partner community property interest. Illinois excludes Secretary of State vehicles from the cap, subject to the 2027 carve-back. Enter the value the state guide defines.
- Arizona needs the property type. Personal property and real property are separate tracks with separate caps, waits, and channels. Pick the track for the property you need to collect or transfer.
- Colorado needs the year of death. The cap follows the death year, not the year you sign. Deaths before 2020 are not shown in the checker. See the Colorado guide and form JDF 999 for those years.
- Oregon needs both values. Enter personal property value and real property plus manufactured homes value. Both caps must pass.
- California shows no numbers here. See the California personal property guide, the California real property guide, and the California primary residence guide. The California limits checker covers California death-date limits.
- Open the state guide before acting. The state directory links every guide. A checker result is not a filing decision.
Source
Caps and waits from the state guides in this slice: Texas Estates Code chapter 205; Arizona A.R.S. 14-3971; Colorado C.R.S. 15-12-1201 and JDF 999; Oregon ORS 114.510 and 114.515; Washington RCW 11.62.010; Illinois 755 ILCS 5/25-1. Facts verified 2026-10-31.
This page explains how the process works and what the official rules say. It is general information, not legal advice. For a dispute about your specific situation, talk to your state motor vehicle agency or court.
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