Short answer

Possibly. Arizona offers simplified ways to collect and distribute a decedent’s assets when the probate estate is small or when assets naturally avoid probate. If a formal probate case is already open, you may be able to ask the court to close the case or to approve a simplified distribution, or you might use an affidavit-based collection process when no formal probate is necessary. Eligibility depends on the type and value of the assets, whether real property, homestead, or creditor claims are involved, and the Arizona statutes and court rules that apply. See Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 14 (Probate).

Statutes and official forms: https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=14 and Arizona Courts Self-Service Probate page: https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservice/Probate

Detailed answer — step-by-step under Arizona law

1. Stop and evaluate what you have.

   List every asset that would pass through probate (bank accounts owned solely by the decedent, personal property, certain vehicles titled only in the decedent’s name, etc.). Exclude assets that already pass outside probate — for example, accounts with beneficiary designations, assets owned jointly with survivorship, life insurance payable to a named beneficiary, and certain transfers on death. Determine whether any real property or homestead claim is involved. Small-estate procedures usually apply only to personal property and sometimes motor vehicles, not to most real estate transfers.

2. Confirm which simplified Arizona procedure fits.

   Common Arizona simplified options include:

   • An affidavit-based collection for small personal-property estates (useful when no probate has been opened and statutory conditions are met).
   • Summary or expedited settlement steps in a pending probate (asking the court to approve a simple distribution and close the estate early).
   • Nonprobate transfers (using beneficiary designations, pay-on-death, joint tenancy).

   Which option applies depends on the statutory thresholds, the asset mix, and whether creditors or interested persons object.

3. If a probate case is already open — ask the court to convert, limit, or close the administration.

   If you already started formal probate but later realize the estate qualifies for a small-estate route, you typically must file a motion or stipulated request with the probate court asking for one of the following, as appropriate:

   • A court order approving distribution of remaining personal property under an affidavit or stipulation.
   • An order dismissing the probate or closing it as fully administered once assets are distributed and claims resolved.

   The court will expect notice to heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors and may require an inventory or accounting before approving the change. If creditors remain or a contest is pending, the court may deny a switch to a simplified method.

4. If no probate is open — prepare and use the applicable affidavit or small-estate form.

   When the statutory conditions are satisfied, Arizona allows eligible people to present an affidavit and the required documents to the holder of personal property (bank, title agency, motor vehicle department) to collect the asset without opening full probate. The affidavit must meet statutory content requirements and typically must be sworn and include information about the decedent, beneficiaries, estate value, and absence of a pending formal administration.

5. Mind creditor rights and timelines.

   Simplified procedures often do not provide the same creditor notice and claim procedures as formal probate. If the estate may have unpaid creditors, tax liabilities, or unresolved claims, court approval and proper handling of creditor notices may be required before you use a small-estate method. Do not distribute assets if substantial creditor risk exists without court guidance.

6. File required paperwork and notify interested parties.

   Even with a small-estate affidavit, the person presenting the affidavit usually must provide the decedent’s death certificate and proof of right to collect. For a pending probate conversion, file the motion, serve or notify all interested parties, and provide the court at least the information it would otherwise require (inventory, proposed distribution, and creditors list).

7. Get a court order when in doubt.

   If there is any uncertainty — about eligibility, the presence of contested claims, or the right way to transfer real property — ask the probate court for an order deciding the issue. A court order clears title questions and reduces future liability for anyone who distributes assets.

8. Close the matter properly.

   If you used a small-estate affidavit to collect property, keep records of the collection and distribution in case a creditor or heir later asks for proof. If you converted or closed a pending probate case, make sure the court issues a formal order of distribution and final discharge if required.

Key Arizona law reference: Arizona’s probate statutes are in Title 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. See the Title 14 index and specific provisions at https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=14. For practical forms and self-help instructions, see the Arizona Courts Self-Service Probate page: https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservice/Probate

Helpful hints

• Arizona rules and dollar thresholds differ from other states. Do not assume a North Carolina number (such as $60,000) applies in Arizona.
• Identify assets that avoid probate first (beneficiary designations, joint accounts, payable-on-death, life insurance). These often make probate unnecessary regardless of statutory small-estate limits.
• Small-estate affidavits usually cover personal property. If the estate includes real estate, a formal probate or a different statutory transfer method is often required.
• If a probate case is already pending, file a motion with the court rather than attempting private distributions without court approval.
• Keep careful records of valuations, notices, and distributions. That protects you if someone later claims improper handling.
• When creditors exist or beneficiaries dispute distribution, seek court guidance — simplified procedures are not always appropriate where claims remain unresolved.
• Use official Arizona court forms when available, and follow the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure for filings and service.
• When in doubt, consult a licensed Arizona probate attorney to review eligibility, draft affidavits, and represent the request to convert or close a probate case.