Can the Form 18 be e-signed?

Yes, most states accept electronic signatures under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) or UETA where adopted. Confirm with the local probate court whether notarization or RON is required for your filing.

Is notarization always required?

Not necessarily. Notarization depends on state probate rules and whether the affidavit will be used as a self-proving statement; check local court requirements before signing.

What supporting documents should I include?

Attach itemized invoices, contracts, receipts, delivery confirmations, and any correspondence that proves the debt or entitlement being claimed to substantiate the affidavit.

What if my claim is rejected?

If the personal representative rejects your claim, the affidavit record supports filing a contested claim or petition in probate court within statutory deadlines; consult counsel for next steps.

How long will processing take?

Timing varies by estate size and court workload; uncontested small claims may be resolved in weeks, while contested claims can take months to years depending on litigation.

Can I withdraw or amend my affidavit?

You can typically amend or withdraw a claim by filing a corrected affidavit or written notice with the personal representative or court; follow local rules for amendments.

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Form 18 Affidavit to Claim Against Estate

Form 18 Affidavit to Claim Against Estate

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Form 18. AFFIDAVIT TO CLAIM AGAINST ESTATE

I, , do swear that the attached claim against the estate of , deceased, is correct, that nothing has been paid or delivered toward the satisfaction of the claim except as noted, that there are no offsets to this claim, to the knowledge of this affiant, except as therein stated, and that the sum of Dollars ($) is now justly due (or will or may become due as stated). I further state that if this claim is based upon a written instrument, a true and complete copy, including all endorsements, is attached.

Date:

[Signature]

[Affidavit]

Reporter's Note to Form 18: See Ark. Code Ann. §§ 28-50-103 - 28-50-104. If this affidavit is made by a corporation, organization, or anyone other than an individual in his or her own behalf, the representative capacity of the affiant must be clearly stated in the first line in the form and below the signature line. An affidavit is required by Ark. Code Ann. § 28-50-103(a).

What the Form 18 Affidavit to Claim Against Estate Is

The Form 18 Affidavit to Claim Against Estate is a sworn written statement used by creditors, heirs, or other claimants to assert a monetary or property claim against a decedent's probate estate. It documents the claimant's relationship to the decedent, the amount and basis of the claim, and any supporting facts. The affidavit is typically submitted to the personal representative, estate counsel, or the probate court handling the estate to trigger review, allowance, negotiation, or court adjudication of the claim under local probate rules.

Why this affidavit matters for claims against an estate

Filing a properly completed Form 18 establishes a formal record of your claim, preserves statutory rights under probate procedure, creates a paper trail for negotiation or litigation, and helps the personal representative identify and prioritize debts and valid claims against estate assets.

Who uses the Form 18 Affidavit and why

This affidavit is used by parties who assert a financial or property entitlement against a decedent's estate and need a formal, sworn claim on file.

Individual creditors or vendors asserting unpaid invoices or services rendered to the decedent within the claims period.
Heirs or beneficiaries asserting a specific entitlement or reimbursement from estate funds.
Attorneys or fiduciaries submitting claims on behalf of clients, creditors, or interest holders.

Use the Form 18 process to ensure your claim is evaluated under the probate timetable and documented for estate accounting and potential court review.

Common signers and claimants

Individual Claimant

A private creditor, family member, or beneficiary who files the affidavit to preserve a monetary or property claim. The affidavit should identify the claimant, relationship to decedent, amount claimed, and attach invoices, contracts, or proof of debt.

Representative Counsel

An attorney or authorized agent who files the affidavit on behalf of a client. Counsel must include a statement of authority and provide verification, contact information, and documentary support under local probate rules.

Essential information the form requires

Claimant Name: Full legal name of person or entity

Decedent Details: Full name, date of death

Claim Amount: Specific dollar value claimed

Basis of Claim: Invoice, contract, or obligation

Supporting Documents: Attach evidence or receipts

Signature & Date: Signed, dated, and notarized as required

Step-by-step: Completing Form 18 accurately

Follow these ordered steps to complete Form 18 so the affidavit is clear, supported, and acceptable to the personal representative or court.

01

Gather records: Collect invoices, contracts, and proof of delivery or performance.
02

Enter claimant details: Provide legal name, address, and contact information.
03

State the claim: Describe the basis and enter the exact dollar amount claimed.
04

Sign and notarize: Sign before a notary if the jurisdiction requires notarization.

How to set up a digital workflow for Form 18

Configure an eSubmission workflow to route Form 18 to the personal representative, estate counsel, and court as needed.

Field	Configuration
Document Template	Upload PDF and map fillable fields
Signer Order	Set claimant first, estate rep second
Authentication	Enable email + SMS code if required
Notifications	Auto-notify parties on completion

Where to send the completed Form 18

After signing, route the affidavit to the appropriate recipients per local probate practice and the estate's instructions.

