Probate in Arizona | AZ Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What documentation should an executor gather to respond to a creditor’s settlement demand in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Arizona probate attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer When an executor in Arizona receives a creditor’s settlement demand, they must assemble comprehensive records that verify estate assets, liabilities, and the claim itself. Gathering complete documentation […]

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How Can an Executor Challenge a Creditor Claim on Predatory Lending Grounds for an Elderly Decedent in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to apply these principles to your situation. Detailed Answer 1. Understanding Creditor Claims in Arizona Probate When someone dies in Arizona, the executor (also called a personal representative) must notify creditors and handle valid claims against the […]

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How to Access and Withdraw Money from a Deceased Person’s Bank Account During Probate in Arizona

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified probate attorney for advice specific to your situation. Detailed Answer 1. Identify the Appropriate Representative Under Arizona law, only an appointed personal representative (also called an executor or administrator) may legally access estate assets, including bank accounts. If […]

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What Are the Factors That Determine the Total Cost of Administering an Estate in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Arizona attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer When you probate an estate in Arizona, the total cost can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Costs depend on multiple factors, including statutory fees, […]

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How can original wills and codicils be located and verified before opening probate in Arizona?

Disclaimer: This article provides educational information only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In Arizona, locating original wills and codicils before initiating probate requires a methodical search and understanding of state rules on custody and proof. Under Arizona law, a “will” includes any codicil or other testamentary writing. See ARS §14-2501. 1. Search […]

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Which Documents and Certificates Should Be Collected to Begin Estate Administration in Arizona?

Detailed Answer When someone passes away, the personal representative (executor or administrator) must gather key documents and certificates to open probate and handle the decedent’s estate. In Arizona, the court uses these materials to verify assets, liabilities and heirs before issuing letters testamentary or administration. Key Documents and Certificates Certified Death Certificate: Obtain multiple certified […]

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How to Manage Estate Expenses and Ongoing Bills During Probate in Arizona

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In Arizona, the personal representative (formerly called the executor) manages estate expenses and ongoing bills during probate. After the court appoints the representative, they collect assets, notify creditors, and pay valid debts using estate funds. Under ARS §14-3708, the […]

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How to Enforce Distribution of Life Insurance Proceeds in Probate When No Beneficiary Was Designated in Arizona

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When a life insurance policy lacks a valid beneficiary designation, the insurance company will generally pay the proceeds to the decedent’s probate estate. Under Arizona law, those proceeds become part of the probate assets. You must open probate or […]

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How Can a Beneficiary Compel an Estate Administrator to Pay an Inheritance Share in AZ

Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Under Arizona probate law, an estate administrator (also called a personal representative) must distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state intestacy rules. If the administrator delays or refuses payment, a beneficiary has several legal options to […]

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How does intestate succession work in Arizona when no will exists and decedent died with no spouse and two children?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Detailed Answer What Is Intestate Succession? Intestate succession occurs when someone dies without a valid will. In Arizona, this triggers the state’s probate statutes, which set rules for distributing a decedent’s […]

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