Avoiding Probate in Arizona

Plan Ahead to Protect What Matters Most

Probate is time-consuming, public, and often stressful. The good news? In Arizona, with the right planning, you can avoid probate completely—and give your family the gift of peace and clarity during a difficult time.

At LifePlan Legal AZ, we help families protect their assets and spare their loved ones from unnecessary court processes and delays.

What Is Probate (and Why Avoid It)?

Probate is the legal process the court uses to:

• Verify a will (if there is one)
• Appoint someone to manage the estate
• Ensure debts are paid
• Distribute assets to heirs

But here’s what they don’t tell you:

• Probate takes an average of 12–18 months
• It’s public record (anyone can see your assets and family details)
• It can be expensive with court and attorney fees
• It often leads to family conflict and delays

Avoiding probate keeps things private, efficient, and peaceful for your family.

How to Avoid Probate in Arizona

There are several smart strategies that keep your estate out of court:

1. Revocable Living Trust

This is the #1 tool we use to avoid probate. You create a trust, transfer assets into it, and name who takes over if you become incapacitated or pass away.

• Keeps everything private
• Avoids court involvement
• Gives you more control than a will

2. Name Beneficiaries on Accounts

Assets like retirement accounts, life insurance, and some bank accounts can transfer directly with a named beneficiary (also called a POD or TOD designation).

3. Use Joint Ownership Strategically

Holding property or accounts jointly with rights of survivorship means the surviving owner takes full ownership without probate. But this isn’t always a good fit—ask us before relying on it.

4. Arizona Beneficiary Deed for Real Estate

This lets you name who gets your home when you pass—without going through probate.

Warning: These deeds can create problems if not used properly. They don’t work for everyone.

5. Small Estate Affidavit (When Applicable)

Arizona allows a shortcut if the total estate is below:

• $200,000 in personal property
• $300,000 in real estate

But this doesn’t apply to everyone, and it’s only after death. Planning ahead is still better.

Why Choose LifePlan Legal AZ?

We don’t just draft documents—we create plans that:

• Prevent future conflict
• Protect your legacy
• Give your family confidence and clarity

We take the time to understand your goals, explain every option, and build a plan that truly fits your life.

Let’s Make Probate One Less Thing to Worry About

Avoiding probate isn’t about avoiding responsibility. It’s about making things easier for the people you love.

Let’s create a plan that keeps your estate out of court—and in the hands of your family.

Schedule Your Free Consultation
Or call us at (602) 932-3187

LifePlan Legal AZ – Planning that prevents conflict. Peace of mind starts here.