Estate Planning for Apache County, Arizona Property Owners

For most Apache County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Apache County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Superior Court. The two tools that keep a Apache County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Recorder, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Apache County property passes through the Superior Court — even simple Arizona probates run 4+ months and start with about $306 in filing fees. Arizona also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Apache County

A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Apache County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Recorder during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, an Arizona beneficiary deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentA.R.S. 33-405Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathA.R.S. 33-405Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a ArizonaTOD deed →Apache Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Apache County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by Larry Noble, at 75 West Cleveland, St. Johns, AZ 85936. Phone: 928-337-7515. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to PO Box 425, St. Johns, AZ 85936.

The County Recorder charges $30 flat, regardless of page count. Recording a 2-page beneficiary deed in Apache County comes to $30. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Apache County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

County Recorder

Apache County · Larry Noble

Address

75 West ClevelandSt. Johns, AZ 85936Mailing: PO Box 425, St. Johns, AZ 85936

Fax

928-337-7676

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Flat fee (any length)$30
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

A.R.S. § 11-475(A)(1)

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Apache County

FirmShow Low, AZ

Brown & Jensen

Since 2014 · Serves 5 counties

Estate planning and probate practice anchored in Show Low's White Mountains, serving Navajo and Apache County families, with seven other offices across the Phoenix metro, Tucson, and Payson. Attorneys draft wills and trusts, guide personal representatives through probate, and handle estate tax matters. Founding partners are Shad M. Brown and Scott T. Jensen.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTax PlanningBusiness Law

Office
40 N White Mountain Rd, Suite AShow Low, AZ 85901
Free consultation

FirmFlagstaff, AZ

Harris & Winger, P.C.

Serves 5 counties

General-practice northern Arizona firm in downtown Flagstaff, serving Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, and surrounding communities. Its estates and trusts practice handles estate planning, trust creation, and disputing or defending wills alongside the firm's litigation work.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateConservatorshipGuardianship

Office
6 E Aspen Ave, Suite 280Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Virtual consultations

Solo PracticeSnowflake, AZ

Law Office of Brendon R. Rogers, PLLC

Serves 2 counties

Snowflake solo practice serving Navajo and Apache county families through the White Mountain Region's probate courts. Handles probate, small estate affidavits, guardianships and conservatorships, and estate litigation alongside wills and trusts. Free consultations, and always free for probate questions.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationElder Lawand 2 more

Office
970 S Main Street, Suite BSnowflake, AZ 85937
Free consultation

FirmFlagstaff, AZ

Mangum, Wall, Stoops & Warden, P.L.L.C.

Since 1955 · Serves 3 counties

One of Flagstaff's oldest law firms, serving Coconino County and Northern Arizona from its North Elden Street office since 1955. Its probate practice handles document preparation and filing, creditor notification, tax issues, and distribution of property, and represents clients in contested probate matters, alongside real estate and business work.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawReal Estate

Office
112 N Elden StFlagstaff, AZ 86001

Solo PracticeShow Low, AZ

Nick D. Patton, Attorney at Law, P.L.L.C.

Serves 2 counties

Show Low solo practice on South White Mountain Road serving the White Mountains communities of Navajo and Apache Counties. Probate work runs from the application for appointment of a personal representative through inventory, distribution, and closing of the estate, and trust administration covers publication, notice to creditors, inventory, distribution, and termination of the trust.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateConservatorshipand 3 more

Office
2707 S White Mountain Rd, Suite LShow Low, AZ 85901

Solo PracticePinetop, AZ

Staley Law Firm, PLLC

Serves 2 counties

Pinetop solo practice on East White Mountain Boulevard serving Navajo and Apache County families in the White Mountains. The State Bar of Arizona lists the practice as wills, probate, trusts and estates, alongside business law, contracts, and real estate. Adam Staley was admitted to the Arizona bar in 2013.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawReal Estate

Office
1630 E White Mountain Blvd, Ste D1Pinetop, AZ 85935
See all 17 firms serving Apache County→

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

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