Delivery Depends on the Type of Interest
Filing a disclaimer is not as simple as writing a letter and mailing it to anyone. Arizona law requires delivery to a specific person or entity depending on the nature of the interest being disclaimed. Get it wrong, and the disclaimer may not be valid.
In the case of an interest created under the law of intestate succession or an interest created by will, other than an interest in a testamentary trust: 1. A disclaimer must be delivered to the personal representative of the decedent's estate. 2. If no personal representative is then serving, it must be filed with a court having jurisdiction to appoint the personal representative.
A.R.S. § 14-10012(B)For interests in a testamentary trust, the disclaimer goes to the trustee. For inter vivos (living) trust interests, it goes to the serving trustee. If no trustee is serving, it gets filed with the court. For revocable trusts disclaimed before they become irrevocable, delivery goes to the settlor.
Beneficiary Designations and Joint Property
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts follow their own rules. If the designation has not yet become irrevocable, the disclaimer goes to the person who made the designation. If it has become irrevocable, delivery goes to whoever is obligated to distribute the interest.
For jointly held property, a surviving holder who wants to disclaim must deliver the disclaimer to the person who would receive the disclaimed interest. Arizona also addresses disclaimers involving powers of appointment and agents, each with their own delivery requirements.
The statute defines "beneficiary designation" broadly to include annuities, insurance policies, payable-on-death accounts, securities registered in beneficiary form, retirement plans, and any other nonprobate transfer at death. Understanding which category applies is the first step toward a valid disclaimer.
