Informal Probate
Informal proceedings are commenced by filing an Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative (PC557) with the court. This is a request that the probate register admit the will, if any, to probate and appoint a personal representative. If the application is granted, the register will sign a form called Register's Statement (PC568) admitting the will and/or appointing a personal representative. Once this is accomplished and the personal representative qualifies by filing an Acceptance of Appointment and any required bond, the register will issue Letters of Authority for Personal Representative (PC572). The personal representative will proceed with unsupervised administration until the estate is ready to be closed. A will informally admitted to probate may be challenged at any time in a formal testacy proceeding.
Filing Fee
- $175 (Non-refundable filing fee)
- $12 certified copy of Letters of Authority
Documents listed are the forms used in the "normal" or "usual" administration of estates. There may be times where unusual circumstances exist and different forms may be necessary. Forms followed by an * may or may not be needed depending on the facts. These forms are used in the commencement of an informal estate only and additional forms may be required during the administration of the estate. There may be additional duties of the personal representative that do not involve the Court.
Documents
- Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment (PDF) (PC557)*
- Application for Informal Probate (PDF) (PC558)
- Protected Personal Identifying Information (PDF) (MC97)
- Testimony to Identify Heirs (PDF) (PC565)
- Supplemental Testimony (PDF) (PC566)*
- Renunciation of Right to Appointment (PDF) (PC567)*
- Register's Statement (PDF) (PC568)
- Acceptance of Appointment (PDF) (PC571)
- Letters of Authority (PDF) (PC572)
- Notice of Appointment and Duties of Personal Representative (PDF) (PC573)
- Personal Representative Notice to the Friend of the Court (PDF) (PC618)
- Notice to Creditors (PDF) (PC574)*
- Inventory (PDF) (PC577)
- Notice to Known Creditors (PDF) (PC578)*
The original Will and Codicil(s), if any, must be included with the Application at time of filing.
A copy of the death certificate of the decedent must be included with the Application at time of filing.
Filing: It is recommended that the documents be brought to the Probate Court office by the petitioner for filing. Filings may be completed by mail, however, there may be a delay in filing if your documents are not complete or correct. If filing by mail, include a self- addressed stamped envelope for return of documents to you.
Keep copies of all documents filed with the Court for your records and to provide to the interested persons. Copies obtained from the Court are $1 per page.