Small estate affidavits are a fast and affordable way to transfer property after someone has died, when the decedent died without a will. Always fill out both "separate property" columns and also fill out the "community property" column if decedent was married.Now that the affidavit is signed and notarized, all you have to do is present it to the person or entity to collect the property. Here are the requirements. Here, learn about ways a deceased person's property may pass on to their heirs without the need for a formal court proceeding. All distributees who are listed in Section 9 must sign in front of a notary. Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate Without Will. Case Category – Probate Decedent Estates. The official home page of the New York State Unified Court System. A notary is not required if the witness can present the statement to an investigator in person. 6).