Fillable Maricopa county informal probate application

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Maricopa county informal probate application

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INFORMAL

PROBATE

Application for Appointment as

Personal Representative

(known in other states as “executor”)

Part 1: The Appl

ication and Notice

(Forms and Instructions Packet)

PBIP1 –

5270 - 082719

LAW LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER

INFORMAL PROBATE

APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

AND ADMISSION OF WILL (if applicable)

CHECKLIST

You may use the forms and instructions in this packet only if the following factors

apply to your situation:



You are related to a person who died or you have a legal interest in the person’s

property.



The person had a will or did not have a will.



If the person did have a will, you have the original will, AND



The person died more than 120 hours ago, but less than 2 years ago.*



You want to file court papers to be appointed the Personal Representative of the

estate.

*There are certain limited exceptions to the two-year limitation for informal probate listed in Arizona

Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 14 § 3108. An attorney may be of assistance in determining whether

your situation qualifies for one of the exceptions or in handling the more complex “formal” probate

process for which forms and instructions are not available from the court.

READ ME: Consulting a lawyer before filing documents with the court may help prevent

unexpected results. A list of lawyers you may hire to advise you on handling your own case or to

perform specific tasks, as well as a list of court-approved mediators can be found on the Law

Library Resource Center website

LAW LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER

INFORMAL PROBATE

APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT AS PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE

PART 1: The Application and Notice

INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS

This packet contains court forms and instructions to file informal probate application for appointment as personal

representative. Items in BOLD are forms that you will need to file with the Court. Non-bold items are instructions or

procedures. Do not copy or file those pages!

Order

File Number

Title

# pages

PBIP1k

Checklist for using this packet

PBIP1t

Table of Contents (this page)

PBT10i

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

PBIP11p

Procedures: How to Apply to be the Personal Representative

PBIP16p

Procedures for Appointment of Personal Representative

PBIP20p

Information on Legal Notice for Probate of Estates and What to do After you have Notified

all Interested Persons

PB25p

Procedures: How to Serve Legal Notice By Publication

PB10f

“Probate Information Cover Sheet”

PBIP19f

“Informal Checklist”

PBDT10f

“Declaration of Completion of Training” *

*See Instructions packet. View training material before you file to avoid delays.

PBIP11f

“Waiver of Right to Appointment and Consent”

PBIP12f

“Waiver of Bond”

PBIP13f

“Application for Appointment”

PBIP14f

“Notice of Application”

PBIP15f

“Proof of Mailing Notice of Application”

PB25f

“Declaration Supporting Publication”

PBIP16f

“Statement of Informal Appointment”

PBIP17f

“Letters of Appointment and Acceptance of Appointment”

PBIP18f

“Order to Personal Representative and Acknowledgment and Information to

Heirs/Devisees”

PBPRTM1

“Personal Representative Training Manual”

The documents you have received are copyrighted by the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County. You have

permission to use them for any lawful purpose. These forms shall not be used to engage in the unauthorized practice

of law. The Court assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents,

including reliance on their contents. The documents are under continual revision and are current only for the day

they were received. It is strongly recommended that you verify on a regular basis that you have the most current

documents.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Effective September 1, 2012

The Arizona Supreme Court requires that any person who is not a state-licensed

fiduciary (or a financial institution) must complete a training program approved by the

Supreme Court before Letters of Appointment to serve as a guardian, conservator, or

personal representative can be issued by the Clerk of the Court, or within 30 days of a

temporary or emergency appointment.

TRAINING SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE COURT HEARING

Additional time may be granted for good reason.

You may access and complete the training FREE online at:

www.azcourts.gov/probate/Training.aspx

Go to the section for “Non-licensed Fiduciaries” and click on the link to access a

narrated slide-show presentation of the materials applicable to your situation.

The required training manuals are included in the accompanying “Forms” packet.

You may also pick up a printout of the training materials in English or Spanish

from the Law Library Resource Center. AFTER reviewing the materials, you will

need to inform the Court that you have completed the training by filing either the

Certificate available at the end of the online training, or the Declaration of

Completion form available from the Law Library Resource Center. If you have

questions about the training, contact the Probate Clerk at 602-506-3668.

Law Library Resource Center

Procedures: How to apply to be the Personal Representative

What to do before you come to court to file anything:

1. Decide if you are asking for an appointment as personal representative for the person who died

with no will, or with a will. If the person died with a will, you will also be asking for the will to be

admitted into informal probate.

2. Decide if you are an appropriate person to be the personal representative. Generally, to file the

application you must be:

• Over 18 years of age and

• The surviving spouse of the decedent,

• An adult child of the decedent,

• A parent of the decedent,

• A brother or sister of the decedent,

• A person entitled to property of the decedent,

• A person who was named as personal representative by will, or

• You are a creditor and 45 days have gone by since the person died.

Read the application and all the other papers in this packet so you know what kind of information

you will need to file to be appointed personal representative.

3. Determine who all the other people are that may be entitled to be the personal representative.

Also, you will need to determine who the likely persons are who will inherit property under the will

or, to whom property will pass by law if there is no will, and who are creditors of the estate. If you

are not sure about this, talk to a lawyer who can help you decide.

4. Complete the application if you want to be appointed as personal representative. Use black ink

only.

5. Go to the people who could also be personal representatives.

• Ask them if they are willing to sign a waiver of appointment and will agree to your appointment

as personal representative. If they are willing to sign a waiver, have them sign the waiver in

this packet.

• If the waiver is signed, mail or deliver the waiver to all interested persons. Interested persons

are individuals who are heirs, devisees, children, spouse, creditors and others having a

property right in or claim against the estate and persons having a priority for appointment as

personal representative

6. Estimate what you think is the total value of the estate of the decedent. Go to the people who are

entitled to inherit the property under a will, or to whom property will pass by law if there is no will,

and ask them if they are willing to have you act as personal representative without a bond. If they

are willing, ask them to sign the waiver of bond if the waiver of bond is signed by all interested

persons, mail or deliver the waiver to all interested persons.

Note: a bond will be required unless it is waived by the will, in writing by all heirs if there is no will

or by all devisees/beneficiaries if there is a will.

7. Fill out the probate information cover sheet, informal checklist, the application, and attach the

original will. Make enough copies for all interested persons. Decide in which court location you

will file the application. The locations are:

Filing your papers with the court:

1. File the original application and the original will and have the copies conformed (stamped) by the

clerk of superior court and returned to you. (Conformed means that the original document was

filed with the court and date-stamped.) Fees: a list of current fees is available from the law library

resource center and from the clerk of superior court’s website.

If you cannot afford the filing fee and/or the fee for having the papers served by the sheriff or by

publication, you may request a deferral (payment plan) when you file your papers with the clerk

of superior court. Deferral applications are available at no charge from the law library resource

center.

2. Complete the notice of application. Mail or hand-deliver a copy of the notice of application and

the application for informal appointment of personal representative to everyone entitled to notice.

Read the notice of application in this packet to learn who must get notice.

If people are entitled to notice and you cannot find them even though you tried very hard to find

them, you can publish notice. Read the documents in this packet on how to serve papers when

you don’t know where the other party lives. You must publish once a week for 3 consecutive

weeks. If you publish, be sure you complete the affidavit of circumstances, and make sure the

affidavit of publication that you will get back from the newspaper is filed with the court.

3. Complete the proof of delivery or mailing of notice application. Use black ink only.

What to do next: see the Procedures for appointment of personal representative in this packet.

Downtown Phoenix:

Central Court Building, 1

Floor

201 West Jefferson

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Northeast Phoenix:

Northeast Regional Court Facility

18380 North 40

Street

Phoenix, AZ 85032

Surprise:

Northwest Regional Court Facility

14264 West Tierra Buena Lane

Surprise, AZ 85374

Mesa:

Southeast Court Facility,1

Floor

222 East Javelina Avenue

Mesa, AZ 85210

LAW LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER

PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

AND ADMISSION OF WILL

(if any) TO PROBATE

STEP 1 VIEW REQUIRED TRAINING MATERIALS BEFORE YOU FILE!

View the required training information so that you may turn in the Certificate (or

“Declaration”) of Completion of Training at the same time you file your Application

and other papers for appointment as personal representative of the estate of the person

who died (“the decedent”). See the “Notice Regarding Training Requirements” in

this packet for more detailed information, but note that you may access and complete

the training FREE online at:

http://www.azcourts.gov/probate/Training.aspx

STEP 2 BRING PAPERS TO COURT, PAY FILING FEE, and FILE:

Bring the documents listed below to the Filing Counter at the court location you choose

for filing, and pay the filing fee. Cash, AMEX/VISA/MasterCard debit or credit cards,

or money order made payable to the “Clerk of Superior Court” are acceptable forms

of payment.

A list of current fees is available from the Law Library Resource Center website or from

the Clerk of Court’s website.

