Guides
Probate Guide
Guide to probate reference data and case tracking in the Sunset API.
Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: /llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Guide to probate reference data and case tracking in the Sunset API.
/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
/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
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"
}'
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
}'
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
}'
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"
}'
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"
}'
not_filed -> filed -> hearing_scheduled -> letters_issued ->
inventory_due -> creditor_period -> accounting_due ->
distribution_pending -> closed
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
formal | Full court-supervised probate with hearings |
informal | Simplified process, minimal court involvement |
small_estate | Small estate affidavit (below state threshold) |
summary | Shortened process for small/simple estates |
ancillary | For property in a state other than the deceased’s home state |
supervised | Court oversees every step |
unsupervised | Executor acts independently with court approval |
