I am so sorry for your loss.  It would be advisable for you to try and comply with the law and to submit to the court some form of the document that they need to finalize and close out the estate. You may not have to file anything formal given the circumstances here.  I would go down and speak with the court attorney about your options.  Court clerks are also a good source of information but they can not give legal advice on a matter.  If the time for creditors has passed then you can file estate returns - if required - and out the mater to rest.  You do have a fiduciary duty here and it is not one that you should ignore.  Good luck.