Overview
Yavapai County is located in Arizona with a population of approximately 254,500. The Superior Court of Arizona in Yavapai 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 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, 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 percentage fee for attorneys or executors. Instead, personal representatives and attorneys are entitled to "reasonable compensation" for their services, which is subject to court review if contested.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Yavapai 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 Arizona in Yavapai County
Probate matters in Yavapai County are handled at the Yavapai County Courthouse in Prescott, with some matters also heard at the Verde Valley Judicial District in Camp Verde.
Address: 120 S. Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ 86303
Phone: (928) 771-3312 (Clerk of Superior Court)
Probate Specialists: (928) 777-7949 (Prescott) | (928) 554-8536 (Verde)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The historic courthouse is located in downtown Prescott. The Clerk of the Superior Court accepts filings at this location.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available on the street (Marina St, Union St) and at the Granite Street Parking Garage. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering 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 collect assets via affidavit 30 days after death.
- Small Estate Affidavit (Real Property): If the value of real property is $300,000 or less, you may file 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 Arizona in Yavapai County. Include:
- Probate Information Cover Sheet
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $280 - $370)
- List of Heirs and Waiver of Bond (if applicable)
E-filing is available via eFileAZ and TurboCourt and is mandatory for attorneys.
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 Yavapai County 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 — the claim period is 4 months from the first date of publication
- 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 final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Yavapai County-Specific Procedures
- Fiduciary Training: Personal Representatives are often required to complete the court's mandatory training module and file a Certificate of Completion.
- Probate Information Sheet: A local cover sheet must be filed with the initial petition.
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for self-represented litigants.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Yavapai County for three successive weeks.
The court may require a bond unless waived by the will or all beneficiaries.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Yavapai County)
- Petition for Appointment: approximately $280 - $370 (varies by case type)
- Response/Answer: approximately $200
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $30 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Investigation Fee: approximately $400 (for Guardianship/Conservatorship)
Arizona law allows for reasonable compensation for attorneys and personal representatives; there is no statutory percentage fee.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit cards (Visa/MC). A convenience fee applies to card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Timelines are affected by the mandatory 4-month creditor claim period and court scheduling availability.
Local Resources
Yavapai County Court Resources
- Court Website: courts.yavapaiaz.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Yavapai County Self-Service Center
- Arizona Probate Forms: AZ Court Help
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Yavapai County Bar Association: (928) 771-3312 — Local bar information
- Community Legal Services: (928) 445-9240 — Legal aid for qualifying residents
- State Bar Member Directory: azbar.org
Publication
- The Daily Courier: (928) 445-3333 — Prescott area
- Verde Independent: (928) 634-2241 — Cottonwood/Verde Valley area