Small Estates
Supplemental Information
Petition for Assignment
Maximum Estate Value to use Small Estate Petition
The total value of assets that can be assigned through the small estate petition process, after payment of funeral and burial expenses, may not exceed:
| Maximum Gross Assets | Maximum Lien Deduction to Real Estate Value* (*for petitions filed on or after January 1, 2024) |
|
| Date of Death 2/21/24-12/31/24 | $50,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death 1/1/24-2/20/24 | $28,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2023 | $27,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2022 | $25,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2021 | $24,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2020 | $24,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2019 | $23,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2018 | $23,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2017 | $22,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2016 | $22,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2015 | $22,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2014 | $22,000 | $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2013 | $21,000 | Beginning with dates of death on or after March 28, 2013, $250,000 |
| Date of Death in 2012 | $21,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2011 | $20,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2010 | $20,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2009 | $20,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2008 | $19,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2007 | $19,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2006 | $18,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2005 | $18,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2004 | $17,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2003 | $17,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2002 | $17,000 | |
| Date of Death in 2001 | $16,000 | |
| Date of Death October 1, 1994 – December 31, 2000 | $15,000 | |
| Date of Death December 13, 1984 – September 30, 1994 | $5,000 | |
| Date of Death July 1, 1979 – December 12, 1984 | $2,500 | |
| Date of Death October 1, 1972 – June 30, 1979 | $1,500 | |
| Date of Death August 28, 1964 – September 30, 1972 | $1,000 | |
| Date of Death September 3, 1949 – August 27, 1964 | $500 | |
| Date of Death September 10, 1942 – September 2, 1949 | $200 |
Secretary of State – Motor Vehicle Transfer Option
Note: If the only asset to probate is a motor vehicle (i.e. automobile, truck, motorcycle, boat, mobile home, etc.), the Secretary of State office may be able to transfer the asset directly to the entitled heirs without the need of an Order from the court. Visit the Wayne County Probate Court ’s website (www.wcpc.us) under Probate Information– Frequently Asked Questions – Motor Vehicles – Transfer of Decedent’s Title.”
Rev. 4/2024