Skip to main content
Skip to explanation
  1. Home
  2. Law Library
  3. A.R.S. § 14-3933
A.R.S. § 14-3933

Closing an Estate by Filing a Verified Statement in Arizona

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

Arizona allows a personal representative to close an estate without a court hearing by filing a verified closing statement. This simplified process confirms that all debts are paid, all assets are distributed, and all interested parties have been notified. If no one objects within a year, the appointment ends automatically.

Title 14, PROBATE OF WILLS AND ADMINISTRATION

azleg.gov

The Simplified Path to Closing an Estate

Not every estate requires a formal court hearing to reach its conclusion. Arizona provides a streamlined alternative: the personal representative files a verified closing statement with the court, confirming that the estate has been fully administered. This can happen no earlier than four months after the personal representative was originally appointed.

Unless prohibited by order of the court and except for estates being administered in supervised administration proceedings, a personal representative may close an estate by filing with the court no earlier than four months after the date of original appointment of a general personal representative for the estate a verified statement stating that the personal representative, or a previous personal representative has: 1. Determined that the time limit for presentation of creditors' claims has expired. 2. Fully administered the estate of the decedent by making payment, settlement or other disposition of all claims that were presented, expenses of administration and estate, inheritance and other death taxes.

A.R.S. § 14-3933(A)

The closing statement must confirm three things: the creditor claims period has expired, the estate has been fully administered with all debts and taxes addressed, and copies of the statement have been sent to all distributees and known creditors whose claims remain unpaid.

When the Appointment Automatically Ends

Once the closing statement is filed, a one-year clock starts. If no court proceedings involving the personal representative are pending at the end of that year, the appointment terminates automatically. No additional court order is required.

If no proceedings involving the personal representative are pending in the court one year after the closing statement is filed, the appointment of the personal representative terminates.

A.R.S. § 14-3933(B)

This is a practical tool for estates that do not involve disputes or complex creditor issues. It saves time, reduces legal costs, and lets families move forward without waiting for a formal court order to bring things to a close.

A. Unless prohibited by order of the court and except for estates being administered in supervised administration proceedings, a personal representative may close an estate by filing with the court no earlier than four months after the date of original appointment of a general personal representative for the estate a verified statement stating that the personal representative, or a previous personal representative has: 1. Determined that the time limit for presentation of creditors' claims has expired. 2. Fully administered the estate of the decedent by making payment, settlement or other disposition of all claims that were presented, expenses of administration and estate, inheritance and other death taxes, except as specified in the statement, and that the assets of the estate have been distributed to the persons entitled. If any claims remain undischarged, the statement shall state whether the personal representative has distributed the estate subject to possible liability with the agreement of the distributees or it shall state in detail other arrangements that have been made to accommodate outstanding liabilities. 3. Sent a copy of the statement to all distributees of the estate and to all creditors or other claimants of whom the personal representative is aware whose claims are neither paid nor barred and has furnished a full account in writing of the personal representative's administration to the distributees whose interests are affected thereby. B. If no proceedings involving the personal representative are pending in the court one year after the closing statement is filed, the appointment of the personal representative terminates.
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.

Is there a deadline to file probate in Arizona?

Yes. A.R.S. 14-3108 sets a two-year deadline. Filing within two years gives the personal representative full powers. After two years, they can only confirm title to heirs and cannot possess assets or handle creditor claims.

Related Statutes

§ 14-3931Formal Proceedings to Close an Estate in Arizona
§ 14-3932Settling an Estate Under an Informally Probated Will in Arizona
§ 14-3934Can Creditors Come After Beneficiaries After an Estate Is Distributed?
Get Started Today

Need Help With Your Estate Plan?

Whether you are just getting started or reviewing an existing plan, RJP Estate Planning works hand in hand with experienced estate planning counsel to help you understand your options.

(480) 346-3570
RJP Estate Planning

Protecting Arizona families through comprehensive estate planning since 1995.

Quick Links

  • Services
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Resources
  • FAQ
  • Glossary
  • Educational Law Library
  • Events
  • Careers
  • Contact

Our Offices

Scottsdale Office

4110 N. Scottsdale Road Suite 170

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Tucson Office

5151 E. Broadway Blvd Suite 750

Tucson, AZ 85711

Contact Us

(480) 346-3570care@rjpaz.com

© 2026 RJP Estate Planning. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyTerms of Service

The Planning Consultants at RJP Estate Planning provide services in the areas of estate planning, planning with wills and trusts, asset protection, probate avoidance, probate & estate administration, long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, asset protection from Medicaid, veterans benefits, charitable planning, special needs, estate tax planning, and business succession planning. They serve clients and their families throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Sun City, Arizona, and the surrounding cities and towns.

RJP Estate Planning is not a law firm, cannot give legal advice, and does not prepare legal documents. For legal services, clients separately consult with an estate planning attorney or law firm.

RJP-AZ, LLC (RJP Estate Planning) is licensed to offer insurance products and receive commissions for those products. Its representatives who discuss these products with you hold individual licenses.

Securities are offered through CoreCap Investments, LLC, a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through CoreCap Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. RJP Estate Planning and RJP-AZ, LLC are separate and unaffiliated entities and are not affiliated with CoreCap Investments or CoreCap Advisors. Representatives that offer these services hold the required licenses.

Some products or services are provided by trusted companies/service providers. These companies/providers are separate and unaffiliated entities from RJP-AZ, LLC.