The Missouri Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates is a legal document used to transfer ownership of property or assets when someone passes away without leaving a will or estate plan. This affidavit serves as proof of whom the legal heirs are and their respective shares in the estate. It is commonly employed when the assets involved are of low value, making it unnecessary to go through the probate process. The Affidavit of Warship is filed in the county where the deceased person owned property, and must be executed by two disinterested persons who have knowledge of the family history and estate. These individuals certify under oath that they are familiar with the deceased's heirs and their respective hereditary shares. To create a legally valid Affidavit of Warship in Missouri, certain information must be included, such as the full legal name of the deceased person, their date of death, and a description of the property or assets being considered. Additionally, the affidavit should provide detailed information about the heirs, including their full names, dates of birth, addresses, and the nature of their relationship to the deceased. There are two main types of Missouri Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates: the General Affidavit of Warship and the Small Estate Affidavit. The General Affidavit of Warship applies when the decedent owned real estate in Missouri, while the Small Estate Affidavit applies when the assets, excluding real estate, are valued at $40,000 or less. The Small Estate Affidavit allows for a simplified transfer of property by avoiding probate, as long as all necessary criteria are met. This streamlined process can save both time and money for heirs seeking to transfer small assets quickly. In summary, the Missouri Affidavit of Warship for Small Estates is a legal tool used to transfer property or assets in cases where the deceased did not leave a will or estate plan. It provides a way to establish legal ownership and distribute shares among rightful heirs. By choosing the appropriate affidavit type, heirs can effectively navigate the transfer process while saving time and financial resources.