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A.R.S. § 14-3603

When a Personal Representative Must Post a Bond in Arizona

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

Arizona generally requires a personal representative to post a surety bond before taking control of estate assets. However, the bond requirement can be waived if the will says so, if all heirs or devisees agree, or if the representative is a qualified financial institution.

Title 14, PROBATE OF WILLS AND ADMINISTRATION

azleg.gov

Why the Bond Exists

A surety bond protects heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors from financial loss if a personal representative mismanages the estate. Think of it as a financial safety net. If the representative makes a costly mistake or acts improperly, the bonding company covers the loss up to the bond amount.

A bond is required of a personal representative unless either: 1. The will expressly waives the bond. 2. All of the heirs if no will has been probated, or all of the devisees under a will that does not provide for waiver of the bond, file with the court a written waiver of the bond requirement.

A.R.S. § 14-3603(A)(1)-(2)

Most well-drafted wills include a bond waiver provision. When the person who wrote the will trusted the named representative enough to choose them, requiring a bond adds cost without much practical benefit. The bond premium comes out of the estate, which reduces what heirs receive.

Who Gets an Automatic Exemption

Banks, savings and loan associations, title insurance companies, trust companies, and the public fiduciary are exempt from the bond requirement by default. These institutions already operate under regulatory oversight, so the court treats their institutional safeguards as sufficient.

The personal representative is a national banking association, a holder of a banking permit under the laws of this state, a savings and loan association authorized to conduct trust business in this state, a title insurance company that is qualified to do business under the laws of this state, a trust company holding a certificate to engage in trust business from the deputy director of the financial institutions division of the department of insurance and financial institutions or the public fiduciary.

A.R.S. § 14-3603(A)(3)

Even when a bond has been waived, the court can still require one. If an interested person petitions the court and shows reasonable proof that their interest is at risk, the judge can order a bond in whatever amount protects that person. An heir who initially waived the bond can also change course and request one later.

14-3603. Bond required; exceptions A. A bond is required of a personal representative unless either: 1. The will expressly waives the bond. 2. All of the heirs if no will has been probated, or all of the devisees under a will that does not provide for waiver of the bond, file with the court a written waiver of the bond requirement. A duly appointed guardian or conservator may waive on behalf of the ward or protected person unless the guardian or conservator is the personal representative. 3. The personal representative is a national banking association, a holder of a banking permit under the laws of this state, a savings and loan association authorized to conduct trust business in this state, a title insurance company that is qualified to do business under the laws of this state, a trust company holding a certificate to engage in trust business from the deputy director of the financial institutions division of the department of insurance and financial institutions or the public fiduciary. 4. The petition for formal or informal appointment alleges that the probable value of the entire estate will allow summary procedures under section 14-3973 and the surviving spouse, or the nominee of the surviving spouse, is applying for appointment as personal representative. B. In any case where a bond is not required under subsection A of this section, the court, on petition of any interested person and on reasonable proof that the interest of the petitioning person is in danger of being lost because of the administration of the estate, may require a bond in such an amount as the court may direct to protect the interest of the petitioner or of the petitioner and others. An heir or devisee who initially waived bond may be a petitioner under this subsection. C. If a bond is not initially required because the petition for appointment alleges that the probable value of the entire estate will allow summary procedures under section 14-3973, and it later appears from the inventory and appraisal that the value of the estate will not allow use of such procedures, then the personal representative must promptly file a bond unless one is not required for some other reason under subsection A of this section.
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 is probate, and how long does it take in Arizona?

Probate is a court-supervised process that validates a will, pays debts, and distributes assets. In Arizona, it typically takes 8 to 12 months and costs $10,000 to $15,000 in fees.

How much does probate cost in Arizona?

Probate in Arizona typically costs $10,000 to $15,000 for a standard estate, covering court fees, attorney fees, personal representative fees, appraisals, and accounting. Contested estates cost significantly more.

Related Statutes

§ 14-3101How Property Passes at Death Under Arizona Probate Law
§ 14-3102Why a Will Must Be Probated to Transfer Property in Arizona
§ 14-3103Why a Personal Representative Must Be Appointed in Arizona Probate
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