If you cannot afford the filing fee and/or the fee for having the papers served by the

Sheriff or by publication, you may request a deferral (payment plan) when you file

your papers with the Clerk of the Court. Deferral Applications are available at no

charge from the Law Library Resource Center.

The Clerk will accept the originals to be reviewed by the Probate Registrar or

Deputy Registrar within 3 business days after the date of submission.

Make and present extra copies of all originals for the Probate Registrar to date-stamp

and return to you as proof of filing.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• PROBATE INFORMATION COVERSHEET

• INFORMAL CHECKLIST

• APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT (Signed and notarized original plus at least one copy)

• Original WILL, if decedent had a Will

• NOTICE OF APPLICATION (original plus at least one copy)

Page 1 of 2

• PROOF OF MAILING OF NOTICE OF APPLICATION (original plus at least one copy)

• DECLARATION SUPPORTING PUBLICATION (includes AFFIDAVIT OF

PUBLICATION (if you published) (original plus at least one copy)+

• STATEMENT OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT (original plus at least one copy)

• LETTERS and ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT (Signed and notarized original plus

at least one copy)

• ORDER TO PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (Signed original plus at least one copy)

• CERTIFICATE (or “Declaration”) OF COMPLETION OF TRAINING (original plus copy)

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:

• Signed and notarized original WAIVER OF RIGHT TO APPOINTMENT and

CONSENT (if anyone signed) (plus at least one copy)

• Signed and notarized original WAIVER OF BOND (if anyone signed) (plus at

least one copy)

STEP 3 Before you make any copies, complete the STATEMENT OF INFORMAL

APPOINTMENT except for the part about the bond and the signature of the

Probate Registrar. Use Black Ink Only. Also, complete the caption of the

LETTERS and the caption of the ORDER TO PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE,

which includes the information about you and the decedent (the person who died).

STEP 4 If all is in order, the Probate Registrar will:

• Sign the STATEMENT,

• Submit the WILL (if there is one),

• Issue the LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT, AND

• Sign the ORDER TO PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE.

STEP 5 Once reviewed by the Probate Registrar you will be contacted based upon

information provided to us on the contact information sheet and notified that the

documents are ready for pickup. If documents are deficient, you will be notified and

you may resubmit upon correction of deficiencies.

Documents must be picked up within 24 hours (1 business day) of notification.

STEP 6

If you are required to post a bond, the Clerk will not issue the LETTERS until you

have filed proof of the bond. After you file proof of the bond the LETTERS will

be issued by the Clerk.

STEP 7 You will need to get a certified copy of the LETTERS, to prove you were appointed.

There is a certification fee plus a fee per page to make copies. Also ask

the Probate Registrar to date-stamp (“conform”) a copy of the STATEMENT OF

INFORMAL APPOINTMENT for you.

Page 2 of 2

Law Library Resource Center

INFORMATION ON LEGAL NOTICE FOR PROBATE OF

ESTATES AND WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU HAVE NOTIFIED

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

1. WHAT IS LEGAL NOTICE: After you have completed AND filed the probate papers with the

Court, you must tell all “interested persons” about the papers. See #3 below for definition of

“interested persons”.

A. WHAT COURT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO GIVE NOTICE ABOUT

IMMEDIATELY AFTER I HAVE FILED THE APPLICATION? To give Notice,

you have to give copies of Court documents to those entitled to notice. The documents

you need to give those entitled to notice at this time are:

• APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

(when a person died with a Will or without a Will).

• NOTICE OF APPLICATION (in Informal Proceeding).

It is recommended that you give people entitled to notice copies of all documents you

filed with the court so that you know you gave people copies of the correct documents.

You then must list in the PROOF OF NOTICE (see section C, below) the people you gave

the documents to, their address and the date the documents were mailed or delivered.

B. WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO GIVE LEGAL NOTICE?

• “Personal Service” means giving formal notice that is required in some cases for

some persons. It requires that a registered process server or the sheriff serve the

documents on interested persons or that a person accept service of the papers. When

personal service is required, it means the law is written to make sure that a person

who needs notice of a case gets the notice.

• Mail or hand delivery is a less formal but important way of giving notice to other

persons in some cases. When you are required to give notice by mail, 1st class

postage-prepaid mail is usually acceptable. Certified mail with return receipt is an extra

step you can take to prove that the person you want to have notice received the notice.

Note: Service by mail or hand-delivery is only allowed in SOME cases, so make sure

you read the instructions to see if you can use this method of service.

• Publication of Notice is used when you do not know the address of the person to

whom you need to give notice. For publication, you need to try to find the person who

is supposed to get notice, and prove to the Court you did everything you could to try

to find the person or the person’s address. Then, you must publish the Notice at least 3

times in a newspaper in the county where the case was filed.

Note: Remember that Notice to Creditors (if applicable) must be published 3

consecutive weeks. (A.R.S. § 14-3801)

C. HOW DO I SHOW THAT I GAVE LEGAL NOTICE?

• PROOF OF NOTICE is the document you sign and file with the Court to prove you gave

notice to all interested persons, and how you did it. You must fill out this form after you

have served the documents on all interested persons (See Step 3).There are other

documents that go with the PROOF OF NOTICE to show that service was made. These

documents may include the following:

Page 1 of 2

1) AFFIDA

VIT OF PUBLICATION,

2) AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE signed by the process server or sheriff, OR

3) ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE.

2. TIME FRAMES TO GIVE LEGAL NOTICE: Generally, you must give all interested

persons notice of the court papers immediately after you file the documents with the court. If you

do not know where the person lives and have tried to find them, you can give Notice by Publication.

Note: The newspaper will provide the AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION to you after all 3 notices to

interested persons and/or to creditors have been published.

3. WHO IS ENTITLED TO LEGAL NOTICE: You must give notice to all “interested persons”.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Any person that has filed a Demand for Notice with the court,

• Any Personal Representative of the decedent whose appointment has not ended,

• Any spouse,

• Any adult child(ren),

• Any parents, brothers and/or sisters of the decedent, AND

• Any person named as an heir in the Will of the decedent.

COMPLETE THE PROOF OF NOTICE: After Notice is done, you must complete the

PROOF OF NOTICE form. Be sure to list the names of the persons to whom you gave the copies,

address, and the date you mailed or delivered the documents. If the person has an attorney,

make sure you mail copies to the attorney, too. Then, make 3 copies of the PROOF OF NOTICE.

FILE THE PROOF OF NOTICE AND OTHER COURT PAPERS: File the PROOF OF

NOTICE and other court papers with the Clerk of the Court, Probate Registrar. These documents

should be filed with the court immediately after you have notified all interested persons.

See Procedures: How to Apply to be Personal Representative to find out what documents you

should complete and file with the Probate Registrar. After you file the PROOF OF NOTICE and

other court papers, mail or deliver a copy to all interested persons immediately.

• Take the original and 2 copies of the PROOF OF NOTICE and other court papers to the

Probate Registrar who will file the original and stamp "copy" on each of the 2 copies and return

them to you.

• Keep a copy of each document for your records.

6. NEXT STEPS: See Packet number 2 concerning “The Appointment, Notice of Appointment,

Inventory and Appraisement.”

7. OTHER HELP: If you still have questions about this procedure, you can ask a lawyer for legal

advice. You can look up a lawyer in the telephone book under “attorneys.” Also, the Self-Service

Center has a list of lawyers who will help you help yourself. The list shows where the lawyers

are located, how much they charge to look over the court papers or answer your questions, and

what their experience is. All forms referred to in these instructions are available at the Self-

Service Center.

Page 2 of 2

Page 1 of 2

Law Library Resource Center

Procedures: How to serve legal papers by publication

In matters of guardianship, conservatorship, probate of estate,

and the sale of real property

(Arrange for service AFTER you have filed your papers in court.)

STEP 1 Complete attached letter to newspaper describing the documents that need to be referenced by

the newspaper, and submit copies of those documents along with the letter to the paper.

A. If you have a court order waiving/deferring costs of publication, you must publish in The

Record Reporter.

MAIL OR DELIVER the letter that is attached to this form, a copy of the documents you filed with

the Clerk, and the CERTIFIED ORDER WAIVING/ DEFERRING COSTS of PUBLICATION to:

• Arizona Business Gazette: Call 602-444-7915 or e-mail legal.advertising@pni.com

• The Record Reporter, 2025 N. Third Street, #155, Phoenix AZ 85004.

– OR –

B. If you are paying the cost of publication, you may use any newspaper of “general circulation” in this

county. Note that:

1. There are numerous eligible publications other than the one mentioned above;

2. The Arizona Corporation Commission maintains a list of eligible publications along with their

contact information online at:

http://www.azcc.gov/Divisions/Corporations/Newspaper-list-for-publishing.pdf.

