How Does Probate Work in Pima County, Arizona?
Dealing with probate while grieving is overwhelming. This guide makes the process clearer. Probate in Pima County depends on estate size—estates under $200,000 may qualify for a simplified procedure. The Superior Court accepts filings in person and online.
Filing at the Superior Court
Presiding Probate Judge, Division 15 Hon. Sandra Bensley and Probate Judge, Division 30 Hon. Lisa Abrams preside over probate matters at the Superior Court. The clerk's office is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
E-filing is available but optional in Pima County. Many families filing without an attorney prefer paper filing at the clerk's office.
Per Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 1-901, electronic filing of case-initiating documents and original wills in probate cases is NOT permitted. Initial petitions must be filed in person at the Probate Clerk (520-724-3230), by mail, or via filing depository. Self-represented litigants may e-file subsequent documents after the case is open using a registered eFileAZ account.
The court operates across 3 locations in Pima County. Probate filings may need to go to a specific location—check with the clerk's office before your visit.
Do I Need Probate?
Whether probate is necessary in Pima County depends on how the deceased's assets were titled and what estate planning was in place. The local court is the Superior Court at 110 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor, Tucson.
Pima County has local procedures that affect when and how to file: Probate case-initiating documents must be filed in paper.
Assets in a funded revocable living trust pass directly to beneficiaries without probate. Life insurance, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, and jointly-held property with survivorship rights also transfer automatically. Only assets titled solely in the deceased's name — or caught by a pour-over will for unfunded trust assets — go through the Superior Court.
Arizona sets a $200,000A.R.S. § 14-3971Verified May 5, 2026 threshold for simplified procedures. Estates under that amount may qualify for a after waiting 30 daysA.R.S. § 14-3971Verified May 5, 2026, bypassing formal probate entirely.
See what portion of this estate may require probate:
Opening probate at the Superior Court requires the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, and documentation of assets — deeds, account statements, vehicle titles. Asset titling is what separates probate property from everything that passes automatically.
Arizona allows independent administration, which gives the executor authority to manage estate assets, pay debts, and distribute property without returning to the court for approval on each step.
The Superior Court offers informal probate for uncontested estates — less court involvement and a faster process when all beneficiaries agree.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
In Arizona—a community property state—spouses already own half of everything acquired during marriage. Only the deceased's half goes through probate at the Superior Court. The surviving spouse's half is never part of the estate.
See how this estate would be distributed:
The Superior Court can approve a family allowance of up to $12,000A.R.S. §§ 14-2404, 14-2405(C)Verified May 5, 2026 for the surviving spouse and minor children during probate. This is paid before creditors.
Creditors must be notified through newspaper publication in Pima County for 3A.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3805, 14-3806Verified May 5, 2026 consecutive weeks, and known creditors receive direct written notice. The claim deadline is 4 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3805, 14-3806Verified May 5, 2026 from first publication.
Arizona has adopted digital asset access laws, allowing executors to manage the deceased's email, social media, and online accounts as part of estate administration.
Property owned in other states requires separate "ancillary" probate proceedings in each state. Arizona recognizes out-of-state personal representatives, which simplifies the process for families.
Legal Sources
- A.R.S. § 14-3971
- A.R.S. §§ 14-2404, 14-2405(C)
- A.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3805, 14-3806
Data sourced from Arizona statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Superior Court for Pima County is located in Tucson, Arizona. Full address, phone, hours, and e-filing details are listed on this page.
A simple probate in Arizona typically closes in 4–6 months. Average estates run 6–9 months. Complex estates with disputes or tax issues can take 9–18 months. Timing in Pima County tracks the state range unless the docket is unusually backed up.
No. Arizona allows estates under $200,000 to use a small estate affidavit and skip formal probate. The waiting period is 30 days after death. Use the Arizona probate decision tool to see if the estate qualifies.
When there is no will, Arizona's intestate succession rules decide who inherits. Spouses, children, and parents are prioritized in that order. The Pima County probate court applies the state rules without variation. See who inherits in Arizona for the exact order.
A revocable living trust is the cleanest way for most families to skip probate entirely. Assets titled to the trust pass to beneficiaries without court involvement, filing fees, or the Pima County probate docket. Create a revocable trust online to avoid putting your family through this process later.
Superior Court
Pima County
110 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone:
520-724-3200Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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