How to Request to Close Probate

Probate opens soon after death and ends when outstanding debts are clear and the distribution of estate assets is complete. If the estate is small, a will is present and there are no family disagreements, then most states allow a personal representative of the family to handle probate matters without court supervision. In this case, closing probate is a simple matter of informing a county probate registrar that probate is complete by filing the proper paperwork. If probate occurs under court supervision, however, an attorney or family representative must ask for and receive court approval before probate can officially close.

Contact your probate attorney or a representative from the probate court to get the appropriate closing statement forms. As an alternative, download and print closing statement forms from your district judicial branch website if your state provides this option.

Read the closing statement form and instructions for completing the form carefully. Gather information you will need to complete the form, such as a listing of outstanding liabilities, if any, that remain against the estate.

Fill out the closing statement form in full.

Sign and date the closing statement form in the presence of a notary public and at the same time have the statement notarized. Include identification information for your probate attorney if you have one.

Make enough copies of the form to send to all the heirs of the estate, as well as outstanding creditors, if any, and keep a copy for yourself.

Mail or deliver the closing statement form in person to the probate court.

Contact your probate attorney or a representative from the probate court to get the appropriate petition to close form. As an alternative, download and print the form from your district judicial branch website if your state provides this option.

Read the petition and instructions for completing the form carefully. Make sure to file an inventory and final account statement or beneficiary waiver statements before or at the same time as you file the petition to close a formal probate.

Fill out the petition to close form in full.

Make and distribute copies of the petition to all the heirs of the estate, as well as your probate attorney.

Sign and date the petition to close form in the presence of a notary public and at the same time have the statement notarized. Include identification information for your probate attorney.

Mail or deliver the completed petition in person to the probate court.

Wait for the probate court to schedule a court date to formally close probate. Appear in court on the appointed date and time.