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A.R.S. § 14-10108

Principal Place of Administration for Arizona Trusts

Verified April 4, 2026 • 57th Legislature, 1st Regular Session

A trust's principal place of administration determines which state's laws govern its day-to-day management. Arizona allows the trust document to designate a principal place, and provides a process for trustees to transfer administration to another state, with notice requirements and beneficiary protections.

Title 14, ARIZONA TRUST CODE

azleg.gov

How the Principal Place of Administration Is Established

The trust document can name a specific state as the principal place of administration. Arizona accepts that designation as valid and controlling in two straightforward situations: when a trustee's principal place of business is in that state, or when all or part of the trust's administration actually happens there.

Without precluding other means for establishing a sufficient connection with the designated jurisdiction, terms of a trust designating the principal place of administration are valid and controlling if either: 1. A trustee's principal place of business is located in or a trustee is a resident of the designated jurisdiction. 2. All or part of the administration occurs in the designated jurisdiction.

A.R.S. § 14-10108(A)

This matters because the principal place of administration can affect which state's laws apply to trustee duties, tax obligations, and beneficiary rights. Choosing the right location is a strategic decision, not just a formality.

Transferring Administration to Another State

Circumstances change. A trustee may relocate. Beneficiaries may move. The trust's investments may be better managed from a different jurisdiction. Arizona law allows a trustee to transfer the trust's principal place of administration to another state, but with an important safeguard: qualified beneficiaries must receive at least sixty days' notice before the transfer.

That notice must include the new jurisdiction, the trustee's new contact information, the reasons for the move, the expected transfer date, and a deadline for objections. If any qualified beneficiary files a written objection with a reasonable basis, the trustee's authority to transfer is blocked.

The authority of a trustee under this section to transfer a trust's principal place of administration terminates if a qualified beneficiary notifies the trustee in writing of a reasonably founded objection to the proposed transfer on or before the date specified in the notice.

A.R.S. § 14-10108(E)

This balance gives trustees flexibility to manage the trust efficiently while ensuring beneficiaries have a meaningful voice in decisions that could change the legal framework governing their interests.

14-10108. Principal place of administration A. Without precluding other means for establishing a sufficient connection with the designated jurisdiction, terms of a trust designating the principal place of administration are valid and controlling if either: 1. A trustee's principal place of business is located in or a trustee is a resident of the designated jurisdiction. 2. All or part of the administration occurs in the designated jurisdiction. B. A trustee is under a continuing duty to administer the trust at a place appropriate to its purposes, its administration and the interests of the beneficiaries. C. Without precluding the right of the court to order, approve or disapprove a transfer, the trustee, in furtherance of the duty prescribed by subsection B of this section, may transfer the trust's principal place of administration to another state or to a jurisdiction outside of the United States and, subject to the requirements of section 14-10818, may change the applicable law governing the trust. D. The trustee shall notify the qualified beneficiaries of a proposed transfer of a trust's principal place of administration at least sixty days before initiating the transfer. Unless a corporate trustee indicates an intent to change the principal place of business in a notice to qualified beneficiaries, a transfer by the corporate trustee of some of the functions of a trust to another state or states is not a transfer of the trust's principal place of business if the corporate trustee maintains an office in this state. The notice of proposed transfer must include: 1. The name of the jurisdiction to which the principal place of administration is to be transferred. 2. The address and telephone number of the new location at which the trustee can be contacted. 3. An explanation of the reasons for the proposed transfer. 4. The date on which the proposed transfer is anticipated to occur. 5. The date, at least sixty days after the giving of the notice, by which the qualified beneficiary must notify the trustee of an objection to the proposed transfer. E. The authority of a trustee under this section to transfer a trust's principal place of administration terminates if a qualified beneficiary notifies the trustee in writing of a reasonably founded objection to the proposed transfer on or before the date specified in the notice. F. In connection with a transfer of the trust's principal place of administration, the trustee may transfer some or all of the trust property to a successor trustee designated in the terms of the trust or appointed pursuant to section 14-10704.
View on azleg.gov

This page provides general legal information about Arizona statutes and is not legal advice. For guidance on how this law applies to your situation, speak with a qualified attorney.

Related Questions

What does a trustee actually do?

A trustee manages trust assets according to the rules the trust creator set. While you are alive, you are typically both trustor and trustee. After you pass, your successor trustee distributes assets as instructed.

What is a Revocable Living Trust and how does it work?

A Revocable Living Trust lets you transfer asset ownership into a trust you control during your lifetime. When you pass, a successor trustee distributes assets to beneficiaries without probate.

How do I choose the right trustee for my estate?

Choose a trustee based on competence, not convenience. Avoid naming all children as co-trustees, which creates gridlock. Pick your most capable child as primary and name a backup.

Related Statutes

§ 14-10109How Notice Works Under Arizona Trust Law
§ 14-10107Which State's Law Governs Your Trust in Arizona
§ 14-10101The Arizona Trust Code: Short Title and What It Covers

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