3. Fees vary. You may call and ask for “Legal Advertising” to compare prices.

STEP 2 WHEN TO FILE:

• Wait (about 5 weeks) for the newspaper to send you an AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION, which

will include the notice that was published, and the dates of publication. Some newspapers will

file this document with the Court for you. If the newspaper sends you TWO copies or an original,

it is intended for you to file one. Always verify with the Probate Clerk that the AFFIDAVIT OF

PUBLICATION gets filed.

STEP 3 GATHER THE PAPERWORK: (Caution: Be aware of confusingly similar document names.)

• Complete the DECLARATION SUPPORTING PUBLICATION (PB25f), found in the Forms

packet, to describe the efforts you made to locate and serve notice before resorting to

publication.

• If the newspaper has not already filed the AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION, make sure it gets

filed by submitting it with the DECLARATION SUPPORTING PUBLICATION.

• Copy of both of the above (Affidavit and Declaration) documents for your records.

STEP 4 FILE YOUR DOCUMENTS WITH THE COURT:

• The original DECLARATION SUPPORTING PUBLICATION, and

• The original of AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION (unless the newspaper filed it for you).

(And bring a copy of the AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION to the hearing.)

Page 2 of 2

LETTER TO NEWSPAPER

Print Your Name:

Your Address:

Date:

Name of Newspaper

Address

To Whom It May Concern:

I need to publish notice in the newspaper about the following matter: Probate Court Case No. , which concerns the

following: (check one box)

Guardianship and/or Conservatorship matter about (name of person with guardian and/or conservator)

Estate of , deceased, OR

Print Name

Sale of Real Property . Please Note: The first publication

Print street address of subject property

of this NOTICE must be published at least fourteen (14) days before the scheduled hearing, or by ____________.

Print Date

Enclosed is a copy of the following documents stamped by the Clerk of Court (check all that apply):

“Notice of Hearing” for matter about guardian and/or conservator, OR Petition, OR

“Notice to Creditors” for probate of an estate, OR

(If no Will) An Application for Appointment of Personal Representative without a Will, OR

(If a Will) An Application for Informal Probate of a Will and for Appointment of a Personal

Representative.

Please publish Notice in your newspaper about this court case once a week for three successive weeks. Also

enclosed is (check one box)

A check or money order in the amount of $ for the cost of the publication as requested, OR,

A certified copy of the Order from the court waiving/deferring the publication costs.

When you receive this letter, please call me at to tell me when the first publication will occur. When all three

weeks of publication have been completed, please file the original and send me one copy of the Affidavit of

Publication.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Enclosures

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

PROBATE INFORMATION COVER SHEET

Case Number: PB

A person needing a guardian or conservator is the “ward”. A person who died is the “decedent”.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE WARD or THE DECEDENT

NAME:

DATE OF BIRTH:

MAILING ADDRESS :

STREET ADDRESS (if different):

TELEPHONE (Home):

SSN:

TELEPHONE (Cellular):

EMAIL:

ADDITIONAL WARDS ARE INVOLVED. Information listed separately.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PETITIONER, the person filing these papers.

NAME:

MAILING ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE:

EMAIL:

INFORMATION ABOUT PETITIONER’S ATTORNEY: Petitioner is not represented by an attorney, or

NAME:

BAR #

TELEPHONE:

EMAIL:

An INTERPRETER IS NEEDED for this language:

(List Names of) Persons who need interpreter:

Name:

STAFF USE ONLY: REASON FEES NOT PAID: Government Charge Deferred Waived

NATURE OF ACTION: Place an "X" next to number which describes the nature of the case. Check only ONE.

200 ESTATE

____ 201 Formal Appointment of Personal

Representative

____ 202 Informal Appointment of Personal

Representative

____ 203 Ancillary Administration

____ 204 Affidavit of Succession to Realty

____ 205 Trust Administration

____ 206 Formal Probate of Will

____ 207 Informal Probate of Will

____ 208 Proof of Authority

____ 210 Other

Specify

____ 211 Single Transaction/Limited Conservatorship

____ 212 Foreign Domicilliary

220 CONSERVATOR

____ 221 Minor

____ 222 Adult Incapacitated Person

230 GUARDIANSHIP

____ 231 Minor

____ 232 Adult

(including those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s)

____ 233

Adult Requiring In-Hospital Mental Health

Treatment

240 GUARDIANSHIP-CONSERVATOR COMBINATION

____ 241 Minor

____ 242 Adult

(including those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s)

____ 243 Adult Requiring In-Hospital Mental Health

Treatment

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

Page 1 of 2

Case No.

By signing below, I state to the Court under penalty of perjury that the contents of this document

are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Petitioner or Attorney Signature

NOTICE

SUBMIT THIS FORM WITH NEW CASES ONLY.

If there is already a (Maricopa County) Probate Court case number and you are filing in an existing

Superior Court case in Maricopa County,

DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIDUCIARY,

the person to serve as guardian, conservator, or

personal representative (executor) of the Estate of someone who died.

NAME:

DATE OF BIRTH:

MAILING ADDRESS:

STREET ADDRESS: (if different)

TELEPHONE (Home):

SSN:

TELEPHONE (Cellular):

EMAIL:

TELEPHONE (Work):

CERTIFICATION #

(for State-Licensed Fiduciaries ONLY)

RELATIONSHIP TO THE WARD OR (if an estate matter) THE DECEDENT:

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

RACE:

HEIGHT

WEIGHT:

EYE COLOR:

HAIR COLOR:

Page 2 of 2

Page 1 of 2

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA IN MARICOPA COUNTY

INFORMAL CHECKLIST

Please complete the checklist below and include with the application.

Applications missing any components listed will be rejected.

Probate Cover Sheet

☐

Is the Probate Information Cover Sheet completely filled out and is the correct Nature of Action checked?

Original Will

☐

Is the ORIGINAL WILL signed, with two (2) witnesses? ☐ Yes ☐ No

• If you do not have the signed original will, you cannot go through the Informal process. The signed

original will is needed on testate estates ONLY.

Was the ORIGINAL WILL signed on or after October 1, 2019? ☐ Yes ☐ No

• If the will was signed on or after October 1, 2019, and is not made self-proved as described in A.R.S.

§ 14-2504, are both of the witnesses disinterested (i.e., not a devisee and not related to a devisee by

blood, marriage, or adoption)?

If the answer to this question is not “yes,” the will is not valid. (See A.R.S. § 14-2505.)

Application

☐

Is the Application for Informal Probate completely filled out with all questions answered?

Is it signed and notarized?

☐

Is the Date of death completed (#3 on the Application)?

☐

Is the date of the will on the Application (#4 and #9,) the same as the date(s) on the Will?

☐

Are the surviving spouse, surviving children, heirs, and anyone entitled to take property listed (#5 on

the Application)?

☐

Is the “tardy” language / restrictions included on Application (if applicable) (#13)?

• Only needed if it has been more than two (2) years since the date of death.

Statement

☐

Is the Statement completely filled out?

☐

Is the date on the Statement (“THE PROBATE REGISTRAR FINDS: #1, and “THEREFORE”, #2) the same

as the date(s) on the Will?

☐

Is the “tardy” language / restrictions included on Statement (if applicable) (should be manually entered

after “THEREFORE”, #4)?

Letters

☐

Is the “tardy” language /restrictions included on the Letters of Appointment (if applicable)?

☐

Is the Letters and Acceptance of Appointment as Personal Representative signed and notarized by the

proposed Personal Representative?

Page 2 of 2

Other

☐

Is the Waiver of Bond included, signed, and notarized (if applicable)?

☐

Are the Waiver of Right to Appointment as Personal Representative and Consent to Appointment of Personal

Representative included, signed, and notarized (if applicable)?

☐

Is the Order to Personal Representative and Acknowledgement and Information to Heirs/Devisees signed by

the proposed Personal Representative?

☐

Is the Training Certificate for the proposed Personal Representative included?

•

To complete the training, go to the following website:

(English)

http://www.azcourts.gov/educationservices/COJET-Classroom/Probate-Personal-Representative

(Spanish)

https://azcourthelp.org/finder/probate/conservatorship/28-conservatorship-form-training-english/file

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ____________________________________

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of:

Case Number PB:

DECLARATION OF COMPLETION

OF TRAINING for

A Deceased or Protected Person

NON-LICENSED FIDUCIARIES

Rule 27.1 of the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure requires that a person to be appointed guardian,

conservator, or personal representative of an estate, who is neither a state-licensed fiduciary nor a

corporation, complete a training program approved by the Supreme Court of this state before permanent

Letters of Appointment are issued, or within 30 days of a temporary or emergency appointment.

UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY

I state to the Court that in accord with Rule 27.1 of the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure,

I have completed the required training for non-licensed, non-corporate fiduciaries, as

indicated below: (Check all that apply and provide applicable information.)

