Arizona Probate Cost Calculator, Free

Q: How long does probate take in Arizona?

Most Arizona estates take about 6 to 12 months, driven by the 4-month creditor claim window. Small-estate affidavits are far faster.

How probate costs work in Arizona

Probate in Arizona runs through the Superior Court of the county where the person lived — Maricopa (Phoenix), Pima (Tucson), Pinal, Yavapai, Mohave, or any of the state's 15 counties. Arizona uses a three-track system (informal, formal, supervised), and most estates use the low-cost informal track with little court involvement.

Arizona is comparatively inexpensive for probate. Unlike California, Florida or Ohio, it imposes no statutory percentage fee on the personal representative or the attorney — both are paid "reasonable compensation."

1. Personal representative fee — "reasonable," no fixed %

A.R.S. § 14-3719: a personal representative is entitled to reasonable compensation for their services. Arizona sets no percentage — the fee is billed hourly or as a flat amount and the court reviews it if an interested party objects.

In practice, professional fiduciaries (banks, trust companies) charge about 1%–3% of the estate or an hourly rate. Family members who are also heirs usually waive the fee — it is taxable income, and they would rather take the same dollars as inheritance, which is generally tax-free.

2. Attorney fees — also "reasonable," not statutory

Arizona attorney fees follow the same "reasonable compensation" standard — hourly or flat, subject to court review under A.R.S. § 14-3719. There is no percentage schedule. For a routine informal probate, attorney fees commonly run a few thousand dollars; contested matters are billed hourly and cost far more.

3. Court filing & other costs

Arizona Superior Court probate filing fees run roughly $250–$400 depending on the county (Maricopa, Pima and Pinal publish their own schedules). Add certified copies of the Letters of Personal Representative ($ a few each), notice-to-creditors publication (once a week for three weeks), and a bond premium (0.5%–1% of the bond) if the court requires one.

4. When probate can be skipped in Arizona

Arizona has generous small-estate shortcuts, raised in 2025:

Personal property affidavit — for personal property up to $200,000 (was $75,000), collectible 30 days after death.
Real property affidavit of succession — for Arizona real estate up to $300,000 (was $100,000), filed at least 6 months after death and recorded with the county.

Both limits were increased by HB 2116, effective September 26, 2025 (A.R.S. § 14-3971). A revocable living trust, joint ownership or beneficiary/TOD designations avoid probate entirely. Note: Arizona has no estate tax and no inheritance tax, and is a community property state.

Cost component	Arizona figure	Source
Personal representative fee	Reasonable (no statutory %); ~1–3% or hourly	A.R.S. § 14-3719
Attorney fee	Reasonable (hourly or flat), court-reviewed	A.R.S. § 14-3719
Superior Court filing fee	~$250–$400 (by county)	County Superior Court
Small estate — personal property	Up to $200,000 (HB 2116, 2025)	A.R.S. § 14-3971
Small estate — real property	Up to $300,000 (HB 2116, 2025)	A.R.S. § 14-3971
State estate / inheritance tax	None	Arizona Dept. of Revenue

Arizona probate cost — frequently asked questions

How much does probate cost in Phoenix / Maricopa County?

The fee rules are the same statewide — reasonable compensation, no statutory percentage. In Maricopa County (Phoenix), Pima (Tucson) or Pinal, expect a Superior Court filing fee around $300–$350 plus the PR and attorney fees. A simple informal probate often totals a few thousand dollars; a $500,000 estate with a professional PR and attorney might run $15,000–$25,000.

Does Arizona have a statutory executor fee percentage?

No. Unlike Ohio (4%/3%/2%) or California, Arizona sets no percentage. A.R.S. § 14-3719 only says the personal representative gets "reasonable compensation," billed hourly or flat and reviewed by the court if challenged. This is why Arizona probate is often cheaper than percentage-fee states.

Is the personal representative fee in Arizona taxable?

Yes. The IRS treats it as ordinary income, not inheritance. That is why family members who are also heirs frequently waive it — the inheritance is generally tax-free, but the fee would be taxed at their income rate.

What is the small estate limit in Arizona now?

Since HB 2116 (effective September 26, 2025), the small estate affidavit covers personal property up to $200,000 (was $75,000) and real property up to $300,000 (was $100,000), under A.R.S. § 14-3971. Use the latest affidavit form, since older forms still show the old limits.

How long does probate take in Arizona?

Most Arizona estates take about 6–12 months, driven by the 4-month creditor claim window. Small-estate affidavits are far faster.

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal or financial advice. Arizona sets no statutory fee percentage; personal representative and attorney fees are "reasonable compensation" under A.R.S. § 14-3719 and depend on the estate's size, complexity, and the hours worked. Small-estate limits reflect A.R.S. § 14-3971 as amended by HB 2116 (effective September 26, 2025). Bond premiums, appraisal and publication costs, and county-specific fees vary. Confirm current figures with the county Superior Court or a licensed Arizona attorney before acting.