About Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value
Allows a successor to claim a decedent's California real property of small value without full probate administration by filing a sworn affidavit under Probate Code section 13200.
When you'd use it: Used when at least six months have passed since the decedent's death and the gross value of all California real property in the decedent's estate does not exceed the statutory threshold, and no probate proceeding is pending or has been conducted.
Where to get the official form
The official version of Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value is published as a PDF by the California courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:
Download Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value (PDF) →
Source: courts.ca.gov
Link last checked: May 30, 2026
How to file Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value in California
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value (DE-305) when used when at least six months have passed since the decedent's death and the gross value of all California real property in the decedent's estate does not exceed the statutory threshold, and no probate proceeding is pending or has been conducted. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — California probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
- Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
- Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
- Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the California county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).