J
By
John Quigley, Legal Content Director · Reviewed against current A.R.S. · Last reviewed 2026-06-11
A sound estate plan lets you decide who manages your affairs and inherits your property — and can spare your family the cost and delay of probate. Arizona has specific rules for valid wills and powers of attorney.
What Arizona law says
A.R.S. § 14-2502 — Requirements for a valid will, including signing and witnessing formalities.
A.R.S. § 14-2503 — Recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills if the material provisions and signature are in the testator’s handwriting.
A.R.S. § 14-5501 — Durable powers of attorney, which let someone manage your finances if you become incapacitated.
How estate planning cases work in Maricopa County
Estate planning is non-litigation work, but a well-drafted plan — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health-care directives — determines whether your estate avoids the Maricopa County Superior Court probate process.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a will or a trust?
It depends. A will directs distribution but goes through probate; a living trust can avoid probate and provide privacy. Many plans use both.
Is a handwritten will valid in Arizona?
Yes — Arizona recognizes holographic wills (A.R.S. § 14-2503) if the signature and material provisions are handwritten.
What happens if I die without a will?
Your property passes by Arizona’s intestacy statutes, which may not match your wishes.
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Disclaimer: AZAttorneyFinder is an independent attorney directory, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This page is general legal information about Arizona law, reviewed against the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.). It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Arizona attorney about your specific situation. Statutes change — verify current law before relying on it.