How Distribution Works When a Beneficiary Has a Legal Disability
Not every person who inherits from an estate is in a position to manage those assets on their own. A beneficiary might be a minor, have a court-appointed conservator, or be under another form of legal protection. When that is the case, Arizona law provides a straightforward rule: the personal representative distributes to the person authorized to receive it.
A personal representative may discharge his obligation to distribute to any person under legal disability by distributing to his conservator, or any other person authorized by this title or otherwise to give a valid receipt and discharge for the distribution.
A.R.S. § 14-3915This means the personal representative fulfills their duty by delivering assets to the conservator or other authorized recipient. Once that person provides a valid receipt and discharge, the personal representative is released from further obligation regarding that distribution.
Why This Matters for Estate Settlement
Without this provision, a personal representative could face a difficult situation: holding assets indefinitely because the intended recipient cannot legally accept them. This statute eliminates that uncertainty. It gives the personal representative a clear path to complete the distribution and close the estate.
For families where a beneficiary has special needs or a court-appointed guardian, this rule also reinforces why proper planning matters. A well-drafted trust can direct exactly how and when assets reach a beneficiary who needs additional protection, without relying on the probate court to sort it out.