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.
In Arizona, probate is always required for wills and assets that aren't in a trust or included in a transfer-on-death deed. Probate is also required for large estates consisting of personal property valued at over $75,000 and real estate property valued at over $100,000.
Individually-titled assets will remain frozen in the decedent's name. The estate's assets are subject to losses. Another interested party may petition to open probate. The decedent's creditors may take action.
However, there is a bright line limit in the amount of time when an estate should be closed and some form of Probate can proceed. In Arizona, a Probate case must be commenced within two years after a decedent's death.
Opening Probate While some states allow up to six years to probate an estate, the state of Arizona will only accept probate cases that are opened within two years of the decedent's passing (ARS 14-3108).
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.
In Arizona, a personal representative (known in many states as an executor) is the person or entity appointed by the Court to administer the estate and assets of someone who has died (a decedent).
Understanding the Deceased Estate 3-Year Rule The core premise of the 3-year rule is that if the deceased's estate is not claimed or administered within three years of their death, the state or governing body may step in and take control of the distribution and management of the assets.
California Probate Code §9100 requires creditors to file their claims against a deceased person's estate within the later of four months after the appointment of a general personal representative or 60 days after the notice of administration is mailed or personally delivered to the creditor.
Informal probate requires that the deceased had a valid will at the time of death that has not been challenged and died less than 2 years before probate is opened. In an informal probate process, a personal representative is appointed by the court to administer the estate with minimal court supervision.