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Use this
brief checklist to determine if an Arizona probate may be needed and what
things you should gather to begin the probate process.
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Did the
decedent (person who died) live in Arizona at the time of death?
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Did the
decedent live outside of Arizona but own real property or some other
asset located in Arizona?
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Did the
decedent, if married, own at the time of death more than one hundred
thousand dollars ($100,000.00) worth of real property or personal
property?
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Did the
decedent, if single, own at the time of death more than fifty thousand
dollars ($50,000.00) worth of real property or personal property?
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Has a
bank, brokerage company, title company, escrow company or life insurance
company refused to transfer assets or indicated that "letters of
administration" (or something similar) are needed?
If the
answer to either of the first two (2) questions is yes and the answer to
any of the last three (3) questions is yes, an Arizona probate may be
necessary.
If the
decedent was receiving Social Security benefits, contact the
Social
Security Administration. Click here for more information.
For help
with an Arizona probate contact us.
If a
probate is required, gather as much of the following information and as
many of the following documents as possible:
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Death certificate
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Decedent’s date of death
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Decedent’s full legal name
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Decedent’s place of death
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Decedent’s usual residence
at time of death
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General description of
assets owned by decedent
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General description of
debts owed by decedent
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Identity of person named
in Will as the personal representative (executor)
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Location of any safe
deposit box owned by decedent
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Location of decedent’s
bank accounts
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Location of each parcel of
real estate owned by decedent
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Location of instructions,
if any, concerning funeral arrangements
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Name of decedent’s spouse
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Names of decedent’s
children
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Location of original Last
Will & Testament
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Location of any life
insurance policies on decedent
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Estimated value of all
assets owned by decedent
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Estimated amount of all
debts owed by decedent
There are a
number of alternatives to probate, even after a person has died. Depending
upon the size of the estate, the manner in which title was held, and the
type of asset involved, it may be possible to transfer title without the
need for a probate. A competent attorney can advise you about when probate
is required and when it is not necessary.
For
probate assistance in Arizona, call us at 928/445-3230 or
click
here
to
contact us.
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