Probate Help After a Death
When someone dies owning property in their own name, a court process called probate may be needed to pay final bills and transfer that property to the people entitled to it. We help the family through each step, from deciding whether probate is needed to closing the estate.
- Informal probate
- Estates with a will, and estates without one
- Representing personal representatives (executors)
- Representing heirs and beneficiaries
- Small-estate affidavits
- Transferring or selling a home or other real estate
- Transferring vehicles and bank accounts
- Probate for Arizona property owned by someone who lived in another state
Free Consultation, Flat Fees, and Home Visits
- Free first consultation for probate matters
- Flat-fee pricing for probate. Ask what the fee includes for your estate.
- Home and hospital visits for clients who cannot come to the office
Does the Estate Need Probate?
Not always. Property held in a trust, owned in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, or passing under a beneficiary deed or a named beneficiary usually transfers without probate.
Smaller estates can often use a small-estate affidavit instead. For personal property such as bank accounts and vehicles, the affidavit can be used 30 days after the death. For real estate, it can be used six months after the death if no personal representative has been appointed. Value limits apply to both.
How Probate Works in Arizona
- Opening the estate. Most estates use informal probate, which is filed with the probate registrar without a court hearing. It cannot begin until 120 hours after the death. Formal probate before a judge is generally needed only when a will is disputed, missing, or unclear.
- Appointing a personal representative. The court appoints the person named in the will, or a family member if there is no will, to manage the estate.
- Notifying heirs and creditors. Heirs must be notified within 30 days of the appointment. Notice to creditors is published, and most claims are barred four months after the first publication.
- Inventory, bills, and taxes. The personal representative prepares an inventory within 90 days and pays valid debts, expenses, and taxes.
- Distribution and closing. Remaining property is distributed under the will or, without a will, under Arizona’s inheritance laws, and the estate is closed.
Mohave County probate cases are filed in Mohave County Superior Court. For a fuller walk-through, read our Arizona probate guide.
What Probate Clients Say
“...Since there was no will, his belongings went through probate... Stephen did an excellent job handling all the legal work required by the court.”
“The death of a parent is a difficult time. Stephen Irgens law office helped our family navigate the legal aspects of probate with compassion and understanding... Professionalism and heartfelt concern for clients is the hallmark of this law office. Wonderful people! Highly recommend them for all legal issues.”
“Awesome service through my whole probate case after my mom passed. Highly recommend the Law Office of Stephen Irgens!!!!”
Heirs and Personal Representatives Out of State
Many families in the area have relatives in other states. We assist personal representatives and heirs who live outside Arizona, and much of the work can be handled remotely. If someone who lived elsewhere owned a home or land in Arizona, an Arizona probate may still be needed to transfer it.
Documents for Your Appointment
What to Bring
- The death certificate
- The original will and any codicils, if there is one
- Deeds, account statements, and vehicle titles
- Beneficiary designations and insurance policies
- Bills, debts, and any court or creditor notices
- Names and addresses of family members and beneficiaries
Common Questions
How long does probate take in Arizona?
Creditors have four months to file claims after notice is published, and an informal estate generally cannot be closed by sworn statement until six months after the personal representative is appointed. Simple estates often close within about a year; estates with real estate to sell or tax issues take longer.
What happens if there is no will?
Arizona’s inheritance laws decide who receives the property. Usually that is the surviving spouse and children, in shares that depend on the family. A family member can still be appointed to manage the estate.
Do I need a lawyer for probate?
Arizona does not require one for informal probate. A lawyer helps the personal representative meet deadlines, handle creditors and real estate, and avoid personal liability for mistakes.
How much does probate cost?
The first consultation is free. We offer flat-fee pricing for probate, so you know the cost up front. Ask what the flat fee includes for your estate.
Can probate be handled if I live in another state?
Yes. Many personal representatives and heirs live outside Arizona. Much of the process can be handled by phone, mail, and email.
Arizona Judicial Branch probate resources
Arizona small-estate affidavit statute