Unlicensed Fiduciary

Date completed:

Conservatorship

Date completed:

Personal Representative

Date completed:

Guardianship

Date completed:

Date:

Signature

Printed Name

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill out this Declaration completely and provide accurate information. Make at least

one copy. You will need to file the original with the Clerk of Court and provide a copy to the Probate

Registrar before receiving any permanent letters of appointment.

©Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County Page 1 of 1 PBDT10f-072017

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ______________________________________

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of:

Case Number: PB

WAIVER OF RIGHT TO APPOINTMENT

AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND

an Adult a Minor, deceased CONSENT TO APPOINTMENT OF

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

THE UNDERSIGNED PERSON STATES AS FOLLOWS:

1. I am: (check one box)

(Check only if there is NO Will) an heir of the decedent's estate without a Will or

(Check only if there IS a Will) a person named in the decedent's Will.

2. I have priority for appointment as Personal Representative of this estate under A.R.S. 14-3203 because:

(check which box applies)

(Check only if there IS a Will) I am named as Personal Representative in the Will of the person

who died;

(Check only if there IS a Will) I am the surviving spouse of the person who died and I am named

in the Will;

(Check only if there IS a Will) I am another person named in the Will of the person who died;

I am the surviving spouse of the person who died;

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

Page 1 of 2 Use most current version

Case No.____________________

I am another person entitled to inherit the property of the person who died because (explain)

_______________________________________________________________________________

3. I wai

ve and want to give up any right I have to appointment as the Personal Representative of this estate.

4. I consent to the appointment of (name) as

Personal Representative of the estate.

Signature

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

Subscribed and sworn to or affirmed before me this: by

(date)

(notary seal) Deputy Clerk or Notary Public

Use most current version

Page 2 of 2

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: _____________________________________

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of: Case No:

WAIVER OF BOND

an Adult a Minor, deceased

THE UNDERSIGNED PERSON STATES AS FOLLOWS:

1. I am: (check one box)

(only if there is no Will) an heir of the decedent's estate without a Will or

(only if there is a Will) person named in the decedent's Will.

2. The person who is applying to be the Personal Representative of the estate

(name)

has estimated that the total value of the estate of the person who died is $ .

3. I waive any and all bond in connection with his or her appointment as Personal Representative. I ask that

the court not require any bond in this proceeding.

Signature

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

Subscribed and sworn to or affirmed before me this: by

(date)

(notary seal) Deputy Clerk or Notary Public

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ____________________________________

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of: Case No: PB

APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL

APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE

an Adult or a Minor, deceased (Person Died Without a Will - "Intestate Estate")

APPLICATION FOR INFORMAL PROBATE OF

WILL and FOR INFORMAL APPOINTMENT

OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

(Person Died With a Will - "Testate Estate")

1. This is an application for: (check one box)

Informal Appointment of Personal Representative because the person died without a Will

("Intestate Estate")

Informal Probate of Will and for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative

because the person died with a Will (“Testate Estate").

2. I live in (County) (State), and I am entitled to file this

Application under A.R.S. 14-3301 because I am: (check the box that applies)

The surviving spouse of the person who died;

An adult child of the person who died;

A parent of the person who died;

A brother or sister of the person who died;

(Check the box only if there is not a Will) A person entitled to property of the person who died under

Arizona law;

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

Page 1 of 4

Case No.

(Check the box only if there is a Will) A person who was nominated/named as Personal

Representative by a Will;

At least 45 days have passed since the person died, and I am a creditor.

3. The name of the person who died is: .

This person died on , (date of death) at the age of _____ years.

At the time of death, the person who died lived in the following county and state: .

. and 120 hours or more have passed since the time of death.

4. There is a Will and the original of the Will of the person who died, dated , is

filed with this Application.

5. The person who died left behind the following persons who are the surviving spouse, children and

others entitled to take property under Arizona law: (if you need more space, attach a separate page):

Name Age Relationship Address

6. This is the correct county in which to file the probate because the person who died was a resident of

this county or owned property in this county at the time of death.

7. To the best of my knowledge, (check one box)

no personal representative for the estate has been appointed in this state or elsewhere

a personal representative for the estate has been appointed in this state or elsewhere:

(name of the person)

(name of state)

8. I have OR I have not received a demand for notice from any interested person, and

I am OR I am not aware of any demand for notice by any interested person or any proceedings

concerning the person who died, in this state or elsewhere.

Page 2 of 4

Case No.

9. I believe that the person who died had no Will. (Check the box only if there is not a Will.)

I exercised reasonable diligence, and I am not aware of any unrevoked Will, amendment to a Will, or a

trust signed by the person who died that relates to property in this state.

I believe that the Will dated was validly executed and is the last Will of the

person who died. I exercised reasonable diligence, and I am not aware of any document that revokes

the Will, or any amendment to the Will signed by the person who died.

10. I have priority for appointment as Personal Representative because there is a will and:

(Check boxes that apply – if there is a will)

I am named as personal representative in the Will of the person who died;

I am the surviving spouse of the person who died and am named in the Will;

I am another person named in the Will of the person who died;

I am the surviving spouse of the person who died;

I am another person entitled to inherit the property of the person who died because (explain):

11. The names, relationships and addresses of all parties who have a prior or equal right to appointment

under A.R.S. 14-3203 are (if you need more space, attach a separate page):

Name Relationship Address

12. BOND INFORMATION: (Check one box)

A bond is not required of the Personal Representative under A.R.S. 14-3603 because all the legal

heirs have filed written waivers of bond. I request to be appointed Personal Representative to

administer the estate without bond,

A bond is not required because the Will waives the bond for the Personal Representative.

I request to be appointed Personal Representative to administer the estate without bond,

A bond is required of the Personal Representative under A.R.S. 14-3603 because all the legal

heirs have not filed written waivers of bond and my best estimate of the fair market value of all the

property owned by the person who died and subject to the probate jurisdiction of the Court is as

follows:

Page 3 of 4

Case No.

Personal Property $

Real Property (less encumbrances) $

Expected annual income of Estate $

TOTAL $

I request to be appointed Personal Representative to administer the estate with a bond as might

be required.

13. The time for informal appointment has not expired under A.R.S. 14-3108 because:

(check which box is true)

Two years have not passed since the death of the person; OR

Other (Explain) (See a lawyer to help with this, if more than 2 years have passed):

OATH or AFFIRMATION AND VERIFICATION OF APPLICANT

The Applicant states under oath or affirms that the statements in the Application are accurate and complete to the

best of his or her knowledge and belief.

Signature of Applicant

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

Subscribed and sworn to or affirmed before me this: by

(date)

(notary seal) Deputy Clerk or Notary Public

Page 4 of 4

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ____________________________________

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of Case No.: PB

NOTICE OF APPLICATION

IN INFORMAL PROCEEDING

An Adult OR a Minor, deceased

NOTICE IS GIVEN that (Name of Personal Representative) has filed

an informal proceeding relating to this Estate as follows (check one box):

An Application for Appointment of Personal Representative Without a Will. (Check the box only if

there is no will.) OR

An Application for Informal Probate of a Will and for Appointment of Personal Representative.

(Check the box only if there is a will).

The Probate Registrar will consider the Application on (date and time

Personal Representative will go to court to file the Application) at the office of the Probate Registrar, Superior Court

of Arizona in Maricopa County, at (check one box)

Downtown Phoenix: Northeast Phoenix:

Central Court Building, 1

Floor Northeast Regional Court Facility

201 West Jefferson 18380 North 40

Street

Phoenix, AZ 85003 Phoenix, AZ 85032

Surprise: Mesa:

Northwest Regional Court Facility Southeast Court Facility, 1

Floor

14264 West Tierra Buena Lane 222 East Javelina Avenue

Surprise, AZ 85374 Mesa, AZ 85210

DATED:

Signature

Print Name

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected)

City, State,

Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email A

ddress:

Lawyer’s Bar

Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number:

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of Case Number:

PROOF OF DELIVERY OR MAILING NOTICE

OF APPLICATION IN INFORMAL PROCEEDING

____________________________________

an Adult OR a Minor, deceased

1. I delivered or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid a copy of the Notice of Application in Informal

Proceeding on (date) according to the requirements of law as follows:

A. To any person who filed a written demand for notice with the court as required by A.R.S. 14-3306.

B. To any person who has a prior or equal right to appointment, unless he or she waived notice in

writing and it is filed with this court.

2. I delivered or mailed the Notice of Application in Informal Proceedings to the following people on the

following dates:

NAME

ADDRESS DATE MAILED

OR DELIVERED

Signature Print Name

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

PBIP15f 080318

Use only most current version

Page 1 of 1

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ____________________________________

Representing



Self, without a Lawyer or



Attorney for



Petitioner OR



Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of:

Case Number: PB

DECLARATION SUPPORTING PUBLICATION

An Adult A Minor , Deceased

UNDER P

ENALTY OF PERJURY, I STATE THESE FACTS:

1. I am the Petitioner or Applicant and make these statements to show the circumstances why notice by

Publication was used, and to show how service by publication was done.

