Arizona: Reimbursing Yourself from an Estate for a Decedent's Vehicle Lien
Detailed Answer Short answer: Possibly — but it depends on your role, whether the vehicle and lien are estate assets, and whether you followed the proper probate procedures. Under Arizona probate law, someone who pays a decedent’s legitimate debt on behalf of the estate can often be reimbursed from estate assets, but you should document […]
Read article →Do I need to post a bond to serve as administrator of my mother’s intestate estate in Arizona?
Do I need to post a bond to serve as administrator of my mother’s intestate estate in Arizona? This FAQ explains how Arizona law treats bonds for administrators of intestate estates, when a bond is required, when it can be reduced or waived, and practical steps to ask the court for relief. Short answer Under […]
Read article →Arizona: Factors Courts Consider When Appointing an Estate Administrator
Detailed Answer When a person dies, Arizona probate courts appoint someone to manage the decedent’s estate. Arizona law generally calls that person a “personal representative.” The court’s decision balances statutory priority rules, the decedent’s wishes (if any), and practical concerns about who can responsibly and efficiently administer the estate. Below are the main factors a […]
Read article →Arizona: Using Sale Proceeds to Pay Estate Expenses (Junk Removal & Cleanup)
Short answer Yes — under Arizona probate practice, sale proceeds that become estate funds can generally be used to pay reasonable estate administration expenses, including junk removal and personal-property cleanup. But you must follow the duties and rules that apply to a personal representative (executor/administrator): document costs, prioritize creditor claims, and obtain court approval for […]
Read article →Arizona: How Unauthorized Charges Against a Parent's Estate Are Handled
What to Do If You See Unauthorized Charges Against a Parent's Estate Short answer: review the estate accounting and inventory, gather proof, and use the probate process to challenge unauthorized charges — you can object to the personal representative's accounting, ask the court to surcharge or remove the personal representative, and pursue repayment or civil/criminal […]
Read article →Arizona: Regaining Control of a Deceased Parent’s Bank and Credit Card Accounts
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. Consult a licensed Arizona attorney to get guidance tailored to your situation. When a parent dies, control of their financial accounts passes according to the account type, any beneficiary designations, and Arizona probate law. If someone else is using the accounts after death, […]
Read article →Arizona: Life Estate Holder Repair and Maintenance Obligations
Understanding a Life Tenant’s Repair and Maintenance Duties in Arizona Not legal advice. This article explains general principles under Arizona law to help you decide whether to consult an attorney. Detailed answer — what a life tenant must do to care for property in Arizona When someone holds a life estate (is a life tenant) […]
Read article →Arizona: How to Secure and Inventory a Deceased Relative's House Before Appointment as Administrator
How to secure and inventory a house in Arizona before being appointed personal representative Short answer: Act quickly to preserve the home and clear documentation of items, but avoid taking actions that could be viewed as interfering with the estate. If you suspect immediate theft or destruction, contact law enforcement, then petition the probate court […]
Read article →Arizona: How to Be Appointed Personal Representative When a Parent Dies Without a Will
Detailed Answer If a parent dies without a will (intestate) in Arizona, the court must appoint a personal representative to collect the decedent’s assets, pay debts, and distribute what remains under Arizona law (Title 14, Arizona Revised Statutes). The appointment process is handled by the Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived. Who […]
Read article →Arizona Intestate Succession: How Children Inherit When There Is No Will
Understanding How Children Inherit When a Person Dies Without a Will in Arizona Detailed answer — how succession among children works under Arizona law If a person dies without a valid will (intestate) in Arizona, the state's probate laws direct who inherits the estate. The primary rule is that the decedent's surviving descendants (children and […]
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