Closing the Estate Formally

1. Process

• The estate must be fully administered (see above). 
• The Personal Representative or any interested person may petition for an order of complete settlement of the estate. 
  • The Personal Representative may file at any time.
  • Other interested persons may petition after 1-year from the appointment of the original Personal Representative.
• No Petition may be filed until the time for presenting claims has expired.
• If less than 1-year from date of death, the newspaper's proof of publication of Notice to Creditors must be filed with the Court.

2. Forms

File the forms below with the Court:

• JDF 960 - Petition for Final Settlement
• JDF 942 - Interim/Final Accounting
• JDF 964 - Order for Final Settlement
• JDF 730 - Final Decree of Discharge
• JDF 963 - Notice of Hearing Without Appearance
• JDF 711 - Notice of Hearing

3. Hearing

• There may or may not be a hearing.
• If there is a hearing:
  • The Personal Representative and/or Petitioner must appear and should be prepared to present evidence as to why the estate should be closed.
• Obtain a signed copy of the Decree of Final Discharge from the Court (JDF 730).
  • Contact the Clerk's Office for a certified copy.

4. The End

• Estate is closed once the Decree is issued.
• File JDF 731 - Receipt and Release
  • From each person identified in the Schedule of Distribution
    • See JDF 960 - Petition for Final Settlement, Pg. 1.
  • Or, file proof of distribution for each person.
    • Example - canceled check. 

Case Closed

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