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Probate Guide

The Sunset API provides both reference data for probate requirements across all US states and counties, and case tracking tools to manage the probate process for individual estates.

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Two Parts of Probate in the API

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1. Probate Reference Data (Read-Only)

Top-level endpoints providing probate laws, requirements, fees, and forms by state and county: 
/probate/states                              - All 50 states + DC + territories
/probate/states/{state_code}                 - Full state probate details
/probate/states/{state_code}/counties        - Counties in a state
/probate/states/{state_code}/counties/{slug} - Full county details
/probate/states/{state_code}/forms           - State probate forms

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2. Probate Case Tracking (Per Case)

Case-level endpoints for tracking the probate process: 
/cases/{case_id}/probate                     - Case probate details
/cases/{case_id}/probate/deadlines           - Deadlines and due dates
/cases/{case_id}/probate/filings             - Court filings
/cases/{case_id}/probate/creditor-claims     - Claims against the estate
/cases/{case_id}/probate/distributions       - Distributions to beneficiaries

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Using Reference Data

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Look up state probate requirements

curl "https://api.example.com/v1/probate/states/UT"```

The response includes:
- **Probate types available** (formal, informal, small estate affidavit, etc.)
- **Thresholds** (small estate dollar limits)
- **Creditor claim periods** and notice requirements
- **Bond requirements** and waiver rules
- **Executor compensation** methods and rates
- **Spousal rights** (elective share, homestead, family allowance)
- **Intestate succession** rules
- **Will requirements** (witnesses, holographic acceptance, etc.)
- **Tax information** (state estate tax, inheritance tax)

### Find the right county court

```bash
curl "https://api.example.com/v1/probate/states/UT/counties/cache-county"```

The response includes:
- **Court contact info** (address, phone, email, website)
- **Filing fees** for every probate action
- **Accepted payment methods**
- **Electronic filing** availability and URL
- **Required forms** with download links
- **Average processing time**
- **Hearing scheduling** details

### Get required forms

```bash
curl "https://api.example.com/v1/probate/states/UT/forms?required_for=informal_probate"```

## Tracking Probate for a Case

### 1. Set up probate case info

```bash
curl -X PUT "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/probate" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "state_code": "UT",
    "county_slug": "cache-county",
    "probate_type": "informal",
    "status": "not_filed",
    "attorney_name": "John Johnson",
    "attorney_firm": "Johnson & Associates",
    "attorney_phone": "+11112223333",
    "attorney_email": "john@johnsonlaw.com"
  }'

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2. Track deadlines

curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/probate/deadlines" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "title": "File estate inventory",
    "type": "inventory",
    "due_date": "2026-01-15",
    "is_court_ordered": true,
    "reminder_days_before": 14
  }'

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3. Record court filings

curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/probate/filings" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "filing_type": "petition",
    "title": "Petition for Informal Probate",
    "filed_date": "2025-10-15",
    "filed_by": "John Johnson (Executor)",
    "court_response": "pending",
    "fees_paid": 360.00
  }'

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4. Manage creditor claims

curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/probate/creditor-claims" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "creditor_name": "Springfield Medical Center",
    "claim_amount": 12500.00,
    "claim_date": "2025-11-01",
    "claim_type": "unsecured",
    "debt_description": "Outstanding medical bills",
    "status": "filed"
  }'

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5. Record distributions

curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/probate/distributions" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "person_id": "01K5XD09EJ7T44HRYE78AN7JKL",
    "recipient_name": "John Jonas Johnson",
    "relationship": "daughter",
    "asset_type": "cash",
    "amount_or_value": 25000.00,
    "method": "check",
    "status": "pending"
  }'

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Probate Status Flow

A typical probate case moves through these statuses: 
not_filed -> filed -> hearing_scheduled -> letters_issued ->
inventory_due -> creditor_period -> accounting_due ->
distribution_pending -> closed

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Common Probate Types

TypeDescription
formalFull court-supervised probate with hearings
informalSimplified process, minimal court involvement
small_estateSmall estate affidavit (below state threshold)
summaryShortened process for small/simple estates
ancillaryFor property in a state other than the deceased’s home state
supervisedCourt oversees every step
unsupervisedExecutor acts independently with court approval