The High Point North Carolina Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of Decedent Intestate — Testate is a legal document designed to simplify the process of transferring personal property to the rightful heirs of a deceased individual who either died intestate (without a will) or testate (with a will). This affidavit is specifically created for residents of High Point, North Carolina, and can save them time and expense by avoiding the probate process in certain cases. There are two types of Small Estate Affidavits available in North Carolina — one for intestate cases and the other for testate cases. The intestate affidavit is used when the deceased person did not leave behind a valid will, and the testate affidavit is used when there is a will, but the estate qualifies for the small estate process. The High Point North Carolina Small Estate Affidavit provides a streamlined method for collecting and distributing personal property, such as bank accounts, vehicles, jewelry, household items, and more, without going through the traditional probate procedure. This is especially beneficial for individuals who passed away with limited assets or a small estate. To initiate the process, the person seeking to collect the decedent's property (referred to as the affine) must file an affidavit with the appropriate court. The affidavit must include essential information such as the deceased person's name, date of death, and residence. Additionally, the affine needs to provide details about their relationship to the decedent, confirm the value of the estate, and list all known debts and assets. The affine must also identify all known heirs or devises. Heirs are individuals who are entitled to inherit the estate when there is no will, while devises are individuals designated to receive specific assets according to the terms outlined in a valid will. Each heir or devised named in the affidavit must sign a notarized waiver of notice, consenting to the use of the small estate process. Once all necessary documentation is complete and filed, the court will review the affidavit to determine its accuracy and compliance with the North Carolina state laws. If the court approves the affidavit, it will issue an order allowing the affine to collect and distribute the decedent's personal property. The affine can then present the court order to banks, institutions, or any other relevant parties to claim and transfer the assets to the rightful heirs or devises. In conclusion, the High Point North Carolina Small Estate Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of Decedent Intestate — Testate provides a simplified and cost-effective means to transfer personal property when dealing with smaller estates and a lack of disputes over the estate's distribution.