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.
Use this timeline to handle immediate post-death tasks in the right order before you move into probate, asset transfer, or executor paperwork.
Source Notes
- Arizona Judicial Branch - Superior Court, accessed 2026-06-04
- Arizona Judicial Branch - Probate Forms, accessed 2026-06-04
- A.R.S. 14-3971 - Collection of personal property by affidavit; ownership of vehicles; affidavit of succession to real property, accessed 2026-06-04
- A.R.S. 14-3801 - Notice to creditors, accessed 2026-06-04
If You Are the Named Executor in Arizona
If you are the named executor, personal representative, administrator, or the family member organizing a Arizona estate, start with the state-specific records, court, and transfer tasks below. Check each step against the current county office or agency handling the estate.
- 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.
- 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.
Timeline of Tasks
Immediately
First Week
First Month
Ongoing
Who to Notify
Keep this list handy as you work through notifications.
Documents to Gather
Gather these documents as soon as possible.
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 →What Comes Next?
After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. Use the national assessment for planning, then verify the next step locally.