Overview
Navajo County is located in Arizona with a population of approximately 109,516. The Superior Court of Navajo 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 (A.R.S.). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (either Informal or Formal) 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 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 Navajo 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 Navajo County
Probate matters in Navajo County are handled at the Navajo County Governmental Complex.
Address: 100 East Code Talkers Drive, Holbrook, AZ 86025
Phone: (928) 524-4188 (Clerk of the Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of the Superior Court is responsible for maintaining all court files and records. The probate department processes filings for decedent's estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available at the Navajo County Governmental Complex in Holbrook. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse. Electronic devices may be restricted or subject to screening.
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 all personal property (cash, bank accounts, vehicles, etc.) is $200,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit 30 days after death.
- Small Estate Affidavit (Real Property): If the equity in real property located in Arizona is $300,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit 6 months after death.
- 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 with the Superior Court of Navajo County. Include:
- Probate Information Cover Sheet
- Original Will (if one exists)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $252.00)
- Waivers of Bond (if applicable)
Navajo County allows e-filing for probate matters through the eFileAZ system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (or notice of informal appointment) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Navajo County (such as the White Mountain Independent or The Tribune-News) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
For informal probate, a hearing may not be required if the paperwork is in order and uncontested. For formal probate, the court will schedule a hearing. Upon approval, the Registrar or Judge 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 the first date of publication to file claims).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days of appointment.
- 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
Navajo County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Navajo County participates in the Arizona statewide e-filing system (eFileAZ). Attorneys are generally required to e-file, while self-represented litigants may file in paper or electronically.
- Local Forms: The Navajo County Superior Court provides specific packets for Informal Probate and Small Estate Affidavits on their website.
- Publication: Notice to Creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county, such as the White Mountain Independent.
- Bond: Bond is typically required unless waived by the will or by all interested persons.
Always check the current Navajo County Local Court Rules for specific formatting and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Navajo County)
- Petition for Appointment (Informal or Formal): approximately $252.00
- Response/Objection to Petition: approximately $197.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $30.00 per certified copy (plus page fees)
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Small Estate Affidavit filing: approximately $197.00 (if filed with court)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex). A convenience fee applies to card payments. Personal checks are generally not accepted from pro se litigants.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Informal, no disputes): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The timeline is heavily influenced by the mandatory 4-month creditor claim period which must expire before the estate can be closed.
Local Resources
Navajo County Court Resources
- Court Website: navajocountyaz.gov/414/Superior-Court
- Probate Self-Help: navajocountyaz.gov/437/Self-Help-Resources
- Arizona Probate Forms: azcourthelp.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Arizona: (602) 252-4804 — azbar.org
- DNA People's Legal Services: (928) 524-6233 — dnalegalservices.org (Serving low-income residents)
Publication
- White Mountain Independent: (928) 537-5721 — wmicentral.com
- The Tribune-News: (928) 524-6203 — Newspaper of general circulation in Holbrook