Some estates will not need to go through probate, while others qualify for simplified probate. Some types of assets automatically pass to an heir without any oversight from the probate court.
You can also avoid probate by using a form of ownership with rights of survivorship when you title or acquire property. There are two (2) forms of ownership with rights of survivorship: 1) Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship; and 2) Community Property with Rights of Survivorship.
Probate is required in Arizona if the decedent (deceased person) owned any assets that did not have beneficiary designations at the time of death. Probate is also always required for wills because the court must verify that the document is valid.
Probate Shortcuts in Arizona ValueOther Requirements Personal Property < $75,000 No ongoing formal probate Real Estate <$100,000 No personal representative appointed (or active during the last year)
Probate procedures can be complex and time-consuming, but there are ways to avoid or bypass this process for certain assets in Arizona. Properties such as those held in a living trust are exempt from probate. Similarly, community property and jointly-held property with a right of survivorship do not require probate.
Each situation is different and some estates may be more complex than others, such as estates where real estate and other assets were bought or sold before distribution to the beneficiaries. However, the average trust should be fully distributed within 12 to 18 months once the trust administration has begun.
Personal representatives (i.e., executors and administrators of the estate) are required to provide beneficiaries and other interested parties (i.e., persons or entities with a financial stake in the estate) with financial information about the estate they are overseeing.
Required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of the notice to creditors or the claims will be forever barred. required to present their claims within four months after receipt of the notice to creditors by mail or the claims will be forever barred.
Rule 53(d) provides for “permissible orders” the probate court may enter in those instances in which court approval of the settlement of a claim for a minor or adult protected person is required. One permissible order is the establishment of an “appropriate trust,” including a special needs trust.
When someone dies, their beneficiaries have up to two years to open probate. Once probate is opened, there aren't any time limits that will cause the case to expire.