Detailed Answer — What notices must you send under Arizona law?

When you start a probate case in Arizona, the court and the probate rules require that certain people be notified so they know a case has been opened and can protect their rights. The exact notices, who gets them, and the method of delivery depend on whether there is a will, who is known, and whether a hearing is scheduled. Below is a practical, step‑by‑step explanation in plain language.

Who you generally must notify

• People named in the will (devisees).
• Probable heirs at law (spouse, children, parents, siblings, descendants) when there is no will or when you must give notice to heirs.
• Any person nominated to be personal representative.
• Known creditors (for purposes of giving direct notice of administration when required).
• Other interested persons the court directs to receive notice.

Typical notices you will use

• Notice of Petition and Hearing: If you file a petition to open probate or appoint a personal representative, the court typically requires that interested persons be given notice of the petition and the date/time of any hearing so they can appear and object if appropriate.
• Notice of Administration (or Notice to Heirs/Devisees): After a personal representative is appointed, courts commonly require the representative to notify heirs and devisees that the estate is being administered and that claims must be presented by a certain procedure (publication is usually involved for unknown creditors).
• Notice to Creditors: Arizona procedures include publishing a Notice to Creditors in a newspaper of general circulation and sometimes mailing notice to known creditors. Publication starts statutory claim periods for general creditors.

How notices are delivered

Methods used in Arizona include:

• Personal service (hand delivery or service through a process server) when the court requires or when a party cannot be located by mail.
• First‑class or certified mail to known heirs, devisees, and interested persons. Keep copies and proof of mailing/return receipts.
• Publication in a newspaper when interested persons or creditors are unknown or when the court requires notice by publication. Publication helps start the period during which creditors may file claims against the estate.
• Filing proof of notice with the probate court — the court needs evidence that notice was given (affidavits of mailing, returned receipts, proof of publication, or proofs of service).

Timing and practical points

Timing rules vary by the type of notice and the stage of the case. Common practical rules in Arizona probate practice include:

• Give notice of the probate petition and the hearing as soon as possible after filing the petition. The court will set the hearing date and determine who must receive notice of the hearing.
• After appointment, promptly mail the Notice of Administration or equivalent notice to all identified heirs and devisees and to known creditors.
• If you cannot locate an heir after reasonable effort, publish notice in the legal notices section of a local newspaper and file proof of publication with the court.
• Always preserve proof: certified mail return receipts, copies of letters, affidavits of service, and the court’s acceptance of proof of publication.

Where to find the governing law and forms

Arizona’s probate statutes and court rules govern what notices are required and how they must be given. Useful official resources include:

• Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 14 (Trusts, Estates and Protective Proceedings): https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=14
• Arizona Courts — Probate information and procedural rules: https://www.azcourts.gov/Probate
• Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure (useful for timing and service rules): https://www.azcourts.gov/Rules/Probate-Rules

Hypothetical example

Sarah dies leaving a will that names her daughter Maria as the sole devisee and her brother Alan as the nominated personal representative. Maria files a petition to admit the will and appoint Alan. Maria must:

1. Serve or mail notice of the petition and hearing to Alan and to any other persons the court requires (for example, anyone who might claim to be an heir).
2. If Alan is appointed, mail a Notice of Administration to Maria and to any other listed devisees or known heirs and known creditors.
3. If a known heir cannot be located after reasonable search, publish notice in the appropriate county newspaper and file proof of publication.
4. File affidavits or receipts proving service and publication with the court file.

That approach protects the rights of heirs and makes sure the probate proceeds without unnecessary delays.

When to get legal help

Notifying the right people correctly is critical. Mistakes in service, missed notice deadlines, or failure to publish properly can delay administration or jeopardize the estate process. If heirs are unknown, difficult to locate, or potential conflicts exist, consult a probate attorney or the court’s self‑help resources to make sure notice requirements are satisfied.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Arizona probate notice practices for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Arizona probate attorney.

Helpful Hints — Quick checklist for notifying heirs in Arizona probate

• Identify everyone with a possible interest: devisees named in a will, heirs at law, spouse, children, parents, siblings, and known creditors.
• Follow the court’s instructions about who must receive notice of the petition and any hearings.
• Mail notices to known addresses by first‑class or certified mail and keep return receipts and copies.
• If you cannot locate someone, publish a Notice to Creditors/Notice of Administration in the appropriate local newspaper and file proof of publication with the court.
• File proofs of service promptly in the court record (affidavits of mailing, return receipts, or proof of publication).
• Use the Arizona probate rules and Title 14 as primary references: AZ Revised Statutes, Title 14 and Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure.
• If in doubt, hire a probate attorney or speak with the clerk of the court in the county where the decedent lived for local procedures.