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Calculator Updated: April 2026

Arizona Probate Fee Estimator

Estimate mandatory executor commissions and attorney fees based on Arizona probate code.

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*This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Probate in Arizona is governed by the Uniform Probate Code (Title 14), making it relatively streamlined compared to other states. Arizona does not have a set statutory percentage for executor fees; instead, fees must be 'reasonable' based on the work performed. However, the biggest news for 2026 is the massive increase in Small Estate limits, allowing more families to avoid court entirely.

Major 2025 Update (HB 2116)

Effective late 2025, Arizona drastically increased the Small Estate Affidavit thresholds. You can now transfer up to $200,000 in personal property and $300,000 in real estate equity without full probate. This is a game-changer for homeowners.

Reasonable Compensation (ARS § 14-3719)

Unlike California or New York, Arizona statutes simply state that a Personal Representative is entitled to 'reasonable compensation.' There is no calculator in the law itself.

However, local custom and court guidelines (like Maricopa County Local Rule 3.3) often look at factors such as:

  • The complexity of the estate.
  • Time spent (Hourly rates of $25 - $50/hr for family members are common).
  • The specialized skills of the executor.

Can You Skip Court? (The Affidavits)

Arizona has two powerful affidavits that can bypass probate. Thanks to House Bill 2116, the limits are now much higher:

  • Personal Property Affidavit: For cash, cars, stocks under $200,000. (Wait 30 days).
  • Real Property Affidavit: For land/homes with equity under $300,000. (Wait 6 months).

Read our full guide on the Arizona Small Estate Affidavit.

Timeline & Steps

Informal Probate in Arizona typically takes 6 to 9 months. Formal probate (contested) can take years.

1. Application

File an Application for Informal Probate with the Superior Court in the county of death (e.g., Maricopa, Pima).

2. Letters Issued

The Registrar issues 'Letters Testamentary,' giving you legal authority to act.

3. Notice to Creditors

You must publish notice and give creditors 4 months to file claims. This is the main waiting period.

4. Closing Statement

File a Closing Statement verifying debts are paid and assets distributed. The estate closes 1 year later.

Don't Let Probate Eat Your Inheritance

A Living Trust can bypass this entire process.

See How to Avoid It →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new Small Estate limits for 2026?
As of late 2025, the limit for Personal Property is $200,000 and for Real Property is $300,000 (Equity Value). These are separate limits, meaning an estate could theoretically have both and still qualify.
How is 'Reasonable Compensation' determined?
Courts consider the time spent, the risk involved, and the size of the estate. Many professional fiduciaries charge 1.5% to 3%, while family members often charge an hourly rate ($20-$50/hr).
Does Arizona have an inheritance tax?
No. Arizona does not have a state inheritance tax or estate tax. However, federal estate tax applies to estates over ~$13.6 million.
Do I need a lawyer for Arizona probate?
Arizona has 'Informal Probate' which is designed to be done without a lawyer for simple cases. However, for the Real Property Affidavit or contested cases, legal counsel is recommended.
Probate Disclaimer: This calculator provides statutory estimates for informational and educational purposes only. FinanceSmartUSA is not a law firm. Actual probate fees are determined by the court and may vary based on case complexity.