The Illinois Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates is a legal document used to establish the heirs of a deceased person's estate when the total value of the assets is below a certain threshold. This affidavit helps simplify and expedite the process of transferring the property and assets of the deceased to their rightful heirs. In Illinois, there are different types of Affidavits of Warship for Small Estates, depending on the specific circumstances: 1. Affidavit of Warship for Real Estate: This type of affidavit is used when the deceased owned real estate, such as a house or land. It provides a detailed description of the property and its value, along with information about the deceased and their heirs. 2. Affidavit of Warship for Personal Property: This affidavit is employed when the deceased had personal property, such as vehicles, bank accounts, or personal belongings, with a total value below the small estate limit. It outlines the assets, their value, and the individuals entitled to inherit them. 3. Affidavit of Warship for Real Estate and Personal Property: In cases where the deceased had both real estate and personal property, this type of affidavit is used. It combines the information from the previous two affidavits to cover all assets comprehensively. The Illinois Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates is often used when there is no valid will or the deceased's assets do not exceed a certain value, which is currently set at $100,000 in Illinois. This document helps establish the chain of inheritance and confirm the rightful beneficiaries, allowing the assets to be distributed without the need for probate court proceedings. To complete the affidavit, the person filling it out, known as the affine, must gather essential information about the deceased, including their name, date of birth, and date of death. They also need to identify the deceased's heirs, providing their relationship to the deceased, full names, and relevant contact information. The affine must then sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public or other authorized official, who will also affix their seal or stamp. This verification ensures the document's authenticity and admissibility in legal matters. Once completed, the Illinois Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates can be used to transfer the deceased's assets to their heirs. However, it is crucial to consult an attorney or legal professional to ensure compliance with state laws and to address any specific complexities that may arise during the inheritance process.