Probate is the process of transferring a deceased person's estate to the beneficiaries who are entitled to receive it according to a will (or Arizona's law of intestate succession if there was no will). While the basic concept of probate is simple, it can be a complicated and time-consuming process.
At the law firm of Singer Pistiner, P.C., in Phoenix, Arizona, our lawyers have extensive experience guiding executors and personal administrators through the Arizona probate process. We also supervise probate proceedings on the behalf of beneficiaries. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions.
Is Probate Necessary?
Probate is not necessary in all cases. Some assets can be transferred to beneficiaries without the supervision or involvement of the Arizona probate courts, including:
- Investment accounts such as 401(k) accounts and stock trading accounts, which can be transferred by beneficiary designation
- Life insurance benefits, which can be transferred by beneficiary designation
- Real estate held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship or a transfer on death deed, which can be transferred directly to the joint tenant or the beneficiary named in the TOD
- Assets held in trust, which can be transferred directly to beneficiaries
Probate may be required if you have other assets valued in excess of $50,000 in personal property or $75,000 in real estate. Our lawyers will assist you in determining which assets, if any, need to go through probate. We will also guide you through the probate process, which typically includes:
- Submitting a will to the probate court for approval
- Publishing a notice to creditors so they may file valid claims against the estate
- Inventorying and valuing assets
- Paying debts and taxes
- Distributing the assets to those who are entitled to receive them
It's important to do everything that is expected of you as an executor or administrator, as you may be held personally liable for mistakes in the probate process.
Our lawyers also provide services in trust administration and representation of successor trustees.
Estate Administration Attorneys Serving Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler and Mesa
If you'd like to know more about Arizona probate and estate administration, please feel free to call our Phoenix probate attorneys at 602-910-2642, 623-239-4610, or send us an e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation. From our office on Camelback Road, we represent clients throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona.
