Why Definitions Matter More Than You Think
Legal definitions are not just technicalities. When a statute says "personal representative," it means something specific. The same is true for "interested person."
This section sets the exact meaning of every key word used in Title 14. It covers terms from "agent" and "beneficiary" to "trust" and "will."
"Personal representative" includes an executor, an administrator, a successor personal representative, a special administrator and persons who perform substantially the same function under the law governing their status.
A.R.S. § 14-1201(48)Knowing these definitions helps clarify who can take part in a proceeding. It also shows what counts as "property" or "claims" against an estate.
Terms That Come Up Most Often
"Beneficiary" has four distinct meanings based on context. These include trust beneficiary, charitable trust beneficiary, beneficiary of a designation (like a life insurance policy), and beneficiary under a governing document.
"Interested person" is broad. It includes heirs, devisees, creditors, trustees, and anyone with a property right or claim against the estate.
"Will" includes a codicil and any testamentary instrument that merely appoints a personal representative, revokes or revises another will, nominates a guardian or conservator, or both, or expressly excludes or limits the right of an individual or class to succeed to property of the decedent passing by intestate succession. A will may be a paper will or an electronic will.
A.R.S. § 14-1201(71)This section also defines "electronic will," "certified paper original," and "qualified custodian." These reflect the recognition of electronic wills under the updated code.
The definition of "surviving spouse" is especially important in inheritance disputes.
How These Definitions Affect Families
For families going through probate, these definitions control who gets a voice. If you are not an "interested person," the court may not let you take part or challenge a decision.
The meaning of "surviving spouse" matters when inheritance rights are at stake. It can decide whether someone qualifies for a homestead allowance, exempt property, or a family allowance.
For anyone reading Title 14, this section is the starting point. It tells you what each term means in practice so you can follow the statutes that come after.