Wills, estates & power of attorney
Statutory Declaration of Small Estate
A sworn declaration setting out the value and assets of a modest estate — used to support a small estate certificate application in Ontario, or to satisfy a bank or transfer agent that formal probate is not needed.
Pay only when you notarize
Word files are editable. Review any changes carefully before signing or uploading.
Also known as
- Small Estate Declaration
- Declaration of Estate Value
- Affidavit of Small Estate
STATUTORY DECLARATION OF SMALL ESTATE
I, ______, of ______, in the Province of Ontario, DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE that:
I am the ______ of ______ (the “Deceased”), who died on ______ at ______.
At the date of death the Deceased resided at ______, and was ______.
The assets of the estate, and their values at the date of death, are: ______.
The total value of the estate at the date of death is ______.
To the best of my knowledge the Deceased held no other property in Ontario requiring administration, apart from the assets listed above.
The debts and liabilities of the estate are: .
The persons entitled to share in the estate are: ______.
I make this declaration in support of the administration of this estate, and I undertake to administer and distribute it according to law.
I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true, and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.
DECLARED before me at the ______________________ of ______________________, in the Province of Ontario, this ______ day of ______________, 20______.
_______________________________ _______________________________
A Commissioner for taking Affidavits Signature of Deponent
The blanks fill themselves in as you type.
- Review
- Reviewed by an Ontario notary
- Formats
- PDF + editable Word downloads
- Builder
- Live preview as you type
Statutory Declaration of Small Estate
A compact preview of this template
01Your Information
Your full legal name
Full legal name of the deceased
List each asset and its value at the date of death
STATUTORY DECLARATION OF SMALL ESTATE
I, ______, of ______, in the Province of Ontario, DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE that:
I am the ______ of ______ (the “Deceased”), who died on ______ at ______.
At the date of death the Deceased resided at ______, and was ______.
The assets of the estate, and their values at the date of death, are: ______.
The total value of the estate at the date of death is ______.
To the best of my knowledge the Deceased held no other property in Ontario requiring administration, apart from the assets listed above.
The debts and liabilities of the estate are: .
The persons entitled to share in the estate are: ______.
I make this declaration in support of the administration of this estate, and I undertake to administer and distribute it according to law.
I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true, and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.
DECLARED before me at the ______________________ of ______________________, in the Province of Ontario, this ______ day of ______________, 20______.
_______________________________ _______________________________
A Commissioner for taking Affidavits Signature of Deponent
- 01Work your wayGuided or All fieldsFinish one section at a time, or see every question in one form.
- 02See the resultLive document previewWatch this document update as you add each answer.
- 03Keep your placeSave and restore a draftSave progress in this browser, then restore it later on this device.
How it works
Prepare your document, one step at a time.
Answer the questions, choose the download you need, then continue with signing or booking.
Overview
About this document
- 01
What is a Statutory Declaration of Small Estate?
It is a sworn statement listing the assets, value, debts, and beneficiaries of the estate of someone who has died.
It is used where the estate is small enough that a full application for a certificate of appointment of estate trustee would be disproportionate.
- 02
When you might need one
This declaration is commonly requested when:
- You are applying for a small estate certificate in Ontario.
- A bank asks for sworn confirmation of estate value before releasing funds.
- A transfer agent or registrar needs the estate documented but not probated.
- You must show that the estate falls below the small estate threshold.
- 03
What you'll need to fill it in
Gather the following before you start:
- The death certificate or funeral director's statement of death.
- The will, if there is one.
- Statements or valuations for every asset as at the date of death.
- Names of everyone entitled to share in the estate.
- 04
Confirm the current threshold before you rely on it
Ontario's small estate threshold and the accompanying court forms are set by regulation and can change. Confirm the current figure and the correct court form on ontario.ca, or with the estates office of the Superior Court of Justice, before you swear a declaration that depends on it.
A notary can commission your declaration but cannot advise you on whether the small estate route is the right one for this estate. Where the estate is contested, includes real property, or sits near the threshold, speak to an estates lawyer first.
- 05
How to get it notarized in Ontario
Fill in the form on this page and download a clean, ready-to-sign PDF. Do not sign it yet — an affidavit or statutory declaration must be signed in front of a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.
When you are ready, book an appointment with Minute Notary. We administer your oath or affirmation, witness your signature, and apply the notarial seal. Where the document is eligible, you can do this online from anywhere in Ontario; otherwise we meet in person in Ottawa.
Good to know
Before you fill it in.
Short notes from our notary on this template. Worth a minute before you start.
- 01
Reviewed for use in Ontario by a notary public.
- 02
Fill it in online and download a clean, ready-to-sign PDF — no account needed.
- 03
Sign only in front of the notary; we administer the oath and apply the seal.
Frequently asked
Questions about the Statutory Declaration of Small Estate
- Does this replace probate?
- Not by itself. It supports a small estate certificate application or satisfies an institution's own requirements. Whether formal probate is needed depends on the assets and on who holds them.
- What is the small estate threshold in Ontario?
- Ontario sets the threshold by regulation and it has changed over time. Check the current figure on ontario.ca or with the Superior Court of Justice estates office before relying on it.
- What if I discover more assets later?
- Tell the court or institution promptly. A further or amended declaration is usually needed, and an estate that grows past the threshold may no longer qualify for the simplified process.
Keep exploring
Related templates
Other documents for legacy & succession.
- 01Affidavit of Intestacy (No Will)
A sworn affidavit confirming that a person who died left no will (died intestate) — used to support administering the estate. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario. Obtain legal advice for estate matters.
Fill it out - 02Affidavit of Domicile
A sworn affidavit confirming where a deceased person lived at the time of death — often required to transfer securities, accounts, or other estate assets. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario.
Fill it out - 03Affidavit of Heirship (Next of Kin)
A sworn affidavit identifying the heirs or next of kin of a person who has died — used to help settle an estate. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario. Obtain legal advice for estate matters.
Fill it out - 04Statutory Declaration of No Lien
A sworn affidavit confirming that a vehicle or item is free of liens or security interests — used when selling or transferring so the buyer takes it free and clear. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario.
Fill it out
Ready to sign?
Ready to create your Statutory Declaration of Small Estate?
Fill it in online, then download a ready-to-sign PDF or an editable Word copy. Use the generated PDF to continue to booking.