Searching for an attorney for a probate case in Arizona?

In Arizona, cases that involve wills, estates, probate and guardianship are handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Probate Division. The Probate Division handles actions concerning estates, wills, settlements, withdrawals, guardianships, claims against an estate, administration of estates of decedents, problems that arise under the Arizona Power of Attorney Act and much more.

Probate is the official proving of a will, or establishing the validity of a will. Probate is the very first step in the legal process of administering someone’s estate. Probate is legally required if the decedent owned real estate or property valued at $100,000 or above. First, the probate court determines that the will is in fact true and authentic. Second, an executor (the person named in the will) is appointed. Third, the executor will then resolve all claims against the estate and distribute the deceased person’s property according to the directions set forth in the will. The executor has a number of important duties, some of which include:

  • File the will with the court
  • Open probate estate
  • Verify insurance
  • Marshall assets
  • Mail notices to creditors
  • Publish claim notice and file proof of publication
  • Apply for a tax ID number
  • Open an estate checking account
  • Notify IRS of executor’s fiduciary capacity
  • Collect life insurance
  • File decedent’s final income tax return
  • File estate tax return
  • Make distributions
  • Pay the administrative expenses of the estate
  • Prepare final report of account

Contact a Arizona Probate Lawyer

In most cases an estate can be opened and closed in a 7 to 9 month period; however, when disputes arise between beneficiaries or when it takes time to sell real estate property, or when other complications arise, probate can take 1 year or even longer. If you have any probate-related questions, we urge you to contact a Arizona probate attorney from Ferris, Thomson & Zweig. With nearly 30 years of experience assisting executors and administrators with probate administration, we can provide you with the legal guidance you need to streamline the process and make things as easy as possible on you. Call us today at (480) 543-8700; we look forward to hearing from you!