Detailed Answer — What Arizona law allows and the typical steps

Short answer: possibly. Under Arizona law you have several paths to try to recover personal property that heirs removed before you took possession. Which path applies depends on your role (owner, purchaser, personal representative/executor), whether the court already issued an order about possession or distribution, and what evidence you have. Below is a practical, step‑by‑step explanation of the common legal tools and how courts typically enforce orders in Arizona.

1. Identify your legal status and the court’s order

• If you are the decedent’s appointed personal representative (executor) or a person who holds title (buyer, transferee, etc.), the probate or civil court order that gives you possession or title matters. Probate matters are governed by Arizona’s probate statutes (Title 14), and civil enforcement follows rules under Title 12. See Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 14 (Probate) and Title 12 (Courts and Civil Procedure): https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=14 and https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=12.
• Confirm whether the court order specifically: (a) awards you possession of the house, (b) orders distribution of particular personal property, or (c) prohibits the heirs from removing or disposing of property. The stronger and clearer the order, the easier enforcement becomes.

2. Gather evidence

Collect proof that the items were in the house, that heirs removed them, and that you have a court order for possession or distribution. Useful evidence includes photos, videos, inventory lists, eyewitness statements, text/email messages, moving truck receipts, security camera footage, and a certified copy of the court order.

3. Send a demand and document communication

Have an attorney or the court clerk send a written demand (sometimes a formal “cease and desist” or demand for return) to the heirs requiring immediate return of the items and warning of legal steps if they do not comply. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.

4. Court remedies to get property back

Depending on your facts, the following legal remedies are commonly used in Arizona:

• Motion in the probate case or main case: If the property removal violates a probate court’s distribution order or the court already gave you possession, file a motion asking the judge to order return of the items. The court can order turnover of property and set terms for retrieval.
• Contempt of court: If heirs disobeyed a clear court order, you can ask the court to hold them in contempt. Courts can impose sanctions that compel compliance, such as fines or jail for willful disobedience. Contempt is a tool to enforce a court order, but the court will look for willfulness and notice.
• Writ of restitution or writ of possession: For orders awarding physical possession (for example, in an eviction or some probate turnover orders), the court may issue a writ that law enforcement (sheriff or constable) can execute to restore possession and return items in the home.
• Civil claims — replevin or conversion: If heirs took items without legal right, you may sue for return of specific goods (replevin) or for damages for wrongful taking or conversion. These actions may be filed in civil court if the probate court cannot fully remedy the loss.

5. Enforcement and practical recovery

If the court orders return, the sheriff or constable may assist with executing the order. Do not try to forcibly retrieve items yourself; that can create safety and legal problems. If the items are already sold or destroyed, you may seek monetary damages in addition to or instead of return.

6. Timing and statutes of limitation

Act quickly. Evidence disappears and some civil claims have strict time limits. If you rely on contempt or enforcement of a current court order, act immediately by alerting the court. For separate civil claims like conversion or replevin, Arizona law sets time limits for bringing a claim; consult an attorney soon to preserve your rights.

7. Practical considerations and costs

Even when the law favors you, enforcement can cost time and money. Courts may award attorney fees in some probate matters or where a statute allows it, but not always. Consider whether recovery of the items (or their value) justifies litigation costs.

How a typical scenario works — example (hypothetical)

Hypothetical: You are the court‑appointed personal representative. The probate judge signed an order giving you possession of the decedent’s house and directing heirs to leave and not remove property. Before you could change the locks, a group of heirs removed a set of vintage furniture and several boxes of personal papers.

1. Collect photos showing the furniture in the house and evidence the heirs removed it (witness statements, a moving truck receipt).
2. File an emergency motion in the probate case asking the court to order immediate turnover of the identified items and requesting contempt sanctions for violating the earlier order.
3. If the judge orders return and the heirs refuse, request the court to issue a writ of assistance for the sheriff to retrieve the items or to hold the heirs in contempt to compel compliance.
4. If the furniture was already sold, include a claim for its value (conversion) and ask the court for monetary relief and costs.

When to call an attorney

Contact an attorney if:

• You have a court order and heirs ignore it.
• The items are high value or sentimental and you want to preserve evidence.
• You need immediate enforcement (risk of further removal or destruction).
• You are unsure whether the probate court or a separate civil action is the correct path.

An attorney can prepare the right motions, request expedited relief, draft demand letters, and coordinate with law enforcement to execute court orders safely.

Helpful Hints

• Preserve evidence now: photos, video, receipts, witness contact info, and a certified copy of any court order. Courts rely on documentation.
• Do not attempt self‑help retrieval (breaking locks, trespassing, or using force). That can harm your claim and create criminal exposure.
• Ask the probate court for emergency relief if items are at risk of being moved out of state or destroyed.
• Consider both restitution (return of the items) and money damages (value of items) if recovery is impossible.
• Keep a clear paper trail: every demand, response, and action you take helps the court see who did what and when.
• If law enforcement declines to get involved, file a motion with the court asking for a writ of assistance or other enforcement mechanism.
• If heirs assert a competing legal right (e.g., an earlier written gift to them), you will likely need the court to resolve the competing claims through evidence and possibly a trial.