How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Arizona?
Arizona pays executors reasonable compensationA.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.
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. Courts consider the size and complexity of the estate, the time spent, and the executor's skill and experience. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
Arizona law says only that compensation must be reasonable; it names no percentage, so no exact figure exists to look up. The estimate is built from the 16 states whose legislatures set an executor fee schedule: each schedule is applied to an estate of the same size, and the middle half of those results is the range, 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of a $500,000 estate. It is an estimate anchored in what other legislatures decided the same work is worth, not a figure from Arizona law; the probate court has the final say.
Arizona statute does not address how co-executors share compensation. The court sets one reasonable amount for the estate and allocates it among the executors serving.A.R.S. § 14-3719Verified Jul 25, 2026View source
Arizona requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultA.R.S. § 14-3603Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedA.R.S. § 14-3603Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%A.R.S. § 14-3603Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Arizona probate: attorney fees of typically 2.2%A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.5%A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate, and executor compensation is set separatelyA.R.S. § 14-3719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the Arizona probate attorney fee calculator.
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Arizona
Free forms for settling an estate in Arizona: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Arizona, the petition asks the Superior Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters of Appointment of Personal Representative; an informal (registrar) track is availableA.R.S. § 14-3301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Arizona, the notice to creditors is published for 3A.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3804, 14-3805, 14-3806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 4 monthsA.R.S. § 14-3801Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Arizona, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveA.R.S. § 14-3203(C), (E)Verified Sep 22, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Arizona, the Collection of Personal Property by AffidavitA.R.S. § 14-3971Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $200,000A.R.S. § 14-3971Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 30 daysA.R.S. § 14-3971Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
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.
Estate Closing
In Arizona, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsA.R.S. §§ 14-3933(B), 14-3935Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
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 inheritance taxes.
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.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Arizona, the Superior Court appoints the personal representative and the The Registrar issues Letters of Appointment of Personal Representative; an informal (registrar) track is availableA.R.S. § 14-3301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Arizona, creditors have 4 monthsA.R.S. § 14-3801Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Arizona pays the claims in 6A.R.S. § 14-3805Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Arizona costs an estimated $27,670A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 2.2%A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.5%A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Hire an Arizona Probate Attorney
Browse 79 probate firms in Arizona with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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Arizona Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Arizona probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.