DelawareDelaware measure sets $50,000 limit for distributing property without court appointment
Once effective, the signed measure would let eligible people use a sworn statement to distribute up to $50,000 in counted personal property without a court appointment.
What it does
Once effective, eligible people could use a sworn statement to distribute up to $50,000 in counted personal property without a court appointment. They must wait 30 days, address debts and any surviving spouse's payment, and meet Delaware real estate limits.
Argument forEligible people could avoid waiting for a court appointment when distributing property from a qualifying estate.
Argument againstSomeone owed money might struggle to collect if a signer overlooks a debt before distributing property without a court appointment.
More detail
Eligible people could collect and distribute personal property by sworn statement without a court appointment. Eligible people include a spouse, certain relatives, a qualified executor named in the will, a Delaware-licensed funeral director, and some representatives. Counted personal property cannot exceed $50,000. No request to appoint an estate representative may be pending or approved. Known debts must be paid or covered. A surviving spouse's payment from the estate must be paid, covered, waived, or expired. The deceased cannot have owned Delaware real estate alone or with a separate ownership share. At least 30 days must pass after the death before the sworn statement is used.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 10Signed by Governor Matt MeyerBecame Law
- May 20Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENTPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- May 5Reported Out of Committee (Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its MeritsMinor
- Apr 23Assigned to Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee in SenateMinor
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 23Passed By House. Votes: 35 YES 6 ABSENTPassed House
- Apr 14Reported Out of Committee (Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce) in House with 1 Favorable, 9 On Its MeritsMinor
- Mar 25Introduced and Assigned to Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee in HouseIntroduced