States / Arizona
After a death in Arizona
Where to look for a will, who to ask and where to search for money in Arizona.
The will
Which court handles probate
The superior court in the county where the person lived handles probate.
"'Court' means the superior court."
What to do with the original will
After the testator's death, if an interested person asks, whoever has custody of the will must deliver it with reasonable promptness to a person able to probate it, or to an appropriate court if no such person is known. No fixed number of days. Willful failure makes the holder liable for damages; refusing a court order is contempt.
"After the death of a testator and on request of an interested person, a person having custody of a will of the testator"
A.R.S. § 14-2516. Read the source.
Wills deposited during life
We couldn't check this rule at an official source, so we won't guess. Ask the probate court clerk in the county where they lived.
Opening a safe deposit box
We couldn't check this rule at an official source, so we won't guess. Ask the probate court clerk in the county where they lived.
Unclaimed money
Arizona Department of Revenue
"There is no cost to search for your property or to file a claim."
Instructions for heirs and estates
Source, checked 2026-10-15.
Small estates
A small estate may be able to skip full probate. What counts differs, so check with the court before you rely on a limit.
Collection of personal property by affidavit
Limit $200,000. Wait 30 days.
A.R.S. §14-3971(B). Read the rule.
Death certificates
State will and court rules checked 2026-11-06. See how we check facts or report a mistake. This is general information, not legal advice.