Overview
Pima County is located in Arizona with a population of approximately 1,090,000. The Pima 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 and/or Admission of Will 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, an estate may qualify for a small estate affidavit if the value of personal property is $200,000 or less, or if the value of real property is $300,000 or less (less liens and encumbrances).
Arizona does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable based on the services provided.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Pima 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
Pima County Superior Court
Probate matters in Pima County are handled at the Pima County Superior Court.
Address: 110 West Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 724-3200 (Clerk of Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Law Library: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
The Probate Division is located in the main courthouse in downtown Tucson. The Clerk of the Superior Court handles all filings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in several garages and lots near the courthouse, including the El Presidio Garage. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse.
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 value of 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 with the Pima County Superior Court. Include:
- Probate Information Cover Sheet
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $270–$371)
- Waiver of Bond (if applicable)
E-filing is available and encouraged for attorneys; self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail.
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 Pima County (such as the Daily Territorial) once a week for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 6 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, 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 first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Closing Statement to close the estate
Local Requirements
Pima County-Specific Procedures
- Training Requirement: Personal Representatives in Pima County are often required to complete a training course or view an instructional video provided by the court.
- E-filing: Attorneys are generally required to e-file documents. Self-represented parties may file paper documents.
- Local Rules: Pima County has specific local rules regarding the format of pleadings and courtroom conduct.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Pima County for three successive weeks.
Always check with the Clerk of the Court for the most up-to-date local administrative orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Pima County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $270–$371 (fees vary by specific case type and statutory changes)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $30 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100–$300 depending on the newspaper
- Recording fees: approximately $30 for recording real estate documents
Arizona law requires attorney and personal representative fees to be "reasonable" rather than a fixed percentage.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). A convenience fee may apply for card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (informal probate): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years or more
The creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of the first publication of notice, which sets a minimum duration for most probates.
Local Resources
Pima County Court Resources
- Court Website: sc.pima.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Pima County Law Library
- Arizona Probate Forms: AZCourtHelp.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Pima County Bar Association: (520) 623-4625 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Southern Arizona Legal Aid: (520) 623-9461 — Legal assistance for eligible low-income residents
- State Bar of Arizona: azbar.org
Publication
- Daily Territorial: (520) 294-1200 — Common for legal notices
- Arizona Daily Star: (520) 573-4400 — Major daily newspaper