New York small estate affidavit: limits & how it works
New York's small-estate path is 'voluntary administration' (a small estate proceeding), available when the person left $50,000 or less in personal property — a simpler, cheaper filing than full probate.
NY small-estate limit
$50,000 or less in personal property (voluntary administration)
- Voluntary administration is available when the estate is $50,000 or less in personal property (it does not count real property the person owned).
- It's filed with the Surrogate's Court using a small-estate affidavit; a 'voluntary administrator' is appointed to collect and distribute the assets.
- If the person owned real property in their name alone, a full probate or administration is usually still required.
- Kindred can prepare the voluntary-administration paperwork, or run the full Surrogate's Court process if the estate is larger.
Common questions
What is voluntary administration in New York?
It's New York's small-estate proceeding, available when the person left $50,000 or less in personal property. It's a simpler, cheaper filing than full probate — a voluntary administrator is appointed to collect and distribute the assets. If the person owned real property in their name alone, full probate is usually still required.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
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