Probate in Arizona | AZ Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How can heirs petition the court to reopen a closed estate to claim unclaimed assets in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Consult an attorney to discuss your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Arizona law, probate estates may be reopened to distribute assets that were unknown or omitted at the time of final distribution. A.R.S. § 14-37101 authorizes petitions to reopen a closed estate within one year after the decree […]

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What Is the Process for Inventorying and Distributing Estate Assets Among Multiple Heirs in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Step 1: Open the Probate Case After a person passes away, a family member or another interested party files a petition for probate with the superior court in the county where the decedent lived. The court appoints a personal […]

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How do heirs locate and claim unclaimed property of a deceased relative in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Under Arizona law, unclaimed or abandoned property includes bank accounts, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, safe-deposit contents and more. The Arizona Unclaimed Property Program, managed by the State Treasurer’s Office, holds property after a specified dormancy period under Arizona Revised […]

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What factors influence the timeline for completing the probate process in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Arizona law and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer Probate in Arizona varies in length depending on several key factors. Under A.R.S. §14-310, probate begins when the court issues letters testamentary or letters of administration. From that […]

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What are the risks associated with me probating my father’s estate without legal representation in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Arizona probate procedures and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Probate in Arizona is a court-supervised process to pay a decedent’s debts and transfer assets to heirs. If you file for probate without an attorney, you become the personal representative and assume all procedural duties and risks […]

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If real property passes automatically at death versus why do I have to probate the will? – AZ

Detailed Answer Under Arizona law, some real property transfers outside probate and passes automatically at death. Other property must go through probate when a decedent leaves a will. Understanding the difference helps you plan your estate efficiently. 1. Non-Probate Transfers Non-probate assets bypass the court process. They transfer directly to the surviving owner or beneficiary. […]

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What steps are involved in notifying creditors and handling claims after a death in Arizona (AZ)?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney in Arizona for personalized guidance. What Steps Are Involved in Notifying Creditors and Handling Claims After a Death in Arizona? Detailed Answer 1. Open the Estate Once someone dies, the personal representative (also called an executor or […]

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Can I Use an Obituary as Proof of Death to Open an Estate If the Death Certificate Is Unavailable in AZ?

Understanding Proof of Death Requirements in Arizona Probate Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In Arizona, a certified death certificate is normally required to open an estate. Under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 14-3103, filing a death certificate with the probate court creates prima facie evidence of […]

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How do I prepare an heirship affidavit in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Arizona attorney before taking any action. Detailed Answer 1. Confirm Eligibility for a Small Estate Affidavit Under Arizona law, certain personal property of a decedent can pass to heirs without formal probate if the estate qualifies as a […]

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Can I Open an Estate and Become the Personal Representative if I Am the Mother-in-Law in Arizona?

Can a Mother-in-Law Open an Estate and Serve as Personal Representative in Arizona? Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions. Detailed Answer Under Arizona law, the court appoints a personal representative (sometimes called an executor) to administer a decedent’s estate. […]

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