North Dakota Executor and Estate Kit: the $100,000 Small Estate Route After 30 Days, First Month Checklist and Estate Ledger

Who it is for

Whoever is settling the estate of someone who lived in North Dakota. Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented to whoever holds the property; no court filing.

Not the right fit if

The person didn't live in or own property in North Dakota, or a will contest or family dispute means you need an estate attorney. Not a form preparation or legal service.

Why it is different

• Sources, checked November 2026: N.D.C.C. chapter 30.1-23, Collection by affidavit; small estates (North Dakota Legislature); North Dakota Courts self-help Form 1, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent; Wills Research Guide (North Dakota Legal Self Help Center, rev. January 2025); Nolo (secondary source): How to Make Will in North Dakota (Nolo, updated September 2025).
• All 11 North Dakota facts are confirmed: on an official page, or where none could be read, on a vetted secondary source marked as such.

What is inside

• North Dakota small estate route. The entire estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, up to $100,000, with no real property in the probate estate. Real estate in the person's name alone takes the estate out of this procedure. 30 days. Thirty days after the death. Signed before a notary. Signed and dated in front of a notary public or clerk of court. Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented to whoever holds the property; no court filing. Form 1, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent. The state courts' self-help form. Small estates summary administrative procedure (30.1-23-03): When the estate after liens is no more than the homestead, exempt property, family allowance, administration, funeral and last-illness costs, the personal representative may distribute without notice to creditors.
• How a North Dakota will had to be signed. Two witnesses who saw the testator sign, or instead a notary public to whom the testator acknowledged the will. Allowed. Per Nolo (citing 30.1-08-04), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit in front of a notary public. Recognized if handwritten and signed by the testator. No witnesses needed. A beneficiary may witness (Nolo, citing N.D.C.C. 30.1-08-05), though disinterested witnesses are recommended.
• North Dakota estate ledger (Excel). Assets, debts, payments and distributions; it compares the countable assets with $100,000, dates day 30 after the death and flags real estate in the person's name alone, which rules the route out.
• First 30 days, tracker and letters. The first month in order with day 30 marked, a documents and accounts tracker, and plain letters to a bank, a utility and Social Security.