About Affidavit for Small Estate Limited Letter of Authority
This affidavit allows a designated person to collect and manage a deceased person's personal property (not exceeding $50,000) without formal probate court administration.
When you'd use it: File this affidavit when a decedent's estate consists solely of personal property under $50,000 in value and the estate qualifies for limited administration under Tennessee Code Annotated § 30-4-101 et seq.
Where to get the official form
The official version of Affidavit for Small Estate Limited Letter of Authority is published as a PDF by the Tennessee 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 for Small Estate Limited Letter of Authority (PDF) →
Source: tncourts.gov
Link last checked: May 31, 2026
How to file Affidavit for Small Estate Limited Letter of Authority in Tennessee
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Affidavit for Small Estate Limited Letter of Authority when file this affidavit when a decedent's estate consists solely of personal property under $50,000 in value and the estate qualifies for limited administration under Tennessee Code Annotated § 30-4-101 et seq. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Tennessee 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 for Small Estate Limited Letter of Authority 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 for Small Estate Limited Letter of Authority to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Tennessee county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).