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What to Do When Someone Dies in Arizona

A step-by-step guide for the first 30 days. We know this is overwhelming. Take it one task at a time.

Get Death Certificates
Sources

If You Are the Named Executor in Arizona

If you are the named executor, personal representative, or the family member organizing an Arizona estate, start with the records and court tasks below at a steady pace. Each step links to its full instructions in the timeline.

  1. Secure the person and property records you can lawfully access.
  2. Look for a will, trust, beneficiary deeds, vehicle beneficiary designations, payable-on-death accounts, and survivorship title.
  3. Order certified death certificates from ADHS or the appropriate local issuing office.
  4. Identify whether any urgent court action, property preservation, or financial access issue exists.
  5. List titled assets and debts, separating probate and non-probate assets when possible.

Timeline of Tasks

Start with the immediate tasks. Open each later phase as you reach it.

Immediately

Secure the person and property records you can lawfully access.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
Look for a will, trust, beneficiary deeds, vehicle beneficiary designations, payable-on-death accounts, and survivorship title.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
Order certified death certificates from ADHS or the appropriate local issuing office.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.

First Week

Identify whether any urgent court action, property preservation, or financial access issue exists.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
List titled assets and debts, separating probate and non-probate assets when possible.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.

First Month

After 30 days, evaluate whether A.R.S. 14-3971 personal-property affidavit or ADOT vehicle non-probate transfer could apply.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
If a personal representative is appointed, calendar creditor-notice and inventory duties.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.

Ongoing

Verify county Superior Court, recorder, assessor, and treasurer instructions before filing or recording.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.
Use professional help for disputes, unclear title, real estate, creditor risk, tax issues, or contested family situations.
Confirm this Arizona task against the court, agency, or asset holder handling that part of the estate.

Who to Notify

Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213
Employer / HR Department
Phone call or email
Banks & Credit Unions
Visit branch with death certificate
Insurance Companies
Call policy customer service
Credit Card Companies
Call number on card
Utility Companies
Call to transfer or cancel
DMV / Vehicle Registration
Visit in person or online
Post Office
Submit change of address form

Documents to Gather

Death Certificates

Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies because banks, insurers, property-transfer contacts, and agencies may ask for them.

How to get death certificates →

Will & Trust Documents

Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and records folders.

Probate guide →

Financial Statements

Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.

Asset transfer guide →

There is no rush on this. When you are ready, a short assessment can help you see whether probate is needed.

What Comes Next?

After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. The Arizona probate guide walks through what usually comes next.

Read the Arizona Probate Guide

More Arizona Resources

Explore the rest of the Arizona probate hub.

Do I need probate?4 pages
Costs and money5 pages
File for probate2 pages
Transfer assets4 pages
Learn and reference5 pages