Arizona · Probate administration

Arizona Probate Creditor Deadlines and Small-Estate Rules

Arizona creditor claims are barred if not presented within the A.R.S. section 14-3801 notice windows: four months after first publication for publication-barred creditors, and for known creditors the later of four months after first publication or 60 days after mail or other delivery of written notice. Section 14-3803 also includes a two-year outer limitation tied to death and the remaining notice period.

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Answer first, sources attached

Three administration rules to check first

Creditor timing, notice procedure, and simplified-estate eligibility are state-specific. These source-linked rules are a starting point for the administration plan.

Claims deadline

Creditor claim period

Arizona creditor claims are barred if not presented within the A.R.S. section 14-3801 notice windows: four months after first publication for publication-barred creditors, and for known creditors the later of four months after first publication or 60 days after mail or other delivery of written notice. Section 14-3803 also includes a two-year outer limitation tied to death and the remaining notice period.

A.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Procedure threshold

Small-estate procedure

Arizona small-estate affidavits are available after 30 days for personal property when the estate's personal property value, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $200,000. Arizona real-property succession affidavits are available not sooner than six months after death when Arizona real property, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $300,000.

A.R.S. § 14-3971.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Publication and service

Notice to creditors

At appointment, an Arizona personal representative must publish notice to creditors once a week for three successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, and must mail or otherwise deliver written notice to all known creditors.

A.R.S. § 14-3801.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Date and type of appointmentLetters, qualification, and the form of administration can change the trigger.
  • Known versus unknown creditorsPublication and direct notice may create different duties and deadlines.
  • Property included in the thresholdExempt property, real estate, and nonprobate assets may be treated differently.
  • Local court procedureForms, publication practice, hearing calendars, and closing requirements can be county-specific.

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This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.