What is the small estate limit in Delaware?
$50,000 in personal property, under 12 Del. C. § 2306, excluding jointly owned property and the assets the statute carves out. At or below that figure, and with the other conditions met, the estate can be settled by affidavit without letters and a full inventory and appraisal. A written appraisal of vehicles, contents, and collections shows whether the estate qualifies and documents the values the affidavit relies on.
Does Delaware license personal property appraisers?
No. Delaware licenses appraisers of real property only. For the personal property on an estate inventory, 12 Del. C. § 1904 asks only that any appraiser the personal representative hires be qualified and disinterested, with the appraiser's name and address listed on the inventory beside the items valued. Our reports follow USPAP and our appraisers hold credentials with organizations such as ASA, ISA, and AAA.