Detailed Answer

Short answer: If the original personal representative (often called the estate administrator) dies before finishing probate in Arizona, the probate case does not automatically end. An interested person must ask the probate court to appoint a successor personal representative so administration can continue. The court will follow Arizona probate law and local rules to substitute someone and allow the estate to be administered to completion.

Step-by-step actions to take

Confirm the court case and the representative’s death. Find the probate case number and review the court file (case docket). File a certified copy of the personal representative’s death certificate with the probate clerk so the court record shows the vacancy.
Notify interested persons. Arizona law requires notice to interested persons when there is a change in administration. Interested persons typically include heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors. Check the probate file to identify who must be notified and follow the court’s notice requirements.
Petition the court to appoint a successor personal representative. An interested person should file a petition to be appointed as successor personal representative (or to substitute a named successor). The person with highest statutory priority usually has the strongest claim. If the decedent left a will that named an alternate or successor personal representative, the court generally gives weight to that nomination.
Priority rules and who can serve. If the will names a successor, that person is a primary candidate. If there is no will or no named successor, Arizona’s probate statutes guide appointment priority among surviving spouses, adult children, other heirs, or creditors. The court may appoint a public fiduciary or someone else if no suitable private person is available.
Bond and letters of appointment. The court will determine if a bond is required and, once appointed, will issue Letters of Personal Representative to the successor. The successor uses those letters to access estate assets, pay debts, and continue administration.
Address interim practical issues. If the deceased personal representative was the only person with authority to access bank accounts, the successor must present Letters to banks. If funds are needed to preserve estate assets (pay mortgages, secure property, or pay urgent bills), ask the court for interim authority or an order allowing the successor limited access to funds.
Continue administration tasks. The successor completes the tasks the deceased representative had begun: inventory and appraisal (if required), creditor notice and claims handling, payment of expenses and taxes, estate accounting, and distribution of assets under the will or Arizona intestacy rules.
If the case is stalled or contested. If interested persons disagree about who should serve or about accountings and distributions, the court may hold hearings to resolve those disputes. In contested situations, consider hiring a probate attorney to represent your interests.
Small estate options. For very small estates, Arizona has streamlined procedures that may avoid full probate. If the estate qualifies, interested persons can collect assets using small-estate affidavits or simplified forms. Check the statutes and the court clerk for thresholds and forms.

Key Arizona legal references

Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 14 (Trusts, Estates and Protective Proceedings) — general probate statutes: https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=14
Arizona Courts — Self-Service Probate information and local probate forms and instructions: https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservice/Probate

Timing and practical notes: Act promptly. Filing a death certificate and petition for successor limits delays that can increase costs or put estate assets at risk. Banks and third parties often require court-issued Letters before releasing funds. Expect the court to require notice periods and possibly a short hearing before appointing a successor, depending on whether anyone objects.

Who can help

If the estate is complex (real estate, business interests, tax issues, contested claims, or large creditor claims), consult a probate attorney in Arizona. They can prepare petitions, handle creditor issues, obtain necessary court orders, and represent interested persons at hearings. If you cannot afford private counsel, contact the county probate court clerk or local legal aid organizations for guidance on self-help resources and forms.

Disclaimer: This article is educational only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about a specific estate, consult a licensed Arizona attorney.

Helpful Hints

Locate the probate case number and official court file before filing anything. The probate clerk can help you find the file if you have the decedent’s name and county.
File a certified copy of the death certificate with the probate court to create an official record of the vacancy.
Check the will carefully for a named successor personal representative and attach the will to your petition if relevant.
Gather documents: death certificate, the will (if any), any existing Letters of Personal Representative, account statements, title documents, and any creditor notices already filed.
Ask the court clerk for local forms and filing instructions—counties may have specific requirements or fillable forms.
If estate assets are time-sensitive (real property at risk, insured property needing upkeep), ask the court for expedited or emergency relief to preserve assets.
If you need access to bank accounts or property immediately, file a petition asking the court for temporary authority; banks often will not cooperate without court orders or Letters.
Keep records of all estate transactions. Successor representatives will need to account for actions taken by the prior representative and provide receipts and inventories.
Consider mediation or settlement if family members disagree; it can be faster and less expensive than extended litigation.
Use official Arizona resources for forms and statute text: Arizona Revised Statutes (Title 14) and the Arizona Courts self-help/probate pages.