Alex Espinosa Funeral Home is on West Highway 92 in Bisbee, in Cochise County. Its site prints an immediate-need line it lists as open 24/7 and carries pages for burial, cremation, veteran services and planning ahead.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Cochise County, Arizona
How probate works in Cochise County: the Superior Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Cochise County Superior Court
Cochise County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
100 Quality Hill Road, Bisbee, AZ 85603
Website
E-filing
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
OptionalACJA § 1-901, Attachment A (version effective June 1, 2026): e-filing through eFileAZ is authorized for probate post-initiation documents in every county other than Pima, and is not mandatory in probate cases. Wills, any document used to initiate a probate case, and letters in probate cases may not be e-filed. On paper: Wills; Documents that initiate a probate case; Letters in probate cases.
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedThe Clerk of the Superior Court is also the Probate Registrar. The informal probate packet directs filers to bring the originals and every set of copies to the filing counter at either Superior Court location: Bisbee (100 Quality Hill Road) or Sierra Vista (100 Colonia de Salud, Suite 200).
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe Self-Help Center's Informal Probate page carries the informal probate packet and each probate form in English and Spanish. The informal process applies when the decedent died more than 120 hours but less than two years ago and the applicant seeks appointment as personal representative.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Credit card.The Clerk of the Superior Court accepts cash, credit cards (with a Point and Pay fee), business checks, and cashier's checks for filing fees. Personal checks are not accepted.
Self-help center
- Bisbee (100 Quality Hill) and Sierra Vista (100 Colonia de Salud) offices1-520-432-8513 · selfhelp@cochise.az.gov · Assistance in Spanish in addition to EnglishThe Self-Help Center provides online legal forms for self-represented litigants, including the informal probate and small estate transfer forms, and gives legal information but not legal advice. Self-help satellite locations operate at public and college libraries across the county.
County forms
- Probate Information Cover SheetCochise County cover sheet filed with the originals that open a probate, guardianship or conservatorship case (Revised 01/2026).
- Informal Probate Packet (English/Spanish)Complete self-represented packet for applying for informal appointment of a Personal Representative.
- Real Property Packet (small estate)Cochise County packet with the cover sheet, checklist and Affidavit for Transfer of Title to Real Property, filed with the Clerk (affidavit Revised 09/26/2025).
- Affidavit for Collection of All Personal PropertySmall estate affidavit given to the holder of the decedent's personal property; it is not filed with the Clerk (Revised 09/26/2025).
P.O. Box CK
Bisbee, AZ 85603
Fax
1-520-432-4850
Departments
- Clerk of the Superior Court, Sierra Vista Office1-520-803-3060 · 100 Colonia de Salud, Suite 200, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 · Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
About the court
- Divisions II and VI of the Superior Court sit in Sierra Vista (100 Colonia de Salud); Divisions I, IV and V sit at 100 Quality Hill in Bisbee.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Cochise County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Cochise County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 100 Quality Hill Road, Bisbee.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Arizona intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Arizona estates take 6 months to 9 months to move through this process. Creditors have 4 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3804, 14-3805, 14-3806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.
What Probate Costs in Cochise County
What probate costs in Cochise County, Arizona comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Superior Court at 100 Quality Hill Road, Bisbee.
The Superior Court charges $306A.R.S. § 12-284(A) (class C); A.R.S. § 12-284.01 (document storage fund); A.R.S. § 11-251.08 (county fees); Ariz. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order 2024-210 (eff. Dec. 28, 2024)Verified Oct 17, 2026 to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Arizona are negotiated, typically 2.2%Modeled estimate under A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.5%Modeled estimate under A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Arizona allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payA.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Arizona requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under A.R.S. § 14-3603Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Arizona typically runs 6 months to 9 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the Superior Court
Probate documents in Cochise County can be filed in person at the Superior Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for Clerk of the Superior Court, Sierra Vista Office.
The Self-Help Center provides online legal forms for self-represented litigants, including the informal probate and small estate transfer forms, and gives legal information but not legal advice. Self-help satellite locations operate at public and college libraries across the county.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
In Arizona, informal probate is availableA.R.S. § 14-3301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Cochise County Self-Filing Assessment.
Cochise County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Wills and case-initiating probate documents are filed on paper
Under Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 1-901, Attachment A, § III(F), wills and any document used to initiate a probate case may not be e-filed, so the application or petition and the original will are filed in person, by mail, or via filing depository. Later documents in an open probate case may be e-filed through eFileAZ; a self-represented filer e-files under a registered eFileAZ login.
SourceAppointment papers are picked up at the filing counter within five business days
The Probate Registrar notifies the applicant when the informal appointment papers are ready, or explains how to resubmit to correct problems. The applicant returns to the counter where the application was filed and picks up the Statement of Informal Appointment and, where issued, certified Letters within five business days of the notice.
SourceDocument Requirements
Probate Cover Sheet required
The Cochise County informal probate packet lists the Probate Cover Sheet and Probate Information Form first among the originals filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court, each filled out in full in black or blue ink.
