1Immediate Actions
The first days
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingPima County Health Department, Office of Vital Records
Office info
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
2Required by Law
Legal duties
Deposit the Will
File the original will with the proper county Superior Court when probate or a related court process is opened; verify county-specific filing instructions.
Creditor claim window
Creditors generally have 4 months from first publication of notice to creditors to bring claims against the estate. (A.R.S. 14-3801)
Notify Key Parties
- Banks and credit card companies (to prevent unauthorized use)
- Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
- Employer (if applicable) for final paycheck and benefits
3Assess Your Situation
Before filing anything
Which probate type is right for you?
Small estate? If the estate is worth less than the Arizona small-estate limit (shown on the options below), you may qualify for simplified procedures.
Is there a valid will? If yes, you'll file for probate with will. If no will exists, it's intestate probate.
Complex assets? Business interests, real estate in multiple states, or contested claims may require probate administration.
Select a probate type below to see specific requirements and costs.
Which applies to your situation?
Not sure? Use the free checker at the top of this page - you don't have to decide this alone.
A.R.S. 14-3971 affidavit paths may be available if all statutory conditions are met.
- Qualifies:
- $200,000 personal property; $300,000 Arizona real property
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- Affidavit for collection of personal property or county small-estate personal-property packet
- Certified death certificate or other death proof requested by the property holder
- Description and value of personal property to be collected
- Successor entitlement facts required by A.R.S. 14-3971
- Funeral and last-illness expense confirmation required by A.R.S. 14-3971
- Confirmation that no qualifying personal representative application or appointment blocks the affidavit
A successor may file an affidavit of succession to real property in the proper county court no sooner than six months after death if statutory conditions are met.
- Qualifies:
- $300,000 or less in Arizona real property, less liens and encumbrances
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- Affidavit of succession to real property or county real-property small-estate packet
- Certified death certificate attached to the affidavit
- Legal description and decedent interest information for the Arizona real property
- County assessor full cash value support for the valuation year used by A.R.S. 14-3971
- Original will attached or probate proof if claiming by devise, if applicable
- Certified copy issued by the registrar for recording with the county recorder after court filing
Formal probate or appointment through Arizona Superior Court.
- Qualifies:
- Estate over thresholds or complex situations
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- County formal probate, formal appointment, or adjudication petition packet
- Certified death certificate
- Original will and codicils, if one exists
- Interested-person names, addresses, and relationship information requested by the county packet
- Hearing notice, waiver, consent, or proof-of-service materials required by the county Superior Court
- Proposed order or appointment documents requested by the county court
Informal probate or informal appointment may be available for qualifying uncontested matters.
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- County informal probate or informal appointment application packet
- Certified death certificate
- Original will and codicils, if one exists
- Interested-person names, addresses, and relationship information requested by the county packet
- Probate Information Form for Decedent's Estate (Form 11) if required by the county court
- Notice, waiver, consent, or proof-of-service materials required by the county Superior Court
4File for Probate
Where to file, forms & fees
Where to File
Free Filing Help Available
Pima County Law Library and Resource Center can help you understand forms and filing requirements at no cost.
Visit Self-Help Center