Quick answer: Arizona probate attorney fees are not set by statute as a percentage. Under A.R.S. § 14-3719 they must simply be reasonable — billed hourly or as a flat fee, and subject to court review. A routine informal probate commonly costs a few thousand dollars; contested estates are billed hourly and cost far more.
How Arizona probate attorneys bill
Hourly or flat for routine estates
Because Arizona has no percentage schedule, most attorneys quote either an hourly rate (commonly $250–$450/hour in Phoenix and Tucson) or a flat fee for a straightforward informal probate. A simple estate with clear assets and cooperative heirs often lands in the low thousands.
Hourly for contested or complex
Will contests, creditor litigation, business or multi-property estates, or a non-resident personal representative push fees to pure hourly billing — and total costs can reach $50,000 or more in litigated matters.
Do you even need an attorney?
No — Arizona's informal probate is designed to be handled without a lawyer for simple estates. Consider one when:
- The estate is large or includes real property or a business.
- The personal representative is a non-resident.
- Heirs disagree, or the will may be contested.
- There are creditor claims or complex tax issues.
How to keep Arizona probate attorney fees down
- Ask for a flat fee for a routine informal probate, in writing.
- Check the small-estate affidavit first — the 2025 limits ($200,000 personal / $300,000 real) can skip probate entirely.
- Do the legwork the attorney allows to cut billable hours.
- Plan with a trust or TOD — a revocable living trust or transfer-on-death designation avoids Arizona probate entirely.
Attorney fees are only one piece. See the full picture in the Arizona probate cost breakdown, or estimate your total with the Arizona probate cost calculator.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.