How Much Does Probate Cost in Arizona?
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.
Probate costs in Arizona typically include 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, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $27,670A.R.S. §§ 14-3719, 14-3721 (reasonable compensation; court review of reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, roughly 6% of estate value, varying with complexity. Estimate executor compensation separately with the Arizona executor fee calculator.
Arizona allows estates with personal property of $200,000A.R.S. § 14-3971Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Collection of Personal Property by AffidavitA.R.S. § 14-3971Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. The Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. The waiting period is 30 daysA.R.S. § 14-3971Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death. Check eligibility with the Arizona probate need checker.
In Arizona, simple estates typically take 4 months to 6 months, and average estates 6 months to 9 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets take longer. The creditor claim period of 4 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3804, 14-3805, 14-3806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment.
Yes. The probate calculator on this page estimates Arizona probate attorney fees from the estate value, with 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. On a $500,000 estate, typical 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 its value; the percentage runs higher on smaller estates and lower on larger ones. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.
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. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Arizona executor fee calculator.
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Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
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Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
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Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
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New Home
How to put your house in a revocable trust: the deed you record, what it does to your mortgage and property taxes, and when a TOD deed is simpler.
Learn moreForms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Arizona
Free Arizona forms for planning an estate or settling one: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed, and the probate forms an executor files.
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.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Last Will and Testament
In Arizona, a will is signed before 2A.R.S. § 14-2502Verified Oct 18, 2026View source witnesses, and a self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimonyA.R.S. § 14-2502Verified Oct 18, 2026View source.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Arizona
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Arizona: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Arizona, a surviving spouse takes the entire estateA.R.S. § 14-2102Verified Sep 10, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per capita at each generationA.R.S. § 14-2106Verified Sep 10, 2026View source.
What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?
Arizona allows you to name your own agent in advanceARS § 32-1365.01Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Arizona levies no estate or inheritance taxNo state estate or inheritance tax. Arizona's estate and generation-skipping tax (A.R.S. Title 42, Chapter 4) was repealed outright by Laws 2006, Ch. 262, § 3 (S.B. 1170), retroactive to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2005 — Title 42 has no Chapter 4 today. Arizona imposes no inheritance or gift tax (ADOR Publication 900).Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; only the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
Arizona imposes no inheritance or estate taxNo state estate or inheritance tax. Arizona's estate and generation-skipping tax (A.R.S. Title 42, Chapter 4) was repealed outright by Laws 2006, Ch. 262, § 3 (S.B. 1170), retroactive to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2005 — Title 42 has no Chapter 4 today. Arizona imposes no inheritance or gift tax (ADOR Publication 900).Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 4 months to 6 months for a simple estate.
How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?
Inherited assets in Arizona take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death26 USC § 1014Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and the gain on a later sale faces state tax on the 75% of long-term gain left after a 25% exclusion, only for assets acquired after December 31, 2011A.R.S. § 43-1022(22)(c)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Are the Estate Laws in My State?
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 and takes 4 months to 6 months for a simple estate, with 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. Estates under $200,000A.R.S. § 14-3971Verified Sep 8, 2026View source can use a small-estate procedure instead.
When Do I Have to Withdraw an Inherited IRA?
See which federal withdrawal rules apply to an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or employer plan, the deadline year, and the missed-withdrawal tax.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
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.
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Arizona Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Arizona probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.