If the decedent names a personal representative in their last will and testament, they're referred to as an executor. If the decedent did not have a will, or if the will was invalidated, the court will appoint an administrator to serve as personal representative.
For additional information, you may call (602) 37-CLERK, or (602) 372-5375.
If you decide to serve as personal representative, you need to be officially appointed to the position by the Court of the county in which the decedent resided at the time of death or, in the case of a decedent who lived in another state but owned real property in Arizona, in the county in which that real property is ...
However, if there is no will or the will is contested by potential heirs or creditors, the process can become lengthy due to court hearings and legal challenges. On average, probate in Arizona takes between six months to a year for an uncontested estate.
If you'd like to file as the executor of an estate with no will, we've outlined 6 steps for you to follow: Find out your place in line. Obtain waivers from other family members. Contact the court. File your administration petition. Go to the probate hearing. Get a probate bond.
Options to take action. If you think an executor isn't being honest or is otherwise acting improperly, there are steps you can take. First, try to resolve the problem directly with them or their lawyer. If this doesn't work, you may want to seek legal advice.
Removing A Person You Don't Trust as Executor Because of this risk, beneficiaries should not hesitate to request the removal of an executor if there is true mismanagement of the estate. If an executor breaches their fiduciary duty, they may be subject to serious financial and legal ramifications.
As long as there aren't any contests to the will or objections to the executor's actions, the executor will be allowed to settle the estate at the conclusion of the four-month waiting period. That means an executor who is on top of their responsibilities could theoretically wrap up probate in as little as four months.
If you contest a will, you will be required to prove it invalid. There is a statute of limitations in Arizona. This means that the will must be contested within four years of the testator's death.