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 960 PDF | JDF 960 WORD
- JDF 942 - Interim/Final Accounting
- JDF 942 PDF | JDF 942 WORD
- JDF 964 - Order for Final Settlement
- JDF 964 PDF | JDF 964 WORD
- JDF 730 - Final Decree of Discharge
- JDF 730 PDF | JDF 730 WORD
- JDF 963 - Notice of Hearing Without Appearance
- JDF 963 PDF | JDF 963 WORD
- JDF 711 - Notice of Hearing
- JDF 711 PDF | JDF 711 WORD
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
- JDF 731 PDF | JDF 731 WORD
- 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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