2. Here are the names of people entitled to notice of this matter to whom I gave notice by publication:

 Name:

Last Known Address:

Last Date I Tried to Find Person:

Relationship to Protected or Deceased person:

 Name:

Last Known Address:

Last Date I Tried to Find Person:

Relationship to Protected or Deceased person:

 Name:

Last Known Address:

Last Date I Tried to Find Person:

Relationship to Protected or Deceased person:

 Name:

Last Known Address:

Last Date I Tried to Find Person:

Relationship to Protected or Deceased person:

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

Page 1 of 2

Case No.

3. I made a diligent search to find out the residence and whereabouts of all persons entitled to notice but

failed to find any information concerning the residence or whereabouts of one or more of those

persons.

4. I contacted the persons listed below to find out the location of the persons entitled to notice. (Note:

There is no exact minimum number of persons you must contact. It may be more or less than five as

required to satisfy the Court you have made every reasonable effort to locate every person entitled to

notice.). Attach additional pages as necessary to show all the persons you contacted.

Name of Person Entitled to Notice:

Name of Person I Contacted:

Address of Person I Contacted:

Name of Person Entitled to Notice:

Name of Person I Contacted:

Address of Person I Contacted:

Name of Person Entitled to Notice:

Name of Person I Contacted:

Address of Person I Contacted:

Name of Person Entitled to Notice:

Name of Person I Contacted:

Address of Person I Contacted:

Name of Person I am Looking for:

Name of Person I Contacted:

Address of Person I Contacted:

5. ABOUT THE PUBLICATION.

NOTICE OF HEARING was published in a newspaper in this County on the following dates.

A. , B. , C. .

PROOF OF PUBLICATION IS ATTACHED. (REQUIRED)

(Attach an “Affidavit of Publication” supplied by the newspaper that published the notice.)

By signing this document, I state to the Court, under penalty of perjury that the information

presented is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date Signed Petitioner’s Signature

Page 2 of 2

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ____________________________________

Representing



Self, without a Lawyer or



Attorney for



Petitioner OR



Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of: Case No: PB

STATEMENT OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT

OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

an Adult or a Minor, deceased (Person Died Without a Will - "Intestate Estate")

STATEMENT OF INFORMAL PROBATE

OF A WILL AND INFORMAL APPOINTMENT

OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

(Person died With a Will – “Testate Estate”)

THE PROBATE REGISTRAR FINDS:

1. An Application for Informal Appointment of a Personal Representative has been submitted by

, requesting the following:

(Check the box only if there is no Will) The appointment of as

the Personal Representative to administer the estate of the person who died without a Will,

(Check the box only if there is a Will) The admission to probate of the Will of the person who died

dated ,

(Check the box only if there is a Will) The appointment of

as the Personal Representative to administer the estate of the person who died with a Will.

2. The Probate Registrar has found compliance with A.R.S. 14-3303 and is satisfied that the Will is

entitled to probate.

The Probate Registrar has found compliance with A.R.S. 14-3308 and is satisfied that the person

named below is entitled to appointment as Personal Representative under Arizona law.

THEREFORE:

1. (Name) , is appointed as Personal Representative of the

estate of the person who died.

2. (Check the box only if there is a Will) The Will of the person who died, dated

is admitted to informal probate.

3. No bond is required OR the Personal Representative shall post a bond in the amount of

$ with this Court. Letters will be issued to the Personal Representative upon

accepting and posting a bond (if required).

4. The Personal Representative shall immediately notify the Court in these proceedings of any change in his or

her address and shall be responsible for the costs resulting from his or her failure to do so.

DATED:

Probate Registrar

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

Page 1 of 1

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ______________________________________

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of: Case No.: PB

LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT OF

an Adult OR a Minor, deceased PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND

ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT AS

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

LETTERS OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

(name) is appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate without

restriction except as follows:

WITNESS: (date)

CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT

Deputy Clerk

ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT

I accept the duties of Personal Representative of the Estate of the above-named person who has died and do

solemnly swear or affirm that I will perform the duties as Personal Representative according to law.

DATED:

Signature of Personal Representative

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

Subscribed and sworn to or affirmed before me this: by

(date)

(notary seal) Deputy Clerk or Notary Public

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

PBIP17f - 011019

Page 1 of 1

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ____________________________________

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of:

Case Number: PB

ORDER TO PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE AND

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND

INFORMATION TO HEIRS/DEVISEES

an Adult OR a Minor, deceased

The best interest of this estate is of great concern to this Court. As Personal Representative, you are

subject to the power of the Court. Therefore, to help avoid problems and to assist you in your duties, this

Order is entered. You are required to be guided by this Order and to obey it.

This Court will not review or supervise your actions as Personal Representative unless an interested

party files a written request to the Court. In Arizona, if you are a beneficiary of an estate, you are expected to

protect your own interests in the estate. The Personal Representative is required to provide sufficient

information to the beneficiary to permit the beneficiary to protect his or her interests. The Court may hold a

Personal Representative personally liable and responsible for any damage or loss to the estate resulting from

a violation of the Personal Representative’s duties. The following is an outline of some of your duties as

Personal Representative:

DUTIES OF THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: The duties of the Personal

Representative are found in Chapter 3, Title 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (from now on called “A.R.S.”).

You are responsible for knowing and doing your duties according to these statutes. Some of the duties are as

follows:

1. GATHER, CONTROL AND MANAGE ESTATE ASSETS. As Personal

Representative you have the duty to gather and control all assets that belonged to the decedent (the

person who has died) at the time of his or her death. After the valid debts and expenses are paid,

you have the duty to distribute any remaining assets according to the decedent’s Will or, if there is no

Will, to the intestate heirs of the decedent. As Personal Representative, you have the authority to

manage the estate assets, but you must manage the estate assets for the benefit of those interested

in the estate.

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

Case No.

2. FIDUCIARY DUTIES. As Personal Representative you are a fiduciary. This means you have

a legal duty of fairness and impartiality to the beneficiaries and the creditors of the estate. You must

be cautious and prudent in dealing with estate assets. As Personal Representative, the estate assets

do not belong to you and must never be used for your benefit or mixed with your assets or anyone

else’s assets. Arizona law prohibits a Personal Representative from participating in transactions that

are a conflict of interest between you, as Personal Representative, and you as an individual. Other

than receiving reasonable compensation for your services as Personal Representative, you may not

profit from dealing with estate assets.

3. PROVIDE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT. Within 30 (thirty) days after your Appointment

as Personal Representative are issued, you must mail notice of your appointment to the Arizona

Department of Revenue and to the heirs and devisees whose addresses are reasonably available to

you. If your appointment is made in a formal proceeding, you need not give notice to those persons

previously noticed of a formal appointment proceeding. See A.R.S. §14-3705.

4. PROVIDE NOTICE OF ADMISSION OF WILL TO PROBATE. Within 30 days of

the admission of the Will to informal probate, you must give written notice to all heirs and devisees of

the admission of the Will to probate, together with a copy of the Will. You must notify the heirs and

devisees that they have four (4) months from receipt of the Notice to start a formal testacy proceeding

if the heir or devisee wishes to contest the probate. See A.R.S. §14-3306.

5. MAIL COPIES of this ORDER TO PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. WITHIN

30 DAYS AFTER YOUR LETTERS OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ARE ISSUED, YOU MUST

MAIL A COPY OF THIS ORDER TO PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

AND INFORMATION TO HEIRS/DEVISEES, to all the heirs or devisees of the estate and to any

other persons who have filed a demand for notice. See A.R.S. §14-3705.

6. FILE PROOF OF COMPLIANCE. Within 45 days after your Letters of Appointment as

Personal Representative are issued, you must file with the Court a notarized statement swearing or

affirming that a copy of this Order was mailed to each devisee, to each heir in intestate (no will)

estates and to any other persons who have filed a demand for notice.

7. PUBLISH NOTICE. Unless a predecessor personal representative already has fulfilled this

duty or you were appointed more than two years after the decedent’s date of death, you must publish

a notice once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in County in a newspaper of

general circulation that announces your appointment as Personal Representative and tells creditors

of the estate that, unless they present their claims against the estate within the prescribed time limit,

the claims will not be paid. In addition, you must mail a similar notice to all persons you know are

creditors of the estate. See A.R.S. § 14-3801.

