Declining, Resigning, and Naming a Successor
A nominated custodian does not have to accept the role. They can decline by delivering a valid disclaimer before the transfer takes place. If no substitute was already named, the person who made the nomination can choose a replacement. A sitting custodian can also resign at any time by delivering written notice to the minor (if the minor is at least fourteen) and to the successor, then handing over the custodial property.
A custodian at any time may designate a trust company or an adult other than a transferor pursuant to section 14-7654 as successor custodian by executing and dating an instrument of designation before a subscribing witness other than the successor.
A.R.S. § 14-7668(B)Planning ahead matters here. A custodian who designates a successor in advance can ensure a smooth transition if they later resign, become incapacitated, or pass away. Without that advance designation, the process becomes more complicated and may require court involvement.
When the Court Steps In
If a custodian dies or becomes incapacitated without naming a successor, the statute gives the minor a role. A minor who is at least fourteen can designate a successor from among adult family members, a conservator, or a trust company. If the minor is under fourteen or does not act within sixty days, the conservator of the minor takes over. If there is no conservator, or the conservator declines, any interested person can petition the court.
A transferor, the legal representative of a transferor, an adult member of the minor's family, a guardian of the person of the minor, the conservator of the minor or the minor if the minor is at least fourteen years of age may petition the court to remove the custodian for cause and to designate a successor custodian.
A.R.S. § 14-7668(F)Removal for cause is also available. Family members, guardians, conservators, or the minor (if fourteen or older) can petition to have a custodian removed and replaced. The court can also require the custodian to post a bond in those proceedings. This layered approach keeps custodial property protected while giving families practical options when leadership needs to change.
