When Should I Use Formal Probate in AZ?
Detailed Answer — When to choose formal probate under Arizona law Arizona’s probate system uses two main pathways for admitting a will and appointing a personal representative: informal probate (the quicker, less formal track) and formal probate (a courtroom proceeding with notice, testimony, and a judge). Arizona law governing probate is in Title 14 of […]
Read article →Is probate administration required when there is no will in Arizona (AZ)?
Short answer Not always. In Arizona, probate is required only for certain assets that are solely in the decedent’s name and that cannot transfer automatically by operation of law, beneficiary designation, or joint ownership. Whether you must open probate depends on the type, title, and total value of the decedent’s property and on whether simplified […]
Read article →How can one close an estate bank account and obtain the required closing statement in Arizona (AZ)?
Closing an Estate Bank Account and Obtaining the Closing Statement This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, how a personal representative (executor or administrator) closes an estate bank account in Arizona and gets the bank’s required closing statement or proof of closing. This is educational only and is not legal advice. Detailed Answer When someone […]
Read article →How to properly document and file receipts for payments to heirs or service providers in an estate (AZ)
Clear, court-ready records for estate payments in Arizona This FAQ-style guide explains how a personal representative (executor or administrator) should document and file receipts for payments to heirs and service providers when administering an Arizona probate estate. It covers the records to keep, how to prepare receipts, how to attach them to court accountings, and […]
Read article →What steps ensure third-party claims and payments are accurately recorded in probate filings? (AZ)
How to accurately record third-party claims and payments in Arizona probate filings This FAQ-style guide explains practical steps to make sure third-party claims and payments are properly documented in an Arizona probate estate. It covers verification, required filings, recordkeeping, handling disputes, and preparing the final accounting so personal representatives (sometimes called executors) can reduce risk […]
Read article →How can next of kin qualify to be appointed as the estate administrator in Arizona (AZ)?
Detailed answer — How a next of kin can qualify to be appointed as the estate administrator in Arizona This answer explains, in plain language, how a next of kin (an heir) can seek appointment as the personal representative (often called an administrator when there is no will) of a deceased person's estate under Arizona […]
Read article →What documents are required to apply for probate appointment and oath in Arizona (AZ)?
Overview This page explains, under Arizona law, the typical documents you need to file to obtain appointment as a personal representative (probate appointment) and to file the required oath. The goal is to help someone with no legal background understand what to gather before visiting the probate clerk or hiring an attorney. This is general […]
Read article →Which statements and financial documents are required for annual and final probate accountings in Arizona (AZ)?
Annual and Final Probate Accountings — What Statements and Financial Documents Arizona Administrators Need Detailed Answer This answer explains, in plain language, the typical statements and financial documents a personal representative (executor/administrator) should gather and file for annual (periodic) and final probate accountings under Arizona law. This is educational information and not legal advice. For […]
Read article →How are estate assets valued when calculating a surviving spouse’s statutory elective share (AZ)?
FAQ: How are estate assets valued when calculating a surviving spouse’s statutory elective share in AZ? Short answer: In Arizona, the elective-share calculation normally uses the fair market value (FMV) of the decedent’s included assets as of the date of death (or another valuation date allowed by law), adds certain nonprobate transfers into an "augmented […]
Read article →What steps can heirs and beneficiaries take to resolve an elective share dispute through mediation in AZ?
Resolving an Elective Share Dispute Through Mediation — Practical Steps for Heirs and Beneficiaries in Arizona Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. It does not create an attorney‑client relationship. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Arizona attorney. Detailed answer: How heirs can use mediation to resolve an elective […]
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