The personal rep must prepare a list of all assets the deceased owned at death. This is called the inventory. It is due within 90 days of getting Letters of Appointment. Arizona law requires it. It is the base for everything that follows in probate court.
The 90-Day Deadline
Under A.R.S. 14-3706, the personal rep must prepare the inventory within 90 days of being named. The clock starts on the date of the appointment, not the date of death.
This deadline matters. Missing it can lead to complaints from heirs or creditors. The court may also raise questions about how the estate is being run. Staying on top of the deadline shows you are taking the role seriously.
What the Inventory Must Include
The inventory covers all property the deceased owned at the time of death. That means every asset in their name or that they had a share of. The personal rep must list:
- Each asset with clear detail, like account numbers, property addresses, and notes
- The fair market value of each item as of the date of death
- Whether each asset is community property or separate property
- Any debts tied to the property, such as mortgages, liens, or loans
Common items on probate lists include real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, cars, business interests, and items of value like art or jewelry. Even small items should be noted if they have value.
Assets That Are Not Part of the Inventory
Not everything the deceased had goes on this list. Some assets pass outside of probate. They are not part of the estate. These include:
- Life insurance with a named beneficiary (the person who gets the payout)
- Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary
- Jointly held property that passes to the surviving owner
- Assets held in a trust
These assets go straight to the named people. They do not need to be on the court inventory. But the personal rep should still know about them to get a full picture of the estate.
When a Formal Appraisal Is Needed
Some assets are easy to value. A bank account has a clear balance. But other assets need a pro to set the value. A formal appraisal is usually needed for:
- Real estate, such as a home or land
- Business interests or stakes in a company
- Unique personal property like antiques, art, or collections
The personal rep hires a qualified expert to set the fair market value. This protects the rep from claims that assets were priced too low or sold for too little. It also makes sure heirs get their fair share.
Why the Inventory Matters
The inventory is the starting point for paying debts and giving out assets. Creditors use it to see what is in the estate. Heirs use it to know what to expect. The court uses it to keep things fair and open.
A good inventory prevents fights later. It shows everyone what the estate holds. No guessing. No surprises down the road.