Do all estates in Arizona require probate?

No. Small estates (real property under $100,000 or personal property under $75,000) may use affidavit procedures. CPWROS property passes automatically to the surviving spouse.

What is Community Property with Right of Survivorship?

CPWROS is a form of property ownership where community property automatically passes to the surviving spouse without probate, while still receiving a full stepped-up tax basis.

How much does probate cost in Arizona?

Arizona uses reasonable compensation (no statutory fees). Attorney fees typically range 2-5% of estate value. Court filing fees are $300-$900. Total costs are often 3-5% of estate value.

Is Arizona an informal probate state?

Yes. Arizona allows informal probate for uncontested estates, which is faster and requires minimal court involvement. The personal representative can often act without court supervision.

Arizona Probate Information

Arizona Probate Guide

Everything you need to know about the probate process in Arizona, including costs, timelines, and requirements.

Community Property State

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Step 1: Enter What You Know

Estimated Total Estate Value

Real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property

Property Address

Enter the address of the property in the estate

Jurisdiction / Region

Select the state where the property is located

Does the estate include real estate?

Yes

I'm not sure

Will a probate attorney be used?

Yes

I'm not sure

Is the probate expected to be contested or complex?

Yes

I'm not sure

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How Probate Works in Arizona

Arizona probate follows a streamlined Uniform Probate Code process. The state is a community property state, which affects how assets are classified. Arizona offers informal and formal probate options.

Important Note for Arizona

Arizona is a community property state. Community Property with Right of Survivorship (CPWROS) allows property to bypass probate entirely.

Arizona Probate Timeline

Arizona probate typically takes 4-8 months for informal probate of simple estates. Formal probate with court supervision takes 9-12 months or longer.

Typical Probate Process

File Petition

Start

Notify Creditors

1-3 Mos

Inventory Assets

2-6 Mos

Pay Debts

6-9 Mos

Distribute

Closing

Small Estate Threshold

Estates with real property under $100,000 or personal property under $75,000 may qualify for simplified small estate procedures.

Uniform Probate Code

Adopted

Simplified procedures available

Get a Personalized Timeline Estimate

Common Questions

View all probate FAQs

Free Probate Tools

Use these tools to help navigate the Arizona probate process

Probate Cost Calculator

Estimate likely probate expenses for Arizona including court fees, attorney fees, and more.

Timeline Estimator

See how long probate may take in Arizona based on your situation.

Do I Need Probate?

A simple questionnaire to help determine if probate is required.

Probate Checklist

Step-by-step guide to what needs to be done during probate.

Selling a House in Arizona Probate?

In most cases the estate doesn't have to wait for probate to finish before selling real estate — but the rules on executor authority, notices, and court confirmation are state-specific. Learn how probate sales work, what the house costs the estate every month it sits, and whether listing it or selling as-is for cash fits your situation. If you'd like, our team can walk you through it for free.

Your Options for Selling Ask Us a Question

Looking for Another State?

We have comprehensive probate guides and fee calculators for all 50 states and D.C.

View All State Guides

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Probate laws change and vary by state and by individual circumstances, and we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.