Dane Dehler
Bogutz & Gordon, P.C.
Board-Certified Specialist: Estate & Trust Law
Phone pending
About Dane Dehler
Dane Dehler is an estate planning attorney at Bogutz & Gordon, P.C. serving Arizona, Arizona. Arizona estate planning is governed by Title 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which includes the Probate Code and the Arizona Trust Code, addressing wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, beneficiary deeds under ARS § 33-405 (an Arizona-specific tool), and the small-estate procedures under § 14-3971. See contact information below.
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Education
- Law School: U of Arizona
Common questions about Estate Planning in Arizona
Answered by Arizona Attorney Search Network
How does Arizona's small estate affidavit work?
Under ARS § 14-3971, an heir may collect personal property (banks accounts, vehicles, etc.) of a decedent using a sworn affidavit instead of opening a probate, provided the value falls below statutory thresholds and a 30-day waiting period after death has passed. A separate provision allows transfer of small real property holdings via affidavit after a longer waiting period. This procedure resolves many smaller Arizona estates without ever filing a probate.
Do I need a living trust in Arizona?
Not necessarily. A revocable living trust avoids probate, provides incapacity planning, and offers privacy, but adds cost ($1,500-3,500 above a basic will package) and complexity (assets must be retitled into the trust). For Arizonans whose main probate concern is a single home, a beneficiary deed under § 33-405 often does the same job for a small fraction of the cost. Trusts make more sense with multiple properties, out-of-state real estate, or special-needs beneficiaries.
How long does probate take in Arizona?
An informal probate of an uncontested estate typically closes within 6-12 months. Formal probate runs 1-2 years. Supervised probate or contested matters can extend 2 or more years. The mandatory creditor-claim period of 4 months from publication of notice (ARS § 14-3801) sets a floor on how quickly any probate can close.