SourcePapers are completed in English and printed single-sided
The Cochise County Self-Help Center states that completed papers must be in English and filed at one of the Superior Court locations, and that printed forms must be single-sided.
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the Superior Court: Original will and any codicils, if testate (lodged/deposited with the court) (A.R.S. § 14-2516); Application for Informal Appointment with required § 14-3301 contents (heirs/devisees, domicile, priority)A.R.S. §§ 14-3103 (necessity of letters), 14-3301 to 14-3311 (informal appointment), 14-3401 to 14-3414 (formal appointment)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Medical Examiner in Cochise County
In Arizona a death is registered locally, and in Cochise County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Office of Vital Records, Cochise County as well as by Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
Cochise County · Office of Vital Records
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Office
1415 Melody Lane, Building A, Bisbee, AZ 85603
Website
Certified copies
At the counter, issued while you wait
Local rule
- Certificates are also issued the same day at the Sierra Vista, Douglas, Benson and Willcox offices, each on its own hours. Mailed requests go to the Sierra Vista or Bisbee office.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $20 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Medical Examiner
Cochise County · Office of the Medical Examiner
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
3050 East Milber Street, Tucson, AZ 85714
Website
Serves this county
Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner
Release of remains
1-520-724-8600 · Decedent release · (option 2) · Monday-Friday 12:30 PM-3:00 PM
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Funeral Homes in Cochise County
1 funeral home or crematory in Cochise County, each listed with the services it offers, the faiths it serves, the languages its staff speak, its address and its phone.
Funeral homes by city: Bisbee
Listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any funeral home or crematory.
Transferring Property in Cochise County
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Cochise County are recorded with the County Recorder at 1415 Melody Lane, Building B, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Phone: 1-520-432-8350. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
The County Recorder charges $30 flat, regardless of page count.
Cochise County accepts electronic recording through CSC, Data Services, ePN and Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Cochise County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
1415 Melody Lane, Building B, Bisbee, AZ 85603
Website
E-recording
available via CSC, Data Services, ePN and Simplifile
Fax
1-520-432-8368
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $30 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | No transfer tax applies to TOD deeds |
A.R.S. § 11-475(A)(1)
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Cochise County
Arizona allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Cochise County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Arizona are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Cochise County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Superior Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Sierra Vista firm founded in 1997 by brothers Joel and William Borowiec, serving Cochise County from its Highway 92 office. Its estate work is planning-side: wills and trusts, listed alongside the firm's personal injury, DUI, criminal defense, and family law practice. Consultations and appointments are offered by telephone or video conference.
Estate and probate practice rooted in Bisbee's Cochise County courthouse town, with satellite offices in Glendale and Tucson. Builds estate plans around incapacity and end-of-life direction, then advises personal representatives in Arizona informal probate and guides trustees through trust settlement. A licensed Arizona fiduciary can serve directly as trustee, conservator, guardian, or agent.
Tucson firm serving Sierra Vista and Cochise County through remote meetings and local appearances, including probate administration through Cochise County Superior Court in Bisbee. Guides personal representatives and families through estate administration from initial filings to final distributions, and handles estate and trust litigation.
Law Office of Lowell A. Jensen, PLC
Willcox solo practice of Lowell A. Jensen, admitted to the Arizona bar in 1975, serving Cochise County and the neighboring Graham and Greenlee County communities. His State Bar listing covers wills, probate, trusts and estates, alongside bankruptcy, collections, criminal and personal injury work.
Sierra Vista firm serving Cochise County with wills and estate planning, real estate, business law, and civil litigation. Robert Stachel went into private practice in 2000 after serving as in-house counsel for Pioneer Title Agency, and his practice centers on real estate and civil litigation.
Sierra Vista firm serving Cochise County, including Benson and surrounding communities, with Spanish-language services available. Handles personal representative appointments, probate administration through estate closing, small estate affidavits, and trust administration. Local travel appointments are available.
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.
Legal Sources
(9)·
- A.R.S. § 12-284(A) (class C); A.R.S. § 12-284.01 (document storage fund); A.R.S. § 11-251.08 (county fees); Ariz. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order 2024-210 (eff. Dec. 28, 2024)
- A.R.S. § 14-3301
- A.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- A.R.S. §§ 14-3103 (necessity of letters), 14-3301 to 14-3311 (informal appointment), 14-3401 to 14-3414 (formal appointment)
- A.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3804, 14-3805, 14-3806
- A.R.S. § 11-475(A)(1)
- Cochise County Superior Court, official page
- Cochise County Recorder, official page
- Cochise County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from Arizona statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Arizona
Free tools for settling an estate in Arizona: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Arizona.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Arizona: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysA.R.S. §§ 14-3706, 14-3707, 14-3708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3804, 14-3805, 14-3806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
See the Steps
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Arizona happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeA.R.S. § 14-10101 et seq. (Title 14, Chapter 11)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysA.R.S. §§ 14-10813, 14-10109, 14-11005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
In Arizona, informal probate is availableA.R.S. § 14-3301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.
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