Personal Representative: Deliver the affidavit and supporting documents to the estate's executor or administrator for review.
Estate Attorney: Send a copy to estate counsel to include in the inventory and claims ledger.
Probate Court: File with the probate clerk only if required by court rules or when notice is contested.
Other Creditors: Share copies with known creditors if joint review or claims reconciliation is needed.

Digital signing and eSubmission considerations

Confirm your jurisdiction accepts electronic signatures and whether notarization or remote notarization is permitted before e-filing.

Authentication: Email, SMS code, or stronger methods
Notarization Support: In-person or RON where allowed
File Formats: Use PDF/A or PDF with fillable fields

Maintain audit trails, signed PDF copies, and any audio-video RON recordings as required by state law or court rules to preserve admissibility.

Typical timelines and deadlines to track

Monitor statutory and local probate deadlines; timelines differ by jurisdiction and by whether the claim is contested or unsecured.

Claim filing window:

Many states require claim filing within months of notice; check local probate statutes.

Response from estate:

Personal representative typically has a statutory period to allow or dispute claims.

Court filing deadline:

If claim is rejected, calendar deadlines for contested petitions and hearings.

Statute of limitations:

Underlying debt limitations still apply; verify state-specific limitation statutes.

Remote notarization records:

If RON used, retain session audio-video per state retention rules.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing Form 18

Submitting incomplete supporting documents, which delays validation and may cause the personal representative to reject or ignore the claim.
Using inconsistent party names or incorrect decedent dates, resulting in misidentification of the estate and processing delays.
Failing to follow local notarization, witness, or filing procedures, which can render the affidavit inadmissible or untimely.
Overstating amounts without itemized calculations or documentation, inviting immediate dispute and potential sanctions.

Penalties and legal risks for incorrect or fraudulent claims

Rejection of claim: Claim may be disallowed

Loss of priority: Delay can forfeit payment priority

Sanctions: Court sanctions for false statements

Civil liability: Potential damages for fraudulent claims

Criminal exposure: Perjury charges in extreme cases

Statute limitations: Late filing bars recovery

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Adopt a consistent approach to documentation, validation, and delivery to reduce disputes and accelerate resolution.

Standardize attachments

Include an index and label exhibits clearly so the personal representative and counsel can verify the claim without follow-up.

Confirm identity

Use the claimant's legal name and include a government ID copy if allowed by privacy rules to speed acceptance.

Use clear calculations

Provide itemized math for amounts claimed, include interest calculations where applicable, and show dates and sources.

Keep audit trail

Retain signed PDFs, timestamps, and any RON session records to establish execution and chain of custody.

Typical use cases when filing a Form 18 Affidavit

These examples illustrate common scenarios and practical considerations claimants face when asserting claims against an estate.

Small Estate Creditor

A utility vendor files Form 18 to claim unpaid bills for services rendered in the decedent’s last six months

The affidavit includes invoices and a contract reference
The personal representative negotiated a partial payment; having the affidavit on file preserved the vendor's right to an allowed claim during estate settlement.

Heir Reimbursement Claim

A beneficiary submits Form 18 seeking reimbursement for funeral expenses paid on behalf of the estate

The affidavit cites receipts and the statute permitting priority claims
The court allowed reimbursement as an administrative expense after documentation was provided.

eSignature vendor comparison for completing and submitting Form 18

This comparison highlights common plan features and starting prices across providers that support PDF workflows, audit trails, and notarization integrations.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently asked questions about Form 18 Affidavit to Claim Against Estate

Answers to common procedural, legal, and technical questions to help claimants avoid delays and ensure a valid submission.

Need help? Contact support

Can the Form 18 be e-signed?
Yes, most states accept electronic signatures under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) or UETA where adopted. Confirm with the local probate court whether notarization or RON is required for your filing.
Is notarization always required?
Not necessarily. Notarization depends on state probate rules and whether the affidavit will be used as a self-proving statement; check local court requirements before signing.
What supporting documents should I include?
Attach itemized invoices, contracts, receipts, delivery confirmations, and any correspondence that proves the debt or entitlement being claimed to substantiate the affidavit.
What if my claim is rejected?
If the personal representative rejects your claim, the affidavit record supports filing a contested claim or petition in probate court within statutory deadlines; consult counsel for next steps.
How long will processing take?
Timing varies by estate size and court workload; uncontested small claims may be resolved in weeks, while contested claims can take months to years depending on litigation.
Can I withdraw or amend my affidavit?
You can typically amend or withdraw a claim by filing a corrected affidavit or written notice with the personal representative or court; follow local rules for amendments.

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