What to Do When Someone Dies in Yuma County, Arizona
Probate in Yuma County runs through the Superior Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Yuma County, settling their estate runs through the Superior Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Superior Court
Yuma County
Address
250 W. 2nd Street, Suite EYuma, AZ 85364
Phone
Fax
928-817-4044
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing optionalWalk-ins acceptedSelf-filing allowed
Departments
- Court Administration928-817-4088
- Clerk of Superior Court928-817-4210
- Jury Duty928-817-4258
Free parking at Yuma County Justice Center Garage. Online payments available. Does NOT accept ez-Courtforms. Main Superior Court line is 928-817-4083; the Clerk of the Superior Court is 928-817-4210.
Verified June 2, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Yuma 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 Yuma County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 250 W. 2nd Street, Suite E, Yuma.
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 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 9 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to move through this process. The 4 monthsA.R.S. § 14-3801Verified Jun 19, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in Yuma County
What probate costs in Yuma 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 250 W. 2nd Street, Suite E, Yuma.
Probate matters are handled through Court Administration, Clerk of Superior Court, and Jury Duty. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court: Probate case-initiating documents must be filed in paper. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Arizona charges $306A.R.S. § 12-284(C); A.R.S. § 11-251.08; Admin. Order 2024-210 (eff. Dec. 28, 2024)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Superior Court accepts e-filing (https://efile.azcourts.gov/). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Arizona are negotiated, typically 2%A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 4%A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 2%A.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 4%A.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Arizona requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%A.R.S. § 14-3603Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Arizona typically runs 6 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 9 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"Verified Jun 19, 2026View source, and costs accrue throughout. The 4 monthsA.R.S. § 14-3801Verified Jun 19, 2026View source creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
How to File Probate at the Superior Court
Probate documents in Yuma 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 Court Administration, Clerk of Superior Court, and Jury Duty. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
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. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Superior Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Yuma County Self-Filing Assessment.
Yuma 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, by mail, or via filing depository. Self-represented litigants may e-file subsequent documents after the case is open using a registered eFileAZ account.
SourceBefore You Go
Walk-ins accepted
You can file in person without an appointment. The Clerk of the Superior Court is the first stop to initiate a probate action. File at the counter (250 W. 2nd Street, Suite E, Yuma) or by mail.
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.
Transferring Property in Yuma County
Clearing title to real estate after a death—recording a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order—happens at the County Recorder.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Yuma County
Address
298 S. Main StreetYuma, AZ 85364
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
E-recording
Available via Simplifile / CSC / eRecording Partners Network / Indecomm / Data Services Inc.
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $30 |
| DOR 82162 Affidavit of Property Valuesales_and_transfers_for_considerationRequired by ARS 11-1133 for deeds evidencing a transfer of title for consideration. Exempt for TOD/beneficiary deeds (no consideration at recording). The affidavit itself has no separate filing fee but must accompany the deed. | $0 |
| Real Estate Transfer Feesales_and_transfers_for_considerationARS 11-1131 requires a $2 fee for deeds/contracts relating to sale or transfer of real property. Exempt for instruments listed in ARS 11-1134, including quitclaim deeds for no consideration. TOD/beneficiary deeds are likely exempt as no consideration is exchanged at recording. | $2 |
Flat fee of $30 per instrument regardless of page count. Government-party recordings are $15 per instrument. Certified copies: $1 per page plus $3 for certificate and seal (ARS 11-475).
ARS 11-475; ARS 11-467
Transfer tax
None. Arizona does not impose a state real estate transfer tax.. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (Arizona has no state real estate transfer tax. The $2 real estate transfer fee (ARS 11-1131) applies only to sales/transfers for consideration. TOD/beneficiary deeds involve no consideration at recording.). No Arizona county or municipality imposes a local real estate transfer tax.
Main recorder office and contact address is 298 S. Main Street; in-person document recording is conducted at 102 S. Main Street, Yuma, AZ 85364. Voter Registration: 928-373-6034.
Verified June 3, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Yuma County
Arizona allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Yuma 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 — typically 2%A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source to 4%A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Jun 19, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Yuma 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.
Western Arizona Firms
Benesch, Shadle & White, PLC
FirmOne of southwestern Arizona's oldest continuously operating law firms, serving clients in Arizona and California since 1920. Substantial experience in estate planning, trusts, probate, real estate, business/corporate law, and agricultural law. Nine former partners have been elevated to the bench, including U.S. Federal Judges and Superior Court Judges.
Location
833 E Plaza Cir, Suite 100Yuma, AZ 85365
Phone
(928) 783-8321
Established
1920
Service Area
2 counties
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateReal EstateBusiness Law
Visit site
Deason Garner & Hansen Law Firm
FirmServing Yuma County since 1979. Larry Deason has practiced estate planning exclusively since 1991. Shawn Garner is member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA). Voted Yuma's Best Law Firm. Offers free consultations and reviews of plans from all 50 states.
