Probate & Inheritance checklist for Arizona homeowners

From the free Probate & Inheritance resource center at directhomebuyersusa.com/resources. Sources last verified 2026-10-10. General information checked against official sources; not legal advice. Direct Home Buyers USA is a home-buying business, not a court, agency, law firm or counselor.

Before anything else

Get at least ten certified death certificates.
Pull the recorded deed and search for a beneficiary deed at the county recorder.Maricopa County's search covers recent years online; older records are at the recorder's office.
Locate the original will, if any, and any trust documents.
Secure the house: locks, insurance notification, utilities, mail forwarding.

Deciding the path

Survivorship or beneficiary deed? Record the death certificate and affidavit; no probate.
Trust? Successor trustee takes over under the trust terms.
Small estate under A.R.S. § 14-3971? Prepare the affidavit after the waiting period.
Otherwise, open informal probate in the county where the person lived.

Opening informal probate

Download the county packet (Maricopa or Pima) or the statewide forms.
Check the current filing fee; apply for deferral or waiver if you qualify.
File the application; obtain letters of appointment.
Give notice to heirs and devisees; publish and mail notice to creditors.

Administering and closing

Inventory and value the house and other assets.
Keep paying the mortgage, taxes, HOA and insurance from estate funds.
Decide: keep, buy out other heirs, list, or sell directly.
Pay valid claims, distribute, and file the closing statement.

Free help: Arizona court self-help center (azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter), HUD housing counseling (800) 569-4287, 2-1-1 Arizona, Community Legal Services, Southern Arizona Legal Aid. Questions about selling: Direct Home Buyers USA, (602) 804-0092.