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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Arizona

What Are My Duties as Executor in Arizona?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Arizona is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Arizona is approximately $306 for a $500,000 estate.A.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"; no statutory percentage), 14-3721 (court review of compensation of agents/attorneys employed by PR), 14-3971 (small estate affidavit; HB 2116 / Ch. 24, Laws 2025, 57th Leg. 1st Reg. Sess., eff. Sept. 26, 2025: personal property $200K per subsec. B, real property $300K per subsec. E; 30-day wait personal property, 6-month wait real property), 14-3603 (bond required by default; 4 exceptions: will waiver, all-heir/devisee written waiver, institutional-PR, surviving-spouse small estate; court may impose bond even after waiver per subsec. B), 14-3801 (notice to creditors: publish once/week 3 successive weeks; 4-month claim bar from first publication; mailed-notice creditors: later of 4 months or 60 days from mailing), 14-3803 (nonclaim deadlines), 14-3301 (informal probate — who may apply), 14-3715 (independent administration — PR powers without court order); azleg.gov announcements (57th Leg. 1st Reg. Sess. adjourned June 27, 2025; General Effective Date Sept. 26, 2025)Verified May 31, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Arizona requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 4 months to file claims.A.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"; no statutory percentage), 14-3721 (court review of compensation of agents/attorneys employed by PR), 14-3971 (small estate affidavit; HB 2116 / Ch. 24, Laws 2025, 57th Leg. 1st Reg. Sess., eff. Sept. 26, 2025: personal property $200K per subsec. B, real property $300K per subsec. E; 30-day wait personal property, 6-month wait real property), 14-3603 (bond required by default; 4 exceptions: will waiver, all-heir/devisee written waiver, institutional-PR, surviving-spouse small estate; court may impose bond even after waiver per subsec. B), 14-3801 (notice to creditors: publish once/week 3 successive weeks; 4-month claim bar from first publication; mailed-notice creditors: later of 4 months or 60 days from mailing), 14-3803 (nonclaim deadlines), 14-3301 (informal probate — who may apply), 14-3715 (independent administration — PR powers without court order); azleg.gov announcements (57th Leg. 1st Reg. Sess. adjourned June 27, 2025; General Effective Date Sept. 26, 2025)Verified May 31, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Arizona allows estates valued at $200,000 or less to use a small estate affidavit.A.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"; no statutory percentage), 14-3721 (court review of compensation of agents/attorneys employed by PR), 14-3971 (small estate affidavit; HB 2116 / Ch. 24, Laws 2025, 57th Leg. 1st Reg. Sess., eff. Sept. 26, 2025: personal property $200K per subsec. B, real property $300K per subsec. E; 30-day wait personal property, 6-month wait real property), 14-3603 (bond required by default; 4 exceptions: will waiver, all-heir/devisee written waiver, institutional-PR, surviving-spouse small estate; court may impose bond even after waiver per subsec. B), 14-3801 (notice to creditors: publish once/week 3 successive weeks; 4-month claim bar from first publication; mailed-notice creditors: later of 4 months or 60 days from mailing), 14-3803 (nonclaim deadlines), 14-3301 (informal probate — who may apply), 14-3715 (independent administration — PR powers without court order); azleg.gov announcements (57th Leg. 1st Reg. Sess. adjourned June 27, 2025; General Effective Date Sept. 26, 2025)Verified May 31, 2026 The waiting period is 30 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Arizona allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.A.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 4% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Arizona executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Arizona include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Arizona probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Arizona

The first step as executor in Arizona is filing the will and petition for probate with the court. Filing fees start at $306A.R.S. § 12-284(C); A.R.S. § 11-251.08; Admin. Order 2024-210 (eff. Dec. 28, 2024)Verified May 31, 2026. Once appointed, the court issues letters testamentary (or letters of administration if there is no will), which authorize the executor to act on behalf of the estate.

Arizona requires 4 monthsA.R.S. § 14-3801Verified May 31, 2026 for creditors to file claims. During this period, the executor inventories assets, pays valid debts, and manages estate property. Estates under $200,000A.R.S. § 14-3971Verified May 31, 2026 may qualify for streamlined procedures that reduce both time and expense.

Executor compensation in Arizona typically ranges from 2%A.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 to 4%A.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 of the estate value. Courts evaluate fees based on estate complexity and time spent. The Arizona executor fee calculator provides a detailed estimate.

The probate timeline in Arizona starts at 4 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"Verified May 31, 2026 for straightforward estates. A revocable living trust avoids this timeline altogether — assets transfer to beneficiaries without court involvement. For estates in probate, the Arizona creditor claims guide outlines key deadlines.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

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. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
  • A.R.S. § 14-3801
  • A.R.S. § 14-3971
  • A.R.S. §§ 14-3719 (PR compensation — "reasonable compensation"

Data sourced from Arizona statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Arizona Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Arizona probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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