Estate Law Aid
Small estate or voluntary administration starting point
Use a calm checklist to identify the court, documents, people, property, and questions that may matter before you contact the county court or an attorney.
New York starting point
Check the official small-estate rules before relying on a simplified process.
New York CourtHelp currently describes a small estate, also called voluntary administration, for a person who died with less than $50,000 in personal property. Real property, wrongful-death or personal-injury claims, county practice, and other facts can change the correct path.
- Confirm whether there is a will and where the person lived.
- List personal property separately from real estate and possible claims.
- Gather the death certificate, original will if one exists, family information, debts, and asset records.
- Check the current county Surrogate’s Court instructions before filing.
Official sources reviewed July 31, 2026. Recheck them before filing because forms, electronic-filing availability, and county instructions can change.
New Jersey starting point
Begin with the county Surrogate’s Office.
New Jersey probate and estate-administration steps are handled through county Surrogate’s Offices and related court processes. Use the official state and county resources for the county where the person lived.