8. PROTECT ASSETS. You must immediately find, identify, and take possession of all the estate

assets and make proper arrangements to protect them. See A.R.S. §14-3709. All property must be

re-titled to show ownership in the name of the estate - such as “Estate of (decedent’s name), by (your

name) as Personal Representative.” Do not put the estate assets into your name, anyone else’s

name, joint accounts, trust accounts (“in trust for”), or payable on death (“POD”) accounts. Do not

list yourself or any other person as joint owner or beneficiary on any bank accounts or other assets

belonging to the estate. Do not mix any estate assets with your own assets or anyone else’s assets.

Case No.

If your authority as Personal Representative has been limited by the Court, you must promptly protect

the estate assets as ordered, and file a Proof of Restricted Assets with the Court. You may not sell,

encumber, distribute, withdraw or otherwise transfer restricted assets without first obtaining

permission from the Court.

9. DETERMINE STATUTORY ALLOWANCES. It is your responsibility to determine

whether any individuals are entitled to statutory allowances under A.R.S. §14-2402, 2403, and 2404.

Statutory allowances include a homestead allowance, exempt property allowance, and a family

allowance.

10. INVENTORY ASSETS. Unless a predecessor personal representative already has fulfilled

this duty, within 90 days after your Letters of Appointment as Personal Representative are issued,

you must prepare an inventory or list of the decedent's probate assets and their values as of the date

of death. See A.R.S. § 14-3706. The inventory must be either (1) filed with the Court and mailed to

all interested persons who request it, or (2) not filed with the Court, but mailed or delivered to: (a)

each of the heirs if the decedent died intestate or to each of the devisees if the decedent’s will was

admitted to probate; and (b) to any other interested person who requests a copy of the inventory.

11. STANDARD OF CARE. In administering estate assets, you must observe the standards of

care applicable to a trustee, including the prudent investor rules. See A.R.S. §§14-10801 et. seq. and

14-10901 et seq.

12. KEEP DETAILED RECORDS. You must keep detailed records of all receipts and expenses

of the estate. You are required to provide an account of your administration of the estate to all

persons affected by the administration. See A.R.S. §14-3933.

13. PAY VALID DEBTS AND EXPENSES. You must determine which claims and expenses

of the estate are valid and should be paid. You must provide to any creditor whose claims are not

allowed prompt written notification that they will not be paid or will not be paid in full. See A.R.S. §14-

3806. To the extent there are enough assets in the estate, you are responsible for the payment of any

estate debts and/or expenses you know about or can find out about. If there are not enough estate

assets to pay all debts and expenses, you must determine which debts and expenses should be paid

according to the law. See A.R.S. §14-3805. You may be personally liable if you pay a debt or

expense that should not be paid.

14. PAY TAXES. It is your responsibility to determine that all taxes are paid and that all tax returns

for the decedent and the estate are prepared and filed.

Case No.

15. DISTRIBUTE REMAINING ASSETS. After payment of all debts and expenses of the

estate, you must distribute estate assets as directed in the Will or, if there is not a Will, to the intestate

heirs. If there are not enough assets in the estate to make the gifts as set forth in the Will, it is your

responsibility to determine how the distributions should be made as required by law. See A.R.S.

§§14-3902 and 14-3907. You may be personally liable if you make an improper distribution of estate

assets.

16. CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Until the probate is closed and you are discharged as Personal

Representative, you must notify the Court in writing if you change your home or mailing address.

17. PAYMENT AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. As Personal Representative, you

are entitled to reasonable compensation. See A.R.S. §14-3719 and Maricopa County Local Rule 5.7.

Arizona statutes do not designate percentage fees for your work or say how much a Personal

Representative should be paid. You must keep receipts to prove out-of-pocket expenses. In

determining whether a fee is reasonable, the Court will consider the following factors:

a. The time required (as supported by detailed time records), the novelty and difficulty of the

issues involved, and the skill required to do the service properly;

b. The likelihood that your acceptance as Personal Representative will preclude other

employment;

c. The fee normally charged in the area for similar services;

d. The nature and value of estate assets, the income earned by the estate, and the

responsibilities and potential liability assumed by you as Personal Representative;

e. The results obtained for the estate;

f. The time limitations imposed by the circumstances;

g. The experience, reputation, diligence and ability of the person performing the services;

h. The reasonableness of the time spent and service performed under the circumstances; and,

i. Any other relevant factors.

18. COURT INVOLVEMENT. Usually, to reduce estate expenses, estates are administered and

estate claims and expenses are paid, including the fees to the attorney and Personal Representative,

with little Court involvement. The Court does not supervise informal probates or the conduct of a

Personal Representative. However, if any interested party believes that the estate has not been

properly handled or that the fees charged by the attorney or Personal Representative are not

reasonable under the circumstances, that party may request that the Court review the accounting for

the Personal Representative’s administration of the estate. Any additional Court involvement may

result in additional delay and expenses. If appropriate, the Court may assess the additional expense

against the estate or the non-prevailing party.

Case No.

19. CLOSE THE ESTATE. After you have administered the estate and all the assets of the estate

have been distributed, the estate must be closed, either formally or informally. In an informal closing,

a copy of the Closing Statement is filed with the Court and must be sent to all persons receiving a

distribution from the estate. See A.R.S. §14-3933. For a formal closing, see A.R.S. §§14-3931 and

14-3932. Usually, the estate should be completely administered and closed within two (2)

years of the initial appointment of the Personal Representative.

This is only a general outline of some of your duties as Personal Representative. This Order does not

describe all of your duties and is not a substitute for obtaining professional legal advice. This is a general

outline of your duties only. If you have any questions as Personal Representative, before taking any action

you should contact an attorney who handles probate estates to find out what to do.

WARNING. Failure to obey a Court Order and the statutory provisions relating to this estate may

result in your removal as Personal Representative and other penalties. In some circumstances,

you may be held in contempt of court, punished by confinement in jail, fine or both. In addition, if

you violate any of your fiduciary duties, you could be held personally liable for any losses for

which you are responsible.

DATED: this ___ day of _______________, 20___.

Judge / Special Commissioner

Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County

In the matter of the estate of

Name of the deceased

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ORDER TO PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

AND INFORMATION TO HEIRS/DEVISEES

I, the undersigned, acknowledge receiving a copy of this order and agree to be bound by its provisions,

whether or not read before signing, as long as I am Personal Representative.

Date Signed

Signature of Personal Representative

Printed Name

Date Signed

Signature of Personal Representative

Printed Name

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PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE

TRAINING MANUAL

This program was developed under grant number SJI-11-E-008 from the

State Justice Institute. The points of view expressed are those of the

faculty and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of

the State Justice Institute.

PBPRTM1 - 061316

IMPORTANT NOTICE

TRAINING REQUIREMENT

Effective September 1, 2012

The Arizona Supreme Court requires that any person who is not a state-licensed

fiduciary (or a financial institution) must complete a training program approved by the

Supreme Court before Letters of Appointment to serve as a guardian, conservator, or

personal representative can be issued by the Clerk of the Court.

TRAINING SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE COURT HEARING.

The fiduciary may for good reason request additional time to complete the training.

You may access and complete the training FREE online at:

http://www.azcourts.gov/probate/Training.aspx

Go to the section for “Non-licensed Fiduciaries” and click on the link to access a narrated

slide-show presentation of the materials applicable to your situation.

AFTER reviewing the materials, you will need to inform the Court that you have completed

the training by filing either the Certificate available at the end of the online training, or the

Declaration of Completion form available at the end of this training manual, or from either

the Probate Filing Counter or the Law Library Resource Center. If you have questions

about the training, contact the Probate Clerk at 602-506-3668.

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After viewing the contents of this manual you will be able to:

• Summarize the role of the Personal Representative

• Compare and contrast supervised vs. unsupervised probate administration

• Explain how handling an intestate differs from an estate with a Last Will and Testament

• Discuss the process for closing the estate

Supervised Administration v. Non-Supervised Administration

The intent of the probate court is to stay out of the affairs of a decedent (the deceased individual)

estate as much as possible. The probate courts in Arizona take the position that the heirs,

beneficiaries or devisees of an estate likely have the ability to protect their own interest in the

estate and therefore, do not need the court monitoring the activities of a personal representative

as they would for a guardianship or conservatorship.



Unsupervised Personal Representative

Most probate administrations are not supervised by the court. This means the personal

representative has the ability to liquidate property or make distributions without first seeking

approval of the court. Any interested party may request the court “supervise” the activities of the

personal representative. This can happen for a number of reasons. The interested party may be

concerned that the personal representative is not acting for the benefit of the estate or the heirs,

or one of the heirs or beneficiaries may be a minor or incapacitated, so the interested party

believes additional court oversight is necessary.

 Supervised Personal Representative

When the court orders that a personal representative’s appointment is supervised this means the

personal representative must petition the court for approval to take most actions. For example,

the personal representative would need to seek the court’s approval before liquidating property,

distributing property/cash, or closing the estate.

Intestate and Heirs

 If the estate is intestate, how do you determine heirs?

