Arizona is one of the more affordable states to probate an estate in, largely because most cases qualify for informal probate — a streamlined process with no court hearing — and because the state recently expanded its small estate limits substantially.
How Much Does Probate Cost in Arizona?
Arizona has no statutory percentage fee schedule. Under A.R.S. §14-3719, a personal representative is entitled to “reasonable compensation,” and attorney fees are typically billed hourly and also judged by a reasonableness standard. The primary fixed cost is the Superior Court filing fee, which runs a few hundred dollars depending on the county — for example, Maricopa County charges $337 for a petition for probate.
| Estate Value | Filing Fee (Maricopa County example) | Typical Attorney + PR Fees (informal probate, est.) | Total (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | ~$337 | ~$3,000-$6,000 | ~$3,300-$6,300 |
| $500,000 | ~$337 | ~$5,000-$10,000 | ~$5,300-$10,300 |
| $1,000,000 | ~$337 | ~$10,000-$20,000 | ~$10,300-$20,300 |
Math basis: the Maricopa County filing fee is a fixed cost regardless of estate size; other counties’ fees vary and should be confirmed locally. Attorney and personal representative fees are estimated at roughly 1-2% combined for an uncontested informal probate — a general industry range, not a statutory figure, since Arizona sets no fee schedule. Formal or contested probates cost significantly more.
Arizona’s Fee System: Informal vs. Formal Probate
Most Arizona estates use informal probate, available when there’s an uncontested will (or no dispute over intestate succession) and no need for direct court supervision. A court-appointed registrar reviews the paperwork without a hearing, which keeps attorney time — and therefore cost — low. Formal probate is reserved for contested wills, disputes over who should serve as personal representative, or estates needing ongoing court oversight, and it requires hearings, notice, and typically much more attorney involvement. Because Arizona doesn’t set fees by percentage, choosing informal probate where possible is the single biggest lever families have over total cost.
Court and Filing Fees
Filing fees vary by county. Maricopa County, the state’s largest, charges $337 for a petition for probate and the same for a petition for summary administration, per the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court. Smaller counties often charge less. Additional costs can include certified copies of letters testamentary and, for formal proceedings, publication or service costs.
How Long Probate Takes in Arizona
Informal probate typically takes 6 months to a year to complete. Arizona law requires the estate to remain open for at least 4 months to give creditors time to file claims. Formal probate, used when there’s a dispute, commonly extends beyond a year, particularly when it involves complex assets, will contests, or multiple hearings.
Small Estate Shortcuts
Arizona significantly expanded its small estate limits under A.R.S. §14-3971, effective September 26, 2025:
- Personal property affidavit: Available when the value of personal property (minus liens) does not exceed $200,000 (up from $75,000), usable 30 days after death.
- Real property affidavit: Available when the value of real property does not exceed $300,000 (up from $100,000), usable at least 6 months after death.
These limits apply based on the date the affidavit is filed, not the date of death, so an estate from an earlier death can still benefit from the higher 2025 limits if the affidavit is filed after September 26, 2025. Together, these thresholds now cover a large share of Arizona estates, letting many families skip probate entirely.
How to Reduce or Avoid Probate in Arizona
Arizona pioneered one of the most widely copied non-probate transfer tools in the country:
- Beneficiary deed: Under A.R.S. §33-405, an owner can record a deed naming a beneficiary who takes real property automatically at death, while retaining full control during life. The deed must be recorded before death in the county where the property sits, and naming a successor beneficiary is strongly recommended in case the primary beneficiary predeceases the owner.
- Community property with right of survivorship: Married couples can title property this way so it passes automatically to the survivor.
- Beneficiary designations: Retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death bank accounts transfer directly to named beneficiaries.
- Revocable living trust: Useful for larger or more complex estates, or for property outside Arizona.
Even with Arizona’s already-efficient informal probate process, disorganized records are what push a case toward extra attorney hours or, worse, formal proceedings. Keeping deeds, account information, and digital access organized in one place, as with Eternal Vault’s document organization, helps an executor move through informal probate as quickly as the process allows. For a broader state comparison, see the complete probate guide.
Costs vary by county and case; this is general information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Arizona probate attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does probate cost in Arizona?
Arizona keeps probate costs relatively low because most estates qualify for informal probate, which requires no court hearing and minimal attorney involvement. There's no statutory percentage fee schedule — attorney and personal representative compensation must be reasonable — so a straightforward informal probate often totals a few thousand dollars in fees plus a filing fee of a few hundred dollars.
What is the small estate affidavit limit in Arizona?
Effective September 26, 2025, Arizona Revised Statutes section 14-3971 raised the small estate affidavit limits to $200,000 for personal property (up from $75,000) and $300,000 for real property (up from $100,000). The new limits apply to affidavits filed on or after that date, regardless of the date of death.
What is informal probate in Arizona?
Informal probate is Arizona's default process for estates where there's an uncontested will (or no will and no disputes) and no need for direct court supervision. It's handled by a court-appointed registrar without a hearing, making it significantly faster and cheaper than formal probate, which requires hearings and is reserved for contested or complicated estates.
Does Arizona have an estate or inheritance tax?
No. Arizona does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax can apply, and it affects very few estates given the large federal exemption.
How long does probate take in Arizona?
Informal probate in Arizona typically takes 6 months to a year. Arizona law requires the estate to remain open for at least four months to give creditors time to file claims. Formal probate, used for contested or complex estates, often takes a year or longer.
Other States
For national averages and cost-saving strategies, see the complete probate costs guide .
