Overview
La Paz County is located in Arizona with a population of approximately 16,600. The Superior Court of La Paz County handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Arizona probate is governed by Title 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Arizona offers simplified procedures for small estates. As of late 2025, the Small Estate Affidavit can be used if the value of personal property is $200,000 or less (after a 30-day waiting period) and for real property if the value is $300,000 or less (after a 6-month waiting period).
This guide provides an informational overview of the La Paz County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Superior Court of La Paz County
Probate matters in La Paz County are handled at the La Paz County Superior Court.
Address: 1316 Kofa Ave., Suite 607, Parker, AZ 85344
Phone: (928) 669-6131 (Clerk of the Superior Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Superior Court Clerk's office is located in the county courthouse complex in Parker. The Clerk accepts filings for probate, guardianship, and conservatorship matters.
Parking and Access
Public parking is generally available near the courthouse building. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the facility.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit (Personal Property): If the estate's personal property is valued at $200,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit after 30 days.
- Affidavit of Succession to Real Property: If the estate's real property in Arizona is valued at $300,000 or less, you may file this affidavit after 6 months.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative with the Superior Court of La Paz County. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Probate Information Cover Sheet
- Filing fee (approximately $176 - check with clerk for current total)
- List of heirs and devisees
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in La Paz County, such as the Parker Pioneer, once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary (for wills) or Letters of Administration (no will), granting authority to the personal representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 4 months from first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Closing Statement to close the estate
Local Requirements
La Paz County-Specific Procedures
- Local Forms: The La Paz County Superior Court may require specific local cover sheets or forms. Check with the Clerk's office for the most recent "Probate Information Packet."
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county, such as the Parker Pioneer.
- Bond: The court may require a bond unless waived by the will or by all beneficiaries.
Always check with the Clerk of the Superior Court for any recent changes to local rules or fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (La Paz County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $176 (fees vary by case type and surcharges)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $30 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Response/Objection: approximately $86-$165
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee). Personal checks may not be accepted for all fees.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period in Arizona is 4 months from the date of the first publication of notice.
Local Resources
La Paz County Court Resources
- Court Website: lapazsuperiorcourtclerk.com
- Probate Self-Help: azcourthelp.org
- Arizona Probate Forms: azcourts.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
Publication
- Parker Pioneer: (928) 669-2271 — parkerpioneer.net