Overview
Mohave County is located in Arizona with a population of approximately 226,479. The Mohave County Superior Court 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 (A.R.S.). The process begins with filing a Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (either formal or informal) 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 smaller estates. As of late 2025, the small estate affidavit thresholds are $200,000 for personal property and $300,000 for real property (equity value).
Arizona does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors based on a percentage of the estate. Instead, fees must be "reasonable" based on the time and complexity of the work performed.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Mohave 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
Mohave County Superior Court
Probate matters in Mohave County are primarily handled at the main courthouse in Kingman, though filings may also be accepted at satellite locations in Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City.
Address: 415 E. Spring Street, Kingman, AZ 86401
Phone: (928) 753-0713 (Clerk of Superior Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of the Superior Court serves as the Probate Registrar for informal probate matters.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available in the public parking lot located to the east of the courthouse building and along the street. Visitors must pass through security screening, including metal detectors, upon entering the facility. Electronic devices may be restricted or required to be silenced in courtrooms.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit (Personal Property): If the value of personal property is $200,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit after a 30-day waiting period.
- Small Estate Affidavit (Real Property): If the equity in real property is $300,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit after a 6-month waiting period.
- 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 Appointment of Personal Representative (Informal or Formal) with the Mohave County Superior Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Probate Information Cover Sheet
- Filing fee ($371.00)
- List of heirs and devisees
E-filing is available for attorneys and increasingly for self-represented litigants through approved providers.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (or appointment) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Mohave County (such as the Kingman Daily Miner) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing is often not required if the paperwork is in order; the Probate Registrar can sign the order. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing. Once approved, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 4 months from publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days
- Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Closing Statement or Petition for Discharge to close the estate
Local Requirements
Mohave County-Specific Procedures
- Local Rules: Mohave County has specific Local Rules of Practice (e.g., Rule AD-1 regarding courtroom attire and conduct).
- Training Requirement: Non-licensed fiduciaries (such as family members serving as Personal Representative) must complete the Arizona Supreme Court's probate training module.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county, such as the Kingman Daily Miner, Today's News-Herald, or Mohave Valley Daily News.
Always check with the Clerk of the Court for the most current local forms and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Mohave County)
- Petition for Appointment (Formal or Informal): $371.00
- Certified copies of Letters: $30.00 per document + $0.50 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Response/Appearance fee: $306.00 (for parties contesting or responding)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex). A convenience fee may apply for card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal): 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 first publication, which sets a minimum duration for the process.
Local Resources
Mohave County Court Resources
- Court Website: mohavecourts.com
- Probate Self-Help: azcourthelp.org
- Arizona Probate Forms: azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Arizona: (602) 252-4804 — azbar.org
- Community Legal Services: (928) 681-1177 — Provides assistance to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- Kingman Daily Miner: (928) 753-6397 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Today's News-Herald (Lake Havasu): (928) 855-2111
- Mohave Valley Daily News: (928) 763-2505