Arizona Revised Statutes §14-2103 outlines who should inherit the estate of the decedent if the

person dies without leaving a will. According to this statute there is a prescribed order in which

an estate passes on to the heirs. The order of inheritance is shown below:

Surviving spouse

If no surviving spouse:

The decedent’s children or their children,

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If no children:

The decedent’s surviving parent(s),

If no parents:

The decedent’s sibling(s) or their children

If no sibling(s) or nieces/nephews:

The decedent’s grandparents – one-half to the maternal side and one-half to the paternal

side

If there are no relatives:

The State of Arizona

 Determining Heirs

Determining who may be the heirs and in what percentage can be complicated. You should seek

the advice of legal counsel to ensure that you have identified all potential heirs. It is best to seek

a professional who will conduct an heir search and provide you with a report as to who may be

entitled to inherit from the estate. Once you have determined who you believe to be the heirs of

the intestate estate, you will want to file a petition for determination of heirs with the court so

that the court may confirm the heirs of the estate.

Providing Notice to Interested Parties

Interested parties are individuals or companies who may have a financial interest in the estate

such as an heir, beneficiary or devisee. An interested party may also be an individual who has

filed a demand for notice, such as a creditor. If you are dealing with an intestate estate, you will

need to provide notice to the Arizona Attorney General as they may receive the estate proceeds if

no relatives can be located.

Filing Informal Probate

If you are filing an informal probate you shall give notice to interested parties, of the fact that

you were appointed as the personal representative, within thirty days from the date of

appointment. You shall notify the parties of the court where the Will was filed or where the

petition for appointment was filed. You shall also provide them with a copy of the Order to

Personal Representative which outlines your duties and responsibilities as the personal

representative.

Filing Formal Probate

If you are filing a formal probate proceeding, you shall give notice of the date and time of the

hearing to all interested parties at least 14 days prior to the hearing.

Providing Notice to Creditors

Once you are appointed as the personal representative, you must give notice to all known and

unknown creditors. A creditor is any individual or entity which may have been owed money by

the decedent before their death or as a result of their death. Examples include mortgage

companies, physicians, credit card companies, and tax authorities, among others.

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 Unknown Creditors

In order to ensure you have notified all unknown creditors, you shall publish notice in a

newspaper of general circulation in the county where you were appointed. The notification shall

state that you were appointed as the personal representative and provide the address where

creditor’s claims may be sent. You shall publish this one time per week for three successive

weeks.

 Known Creditors

A known creditor is some person or company you know the decedent owed money to before

death, such as a personal physician or credit card company. You shall provide actual notice to all

known creditors by providing them with a copy of the Notice to Creditors that you file with the

court.

 Creditor’s Claim

Once a potential creditor has been notified of the death, the creditor has 120 days to present a bill

to the estate for payment. Some creditors will file a creditor’s claim directly with the court;

others will simply send you the bill. Both methods are acceptable for presenting the claim to the

estate.

 Time Frame for Claim

The time frame for presentation of the creditor’s claim is calculated in one of two ways:

For unknown creditors the 120 day countdown begins on the date of first publication. As an

example, if the first date that the creditor’s notice is published in the newspaper is February 1,

the creditor has until May 31 to present their claim.

For known creditors who receive actual notice, the 120 day countdown begins on the day you

sent out the notification.

 When Creditor’s Period Expires

If you receive a creditor’s claim after the creditor’s period has expired you have an obligation to

deny the claim. The notice to creditors notifies the creditor that if they do not present their claim

with 120 days, their claim is barred. A creditor may petition the court to argue against the fact

that you denied the claim. The court will then determine whether the creditor should be paid or if

the claim should be denied.

Order of Payment

 Who gets paid in what order?

The state statutes outline how creditor’s claims are to be paid in the order as follows.

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Costs and expenses of administration. This means your fees and expenses as the personal

representative and those of your attorney; Funeral expenses; Debts and taxes under federal law

(Internal Revenue Service); Medical and hospital expenses related to the last illness of the

decedent, including compensation to individuals providing care; Debts and taxes with preference

under state law (Arizona Department of Revenue); all other claims. This means that all other

debts of the decedent fall into the same category. If there is more than one creditor in a particular

category, they are all treated equally and no one has priority over the other for payment.

Pro Rata Share

 What if the estate is not large enough to cover all debts?

If the estate is not large enough to cover all of the debts, the debts are paid in the order outlined

in the state statute. If all creditors with the exception of creditors in the final category have been

paid, the remaining creditors get a pro rata share of the remaining cash. A pro rata share is the

percentage of debt the creditor represents in comparison to the entire value of the debt owed.

 Debt Example

As an example, there are 10 creditors with a total debt owing of $100,000. Creditor 1 submitted a

claim worth $50,000. This means that Creditor 1 represents 50% of the total debt owed by the

decedent. If there is only $25,000 available to pay the remaining creditors, Creditor 1 would

receive $12,500 toward their bill as they represent 50% of the claims.

Marshal and Secure All Assets

As a personal representative, your first priority is to marshal and protect the assets of the

decedent’s estate. When the court tells you to marshal an asset, do you know what they mean?

The court wants you to take control of the assets, on behalf and for the benefit of, the estate.

There are a number of different ways that you can do this.

 “Certified” Letter

One of the first things you need to do is obtain a current “certified” copy of your letter of

appointment. A certified copy is a copy issued by the Clerk of the Court in the county where your

letter was issued. The certified copy states that it is a true and complete copy of the original letter

on file with the issuing court, and that the letters of personal representative are currently in

effect.

 Record Your Letter

Once you have obtained the certified copy of your letters of appointment (or letters of personal

representative) you will need to record these with the county recorder in every county where the

decedent owned property. By recording your letters of appointment you are putting the public on

notice of your appointment. You are also creating a record should someone attempt to sell real

property belonging to the estate that you are the only person entitled to transfer property on

behalf of the estate.

PBPRTM1 - 061316

 Notice of Filing

Once you have received the recorded copy of your letters of appointment back from the

recorder’s office (there will be a marking on the document that reflects it has been recorded and

where that record can be found for future reference), you will need to file a Notice of Filing with

the court to show that you have recorded the letters of appointment.

 Marshal an Account

In order to marshal a bank or brokerage account, you will need to notify the financial institution

of your appointment. When you first meet with the financial institution be sure to bring the

original, stamped letter or the certified copy of your letter of appointment with you. Most banks’

legal department will want to see a certified copy of your letter of appointment in order to allow

you access to the account. You should also have a copy of the decedent’s death certificate and a

copy of the letter from the Internal Revenue Service assigning the employer identification

number of the estate.

How Should Assets Be Titled?

Once you have presented your letter of appointment, the account(s) will be re-titled to the name

of the estate. The way the account is titled depends on the organization you are working with.

Some will title it as “Estate of Jane Doe, by John Doe, Personal Representative”; others will title

it as “John Doe, Personal Representative for the Estate of Jane Doe.” The purpose of this is to

notify the organization (bank, brokerage firm, Department of Motor Vehicles) that you are the

only person who should be dictating how the asset is held, spent, or managed.

Recording Transactions

You should be very careful not to let any other individual have access to any bank accounts you

manage. While there is no law that prohibits you from using a debit card or cash to transact

business on behalf of the estate, it is best to avoid using a debit card or cash whenever possible.

Debit cards can be easily accessed by another individual and it is difficult to prove that a cash

transaction was used for the benefit of the estate. If it is necessary to use cash for a purchase be

sure to keep all receipts to prove the purchase was for the benefit of the estate.

Re-Title Vehicles

You may also re-title vehicles in the name of the estate. In order to transfer the title of vehicles

into the estate you will need to bring your letters of appointment with you. The Motor Vehicle

Division typically requires a certified copy dated within 60 days from the date of the re-title

request. Vehicles may be cars, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles or motor homes.

Obtain an EIN

An EIN is an employer identification number. This is similar to a Social Security Number and is

the number that is used to report the estate income to the Internal Revenue Service. You may

obtain an EIN online from the Internal Revenue Service’s website at www.irs.gov

Inventory and Appraisement

Unlike a conservatorship that requires you file the Inventory and Appraisement with the court

AND provide a copy to interested parties, in a probate proceeding you can choose. You may file

PBPRTM1 - 061316

the inventory and appraisement with the court and notify the interested parties that you filed it

and they may request a copy from the court. Alternatively, you are not required to file it with the

court (unless the court has ordered you to do so) and you can mail a copy of the inventory and

appraisement directly to the interested parties. You must do one or the other within 90 days from

the date of your appointment.

Assets of the Estate

All assets of the probate estate should be listed on the inventory and appraisement. Assets to be

included, but not limited to, are shown below:

• Bank accounts

• Brokerage accounts

• Annuities

• Life insurance policies (the cash surrender value)

• Real property (homes, vacant land, and burial plots)

• Automobiles

• Jewelry/Artwork/Antiques

• Household items

• Cash/Coins

How Much Detail

 How much detail should you include?