Location
6024 E 32nd StYuma, AZ 85365
Phone
(928) 783-4575
Established
1979
Service Area
1 county
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateElder LawMedicaid Planning
Free consultationVisit site
Hunt & Gale
FirmYuma firm practicing before the Yuma County Superior Court, handling estate planning, probate of Arizona estates, and trust administration since 1976. Pairs estate work with tax planning for closely held businesses and real-property transfers, and serves clients across several western states.
Location
256 South 2nd Ave, Suite EYuma, AZ 85364
Phone
(928) 783-0103
Established
1976
Service Area
1 county
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningElder LawBusiness Law
Visit site
Law Office of Jeremy Claridge, PLC
Solo PracticeYuma-based attorney handling estate planning, business contracts, and related legal matters. Jeremy Claridge has been licensed and practicing in Arizona since 2008.
Location
1405 W 16th Street, Suite GYuma, AZ 85364
Phone
(928) 328-1300
Service Area
1 county
Estate PlanningBusiness Law
Schneider, Onofry & Lomeli, P.C.
FirmBoutique civil litigation law firm with offices in Yuma and Phoenix. Attorneys have collectively litigated thousands of cases, tried more than 300 jury trials, and arbitrated more than 500 disputes. Estate planning services include wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and trust/estate litigation.
Location
791 S 4th AveYuma, AZ 85364
Phone
(928) 257-4887
Service Area
2 counties
Estate PlanningEstate LitigationTrust AdministrationProbate
Visit site
Walsma & Rodriguez, P.C.
FirmYuma County estate and probate firm appearing in Yuma County Superior Court probate matters, founded by Pamela Walsma and Araceli Rodriguez. Handles will and trust drafting, trust administration for trustees, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and resolving creditor and family disputes in estate settlement. Bilingual (Spanish); home and hospital visits and video appointments available.
Location
682 S Fourth AveYuma, AZ 85364
Phone
(928) 783-7831
Service Area
1 county
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateGuardianshipConservatorshipReal Estate
Visit site
Statewide Practices
Compton Law, P.C.
FirmMesa-based estate planning firm led by father-and-son team Ron and Andrew Compton. With 35+ years combined legal experience, the firm dedicates its entire practice to estate planning, trusts, probate, and elder law. Ron Compton has been practicing since 1985, bringing extensive experience in trust and estate administration.
Location
1423 S Higley Rd, Suite 112Mesa, AZ 85206
Phone
(480) 325-1122
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Law
Free consultationVisit site
Law Office of Tony S. Cullum, PLLC
Solo PracticeTony S. Cullum has been helping Arizona clients with estate plans, probate administration, and real estate law for over 45 years. Based in Flagstaff, the firm serves clients of all ages throughout Arizona. Focus on helping families avoid probate through proper estate planning, including living trusts and comprehensive will drafting.
Location
14 E Dale AveFlagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone
(928) 774-2565
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbateGuardianshipReal Estate
Visit site
Loose Law Group, P.C.
FirmEstablished 1982 with over 5,000 estate plans created. Four dedicated estate planning attorneys across three Arizona offices. Founder Donald Loose authored "Arizona Laws 101" and "Estate Planning Scottsdale Arizona" (13,000+ copies distributed). Over 1,500 five-star reviews.
Location
4835 E Cactus Rd, Suite 145Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone
(602) 971-4800
Established
1982
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness Law
Visit site
Wilson Law Firm
FirmMark A. Wilson and Alan W. Wilson have over 55 years combined experience in probate administration and estate planning. Both attorneys are certified by the State Bar of Arizona as specialists in Estate & Trust Law, a certification held by fewer than 50 attorneys statewide. Serves clients throughout all 15 Arizona counties and out-of-state clients with Arizona estates.
Location
2133 E Warner Rd, Suite 104Tempe, AZ 85284
Phone
(480) 491-5700
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationEstate LitigationGuardianshipConservatorshipBusiness Law
Free consultationVisit site
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
- A.R.S. § 12-284(C); A.R.S. § 11-251.08; Admin. Order 2024-210 (eff. Dec. 28, 2024)
- A.R.S. § 14-3603
- A.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- A.R.S. § 14-3801
- A.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"
- A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)
Data sourced from Arizona statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Superior Court in Yuma County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $306). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Yuma County, that means filing fees (about $306 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
Yes. The Superior Court in Yuma County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Arizona self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
A simple Arizona probate typically closes in 4–6 months; average estates run 6–9 months. The mandatory creditor-claim period accounts for much of that, so even uncontested estates rarely close quickly.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Yuma County probate.
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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