Probate in Arizona | AZ Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What Steps Are Required to Locate, Inventory, and Distribute Estate Assets and Settle Debts in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Estate Administration: Steps to Locate, Inventory, Distribute Assets, and Settle Debts in Arizona 1. Appointment of a Personal Representative Before administering an estate, the court appoints a personal representative (PR). […]

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How Do Intestacy Rules Apply If No Valid Will Is Found in Arizona (AZ)?

Detailed Answer When someone dies without a valid will in Arizona, they die “intestate” and state laws determine who inherits their property. Under Arizona law (ARS §14-2101), the probate court distributes assets to relatives in a specific order. This process ensures lawful heirs receive their shares based on their relationship to the decedent. 1. Who […]

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Which court or county office handles estate administration and unclaimed property claims in Arizona?

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 […]

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What steps are required to open an estate proceeding when no probate case exists in Arizona?

Detailed Answer Under Arizona law, when someone dies and no probate case exists, you must open an estate proceeding in the Superior Court. Arizona’s Probate Code (Title 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes) governs this process. Gather basic documents: Obtain the original will (if one exists), a certified copy of the death certificate and a […]

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How can someone determine if a probate estate has been opened for a decedent in Arizona?

Disclaimer This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation. Detailed Answer When someone dies in Arizona owning assets that require court supervision—such as real estate, bank accounts held solely in the decedent’s name or stocks without a transfer-on-death designation—a probate […]

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What Documentation Is Required to Apply for Letters of Administration in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an Arizona-licensed attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer When someone dies without a valid will (intestate) in Arizona, you must obtain Letters of Administration to appoint a personal representative to manage the estate. You file your application in […]

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What Information Is Needed to Request Estate Files from a County Probate Division in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on specific situations, consult a qualified probate attorney. Detailed Answer: How to Request Estate Files from an Arizona County Probate Division In Arizona, probate case files held by the Superior Court Probate Division are generally public records. To request […]

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Steps to Transfer an Out-of-State Property Interest in Arizona When All Heirs Agree

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. It provides general information about transferring out-of-state property interests when all heirs agree. Detailed Answer Arizona’s summary probate rules for real property generally apply only to property located within Arizona (ARS § 14-3971). When the decedent owned real estate outside Arizona, you must follow the probate or […]

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How to Obtain and Use a Court-Ordered Subpoena to Gather Estate Records in Arizona

How to Obtain and Use a Court-Ordered Subpoena to Gather Estate Records in Arizona Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer 1. Understand Subpoenas in Arizona Probate In Arizona probate proceedings, a subpoena compels a person or entity to produce documents or testify. The probate code incorporates […]

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What Authorization Forms Must an Heir Sign to Direct Distribution of Real Property Sale Proceeds in Arizona?

Detailed Answer If you inherit real property in Arizona and the title company or escrow agent sells that property, you must sign certain documents to direct the distribution of sale proceeds. Which forms you need depends on whether a personal representative (PR) is appointed, the estate’s size and whether the property passes through a trust. […]

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