Affidavit of Due Diligence
Proof that you made a genuine effort to locate and notify all interested parties. Required when you can't find certain heirs or beneficiaries.
Choose your path
The court needs to see you made a genuine effort.
If you can't locate an heir, you'll need to document exactly what you did to try to find them — searches, letters, phone calls. A vague effort won't satisfy the court.
Keystone Pinnacle Pro offers document preparation for selected forms. Check availability, scope and pricing on Pro. Preparation does not include legal or tax advice or court representation.
When do you need this form?
You can't find one or more heirs and need to show the court you tried.
This site provides general information, not legal advice. For legal counsel, consult a licensed attorney. Official forms are maintained by New York State and may change.
Ready to complete this form?
Check Keystone Pinnacle Pro for available forms and preparation scope. For advice on what to file in your case, consult an attorney.
Other administration forms
Petition for Letters of Administration
Someone died without a will. Before you can access their accounts or sell their property, you need to be officially appointed. This form starts that process.
PALAPetition for Ancillary Letters of Administration
When someone who lived outside New York died without a will but owned property here, this form asks the court to appoint an administrator for the NY property.
ADM-DBNPetition for Letters of Administration d.b.n.
When the original administrator dies or can no longer serve, this form asks the court to appoint a replacement to finish settling the estate.
A-2Affidavit of Heirship
A sworn statement listing all the deceased person's legal heirs — their names, addresses, ages, and relationship to the deceased. Required in every administration proceeding.
Need More Than Form A-4?
A-4 is one step in a longer court process. If the estate also includes a house or other real property in Brooklyn, Keystone Pinnacle helps coordinate the filings, tax clearances, and the sale.
Schedule a 15-minute call. We'll walk you through the process, the timeline, and what documents you need.
Not legal advice. Estate property advisory and document preparation.