The Maryland Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates is a legal document used to establish the rightful heirs of a deceased individual's estate when the value of the estate is below a certain threshold. This affidavit is an important tool in simplifying the probate process for estates with limited assets. It helps to transfer the ownership of the decedent's property to the rightful heirs without the need for a formal probate administration. The Maryland Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates serves as evidence of the heirs' entitlement to the assets without the need for a court-supervised probate process. This document allows the heirs to establish their claims to the property by providing specific information about their relationship to the deceased and their right to inherit. There are two main types of Maryland Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates, which are used in different circumstances: 1. Affidavit of Warship for Personal Property: This type is used when the assets in the estate are solely personal property and do not include any real estate. Personal property can include various items like bank accounts, vehicles, jewelry, furniture, and other tangible assets. This affidavit enables the heirs to claim and distribute personal property that belonged to the deceased individual. 2. Affidavit of Warship for Real Property: This type is used when the estate includes real estate, such as land, buildings, or houses. It allows the heirs to establish their rightful ownership of the real property without the need for a formal probate administration. This affidavit includes details about the deceased's real property and the heirs' relationship to the decedent. Both types of Maryland Affidavits of Warship for Small Estates require accurate and comprehensive information about the deceased individual, such as their full legal name, date of birth, date of death, and residence. It is crucial to provide the names and addresses of all the legal heirs, along with their relationship to the deceased. These affidavits must be signed and notarized by the heirs, affirming the accuracy of the information provided. By utilizing the Maryland Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates, the probate process can be streamlined, providing a more efficient means of transferring assets to the rightful heirs. It offers a simplified alternative to formal probate proceedings while ensuring that the decedent's property is distributed correctly according to Maryland law. Note: It is always recommended consulting with an attorney or legal professional experienced in estate planning or probate matters to ensure compliance with Maryland laws and to tailor documents to individual circumstances.