You should include as much detail as is necessary to reasonably identify the asset. For example,

if the protected person has a checking account at Bank of America, you would document it as

“Bank of America Checking” and provide the Account number.

 Documenting Assets

When documenting an automobile, you should include the make, model, year and vehicle

identification number (VIN). You should include the address and parcel number for real estate.

Documenting household items on an inventory is a little more difficult. Some will include a lump

sum value of miscellaneous household property and others will include details such as one sofa,

one end table and one coffee table. No matter the amount of detail you choose to include for

household items, you should always photograph or video tape the personal property.

 Date and Valuation of Assets

When dealing with a probate estate, the value of an asset on the inventory and appraisement is

determined by its value on the date of death of the decedent. When listing a bank account,

brokerage account or annuity, you will want to list the value as of the date of death. A reliable

way to determine the value of an automobile would be to use the Kelley Blue Book valuation.

 Provide a Reasonable Estimate

Determining the value of other assets may be a little more difficult. Appraisals may be obtained

for homes, jewelry, artwork or antiques. Appraisals can be very costly so if it is not your intent to

PBPRTM1 - 061316

liquidate the asset in the very near future, it may be best to provide a reasonable estimate of the

asset’s value as the value can change significantly in a very short period of time, such as with

real estate. If you provide an estimate for the value be sure to make note of this on the inventory.

 In-Kind Distribution

Additionally, some assets may be distributed to a beneficiary as an “in-kind” distribution. An in-

kind distribution is when you give the individual the property just as it is, such as a ring. Instead

of selling the ring and giving the individual the cash, you are giving them the actual asset. The

statute requires that the personal representative obtain an appraisal of any property given “in-

kind” within 30 days of distributing the property. This is another reason it may be best to wait on

an appraisal as you do not want to waste estate assets getting multiple appraisals for the same

piece of property.

Payable/Transfer on Death

 What if you discover assets are “payable on death” or “transfer

on death”?

If you discover that an asset is “payable on death” or “transfer on death” you should notify the

individual(s) named as the beneficiary and provide them with the information necessary for them

to take possession of the asset. As the personal representative you do not have the authority to

marshal a payable on death asset because it no longer belongs to the decedent or his estate after

his death; the interest in the asset now belongs directly to the beneficiary.

Record Keeping

 What types of records should you keep?

You are required to keep records of all income and expenses you manage as the personal

representative of the estate. You will need to keep copies of all bank statements, brokerage

statements, invoices, receipts, and any other record you need to support your efforts as personal

representative.

Invoices

One good practice is to attach a copy of a check used to pay an invoice to the copy of that

invoice. This ensures all parties that the expenses you are making are for the benefit of the

protected person.

Original Papers

You should maintain the original papers for all important documents, such as deeds, titles, birth

certificates, death certificates.

Maintaining Records

The amount of time you maintain records can depend on a number of factors. It is recommended

that you keep all records regarding your activities as personal representative for, at a minimum,

as long as you are acting as personal representative. Keep in mind, other laws may recommend

you keep records for longer periods of time.

PBPRTM1 - 061316

The typical recommendation is to follow the record retention requirements outlined by the

Internal Revenue Service. The most recent information from the IRS indicates you should keep

records according to the following conditions shown on this page.

1. If you owe additional tax and situations (2), (3), and (4), below, do not apply to you; keep

records for 3 years.

2. If you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25% of the gross

income shown on your return; keep records for 6 years.

3. If you file a fraudulent return; keep records indefinitely.

4. If you do not file a return; keep records indefinitely.

5. If you file a claim for credit or refund* after you file your return; keep records for 3 years

from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax,

whichever is later.

6. If you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction; keep records

for 7 years.

7. Keep all employment tax records for at least 4 years after the date that the tax becomes

due or is paid, whichever is later.

Payment for Personal Representative

You are entitled to payment for your time as the personal representative. The court may review

your fees at the time you close the estate. You are also entitled to reimbursement from the estate

for any money you pay out of pocket for the estate’s benefit. For example, if you pay for a filing

fee with the court, you would be entitled to be reimbursed for that expense.

Attorney’s Fees

 Can You Hire An Attorney?

You may hire an attorney and are entitled to have the fees for that attorney paid for by the estate

as long as the court determines that the fees are reasonable and necessary.

Closing the Estate

Upon expiration of the creditor’s claims period, you should be able to close the estate. If the

assets of the estate are sufficient to pay all claims, then all claims should be paid. If you have

reason to believe a claim on the estate is not valid you may deny that claim. However, if you do

so, you will need to allow time for the creditor to challenge the denial.

 Final Tax Return

You may want to meet with a CPA to discuss the timing and process for filing the final estate tax

return. To file the final return you will need to obtain an Internal Revenue Service Form W-9

from each heir, beneficiary or devisee. At the time of filing the final tax return, the CPA will

prepare a document called a Form K-1 which will be provided to each beneficiary, heir or

devisee.

 Supervised Personal Representative

PBPRTM1 - 061316

You may close the estate in one of two ways depending on your appointment type. If you are

operating under a supervised administration, you will be required to file a formal account with

the court which outlines the starting value of assets (the inventory value), the income and

expenses, the ending value of the estate and a proposal as to how you plan to distribute those

funds to the individuals /entities who are to receive them.

 Non-Supervised Personal Representative

If you are not operating under a supervised administration, you may still choose to file a formal

account with the court but you are not required to do so. Instead, you may provide the interested

parties with a copy of your accounting and obtain a waiver and release from them. The waiver

and release will typically indicate that they acknowledge receipt of the account, they have no

issues with its contents, they agree to the distribution plan and waive you filing the account with

the court.

Distributions to Heirs

Upon approval of the distribution plan by the court or receipt of all waivers and receipts from the

heirs, beneficiaries or devisees, you may distribute the assets of the estate according to law, the

terms of the Last Will and Testament and/or the distribution plan.

Distribution Receipts

It is good practice to send a receipt to the individual/entity receiving the distribution as you will

want to supply a copy of the signed receipt to the court to prove that you have distributed the

assets of the estate. It can be difficult sometimes to get beneficiaries, heirs or devisees to return

the receipt. It is suggested to send the distribution via certified mail/return receipt requested. If

you are unable to obtain the receipt back, you will at least have the certified mail receipt to show

the court that you delivered the distribution.

Closing the Estate

Upon filing of the final tax return, providing an account to all interested parties, and receiving

proof of distribution, you may close the estate.

 Formal Closing of the Estate

As with the account, you can do this in one of two ways. If you are operating under a supervised

administration, you will be required to petition the court for permission to close the probate

estate. If you are not operating under a supervised administration, you may still choose to file a

formal petition for discharge with the court. The benefit to filing the formal petition is that, if you

have a bond, you are able to obtain exoneration of the bond immediately.

 Informal Closing of the Estate

Keep in mind, any time a formal closing procedure is used, the costs to the estate are typically

higher. This is why the court recommends an “informal” closing. With an informal closing you

will file a closing statement with the registrar (Clerk of the Court) which will include the waivers

and receipts you obtained from the heirs, beneficiaries or devisees. The registrar will then sign

the closing statement which indicates that if no objections are filed within one year, the estate is

closed and the bond may be exonerated.

PBPRTM1 - 061316

Thank you for viewing this training manual. The welfare of the ward

and/or protected person is of utmost importance to the court.

For more information about Probate please visit the Judicial Branch

website devoted to Probate at www.azcourts.gov/probate.

Person Filing:

Address (if not protected):

City, State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Lawyer’s Bar Number:

Licensed Fiduciary Number: ____________________________________

Representing Self, without a Lawyer or Attorney for Petitioner OR Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

IN MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of:

Case Number PB:

DECLARATION OF COMPLETION

OF TRAINING for

A Deceased or Protected Person

NON-LICENSED FIDUCIARIES

Rule 27.1 of the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure requires that a person to be appointed guardian,

conservator, or personal representative of an estate, who is neither a state-licensed fiduciary nor a

corporation, complete a training program approved by the Supreme Court of this state before permanent

Letters of Appointment are issued, or within 30 days of a temporary or emergency appointment.

UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY

I state to the Court that in accord with Rule 27.1 of the Arizona Rules of Probate Procedure,

I have completed the required training for non-licensed, non-corporate fiduciaries, as

indicated below: (Check all that apply and provide applicable information.)

Unlicensed Fiduciary

Date completed:

Conservatorship

Date completed:

Personal Representative

Date completed:

Guardianship

Date completed:

Date:

Signature

Printed Name

FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill out this Declaration completely and provide accurate information. Make at least

one copy. You will need to file the original with the Clerk of Court and provide a copy to the Probate

Registrar before receiving any permanent letters of appointment.

Sign the document

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