Skip to main content

What to Do When Someone Dies in Arizona

A step-by-step guide for the first 30 days. We know this is overwhelming. Take it one task at a time.

Get Death Certificates
Sources

If You Are the Named Executor in Arizona

If you are the named executor, personal representative, or the family member organizing an Arizona estate, start with the records and court tasks below at a steady pace. Each step links to its full instructions in the timeline.

  1. Look for a will and other beneficiary designations
  2. Order certified death certificates
  3. Identify urgent court or property issues
  4. List titled assets and debts
  5. Evaluate the small-estate affidavit or vehicle transfer

Timeline of Tasks

Start with the immediate tasks. Open each later phase as you reach it.

Immediately

Secure records you can lawfully access
Secure the person and property records you can lawfully access.
Look for a will and other beneficiary designations
Look for a will, trust, beneficiary deeds, vehicle beneficiary designations, payable-on-death accounts, and survivorship title.
Order certified death certificates
Order certified death certificates from ADHS or the appropriate local issuing office.

First Week

Identify urgent court or property issues
Identify whether any urgent court action, property preservation, or financial access issue exists.
List titled assets and debts
List titled assets and debts, separating probate and non-probate assets when possible.

First Month

Evaluate the small-estate affidavit or vehicle transfer
After 30 days, evaluate whether A.R.S. 14-3971 personal-property affidavit or ADOT vehicle non-probate transfer could apply.
Calendar creditor-notice and inventory duties
If a personal representative is appointed, calendar creditor-notice and inventory duties.

Ongoing

Verify county-specific filing instructions
Verify county Superior Court, recorder, assessor, and treasurer instructions before filing or recording.
Get professional help for complex issues
Use professional help for disputes, unclear title, real estate, creditor risk, tax issues, or contested family situations.

Who to Notify

Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213
Employer / HR Department
Phone call or email
Banks & Credit Unions
Visit branch with death certificate
Insurance Companies
Call policy customer service
Credit Card Companies
Call number on card
Utility Companies
Call to transfer or cancel
DMV / Vehicle Registration
Visit in person or online
Post Office
Submit change of address form

Documents to Gather

Death Certificates

Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies because banks, insurers, property-transfer contacts, and agencies may ask for them.

How to get death certificates →

Will & Trust Documents

Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and records folders.

Probate guide →

Financial Statements

Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.

Asset transfer guide →

There is no rush on this. When you are ready, a short assessment can help you see whether probate is needed.

What Comes Next?

After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. The Arizona probate guide walks through what usually comes next.

Read the Arizona Probate Guide

More Arizona Resources

Explore the rest of the Arizona probate hub.

Do I need probate?5 pages
For the executor5 pages
Money and taxes5 pages
Family and inheritance5 pages
Transfer assets5 pages
File and learn5 pages