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After a parent dies · Arizona
Small estates in Arizona: collecting a parent's property without full probate
In Arizona, the affidavit for personal property can be used when all personal property, minus amounts owed, is worth no more than $200,000 and at least 30 days have passed since the death. In Arizona, a surviving spouse may use an affidavit to collect up to $5,000 in wages owed to the person who died.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- In Arizona, the affidavit for personal property can be used when all personal property, minus amounts owed, is worth no more than $200,000 and at least 30 days have passed since the death. Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, Law Library Resource Center. Checked November 2, 2026
- Arizona has a separate affidavit for real property when its assessed value, minus amounts owed, is no more than $300,000 and at least 6 months have passed since the death. Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, Law Library Resource Center. Checked November 2, 2026
- In Arizona, a surviving spouse may use an affidavit to collect up to $5,000 in wages owed to the person who died. Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, Law Library Resource Center. Checked November 2, 2026
Official links
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Will or trust copies
- Death certificates
- Court papers naming the executor
- Accounts and property papers
- Bills and letters to close out
- Family land papers (heirs' property)
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for Arizona
- Creditor claim deadlines for an estate in Arizona
- How to order a death certificate in Arizona
- Executor duties and deadlines in Arizona
- How probate works in Arizona after a parent dies
- Transfer-on-death deeds for a home in Arizona
- Executor checklist: papers after a parent dies: the full guide
- Small estates: collecting a parent's property without full probate: all states
Neighbouring states
- Small estates in California: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Colorado: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in New Mexico: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Nevada: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Utah: collecting a parent's property without full probate
Questions
Where do these Arizona facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, Law Library Resource Center. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in Arizona or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for after a parent dies?
A good start: Will or trust copies; Death certificates; Court papers naming the executor; Accounts and property papers; Bills and letters to close out; Family land papers (heirs' property). Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.