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By
John Quigley, Legal Content Director · Reviewed against current A.R.S. · Last reviewed 2026-06-11
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. Arizona offers streamlined options — including informal probate and small-estate affidavits — that can make it far simpler than many expect.
What Arizona law says
A.R.S. § 14-3301 — Authorizes informal probate, a simpler, less court-intensive process for uncontested estates.
A.R.S. § 14-3971 — Small-estate affidavits, allowing transfer of limited personal and real property without full probate.
A.R.S. § 14-3108 — The general deadline — probate generally must be commenced within two years of death.
⏱ Key deadline
Probate generally must be started within 2 years of the death (A.R.S. § 14-3108).
How probate cases work in Maricopa County
Probate is handled by the Probate department of Maricopa County Superior Court. Many estates qualify for informal probate handled largely on paperwork, while disputes over a will’s validity require formal proceedings.
Frequently asked questions
Does every estate go through probate?
No. Small estates can use affidavits (A.R.S. § 14-3971), and assets in a trust or with beneficiary designations often bypass probate entirely.
What is informal probate?
A simplified process for uncontested estates (A.R.S. § 14-3301) handled largely through the registrar without formal hearings.
How long does probate take?
Simple informal estates may close in a few months; contested or complex estates take longer.
Looking for a probate attorney near you?
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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.