How Do I File Probate in Pima County, Arizona?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Superior Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in Pima 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.
Filings here are routed through Probate Clerk, Probate Registrar (Vicky Nicula), and Probate Accountant (Lorenzo Garza). Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
- •Case-initiating documents
- •Original wills
- •Petitions for probate
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Superior Court is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Pima County Self-Filing Assessment.
Pima 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
Probate case-initiating documents must be filed in paper
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.
In-Person Filing
The Superior Court is located at 110 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor, Tucson, AZ 85701. Phone: 520-724-3200. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
What to Bring
To file at the Superior Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Superior Court website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Superior Court in Pima County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($306). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Pima County uses the standard Arizona probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Arizona allows informal (unsupervised) probate, which many families handle themselves for simple estates. The Superior Court in Pima County does not require attorney representation. Use the Arizona self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.
Yes. The Superior Court in Pima County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
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
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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