Detailed Answer
1. Estate Administration in Arizona
Probate courts in each county handle estate administration. To begin, file a petition with the Superior Court in the decedent’s county of residence. The Clerk of the Superior Court’s Probate Division manages the process from appointment of a personal representative to asset distribution.
Key steps include:
- Filing a Petition for Probate or Letters of Administration under A.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 1.
- Notifying heirs and creditors as required by A.R.S. § 14-3701.
- Preparing and submitting an Inventory and Appraisement per A.R.S. § 14-3716.
2. Unclaimed Property Claims in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Revenue (DOR) administers unclaimed property under the Arizona Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. The DOR’s Unclaimed Property Division receives, secures, and returns abandoned property to rightful owners.
To claim property:
- Search the state’s online database: azdor.gov/unclaimed-property.
- File a claim online or by mail with the DOR Unclaimed Property Division under A.R.S. § 44-314.
- Provide proof of ownership, such as a government-issued ID and relevant documentation.
Helpful Hints
- Gather a complete list of the decedent’s assets, debts, and beneficiaries before filing probate.
- Visit your county’s Superior Court website to download probate forms and filing instructions.
- Check the DOR unclaimed property portal quarterly; new properties transfer to the state each quarter.
- Consider consulting a licensed probate or estate attorney for complex estates or high-value assets.
- Keep copies of all petitions, notices, inventories, and correspondence for your records.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.