Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

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About Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative

Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative is a probate form used during estate settlement in Delaware.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative is published as a PDF by the Delaware 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:

Verified official PDF

Download Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative (PDF) →

Source: newcastlede.gov

Link last checked: August 19, 2026

How to file Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative in Delaware

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formDouble-check that Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative is the right form for your situation. Delaware probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Delaware county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

Probate in Delaware

See the full Delaware probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Delaware probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative?
Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative is a probate form used during estate settlement in Delaware. It's filed with the probate court as part of administering a deceased person's estate.
Where do I file Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative in Delaware?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Delaware county where the deceased person lived. Our Delaware probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Opening Petition — Form No. 1: Petition for Authority to Act as Personal Representative available online?
Most Delaware probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Delaware Probate Forms

Accounting — Form No. N.C. 30Inventory — Form No. N.C. 600RWNew Castle County Register of Wills Request for Small Estate AffidavitRenunciation — Form No. N.C. 23

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.