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A.R.S. § 14-7668

How a Custodian Is Replaced Under Arizona's UTMA

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

When a custodian declines to serve, resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, or is removed for cause, Arizona law provides a clear process for designating a successor. The rules vary depending on the minor's age and who is available to step in, with courts serving as a backstop when no one else can fill the role.

Title 14, TRUST ADMINISTRATION

azleg.gov

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.

A. A person nominated pursuant to section 14-7653 or designated pursuant to section 14-7659 as custodian may decline to serve by delivering a valid disclaimer to the person who made the nomination or to the transferor or the transferor's legal representative. If the event giving rise to a transfer has not occurred and no substitute custodian who is able, willing and eligible to serve was nominated pursuant to section 14-7653, the person who made the nomination may nominate a substitute custodian pursuant to section 14-7653. Otherwise the transferor or the transferor's legal representative shall designate a substitute custodian at the time of the transfer, in either case from among the persons eligible to serve as custodian for that kind of property pursuant to section 14-7659, subsection A. The custodian so designated has the rights of a successor custodian. B. 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. If the instrument of designation does not contain or is not accompanied by the resignation of the custodian, the designation of the successor does not take effect until the custodian resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated or is removed. C. A custodian may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the minor if the minor is at least fourteen years of age and to the successor custodian and by delivering the custodial property to the successor custodian. D. If a custodian is ineligible, dies or becomes incapacitated without having effectively designated a successor and the minor is at least fourteen years of age, the minor may designate as successor custodian, in the manner prescribed in subsection B of this section, an adult member of the minor's family, a conservator of the minor or a trust company. If the minor is under fourteen years of age or fails to act within sixty days after the ineligibility, death or incapacity, the conservator of the minor becomes successor custodian. If the minor has no conservator or the conservator declines to act, the transferor, the legal representative of the transferor or of the custodian, an adult member of the minor's family or any other interested person may petition the court to designate a successor custodian. E. A custodian who declines to serve pursuant to subsection A of this section or resigns pursuant to subsection C of this section or the legal representative of a deceased or incapacitated custodian, as soon as practicable, shall put the custodial property and records in the possession and control of the successor custodian. The successor custodian by action may enforce the obligation to deliver custodial property and records and becomes responsible for each item as received. F. 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 other than a transferor pursuant to section 14-7654 or to require the custodian to give appropriate bond.
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 does a trustee actually do?

A trustee manages trust assets according to the rules the trust creator set. While you are alive, you are typically both trustor and trustee. After you pass, your successor trustee distributes assets as instructed.

How do I choose the right trustee for my estate?

Choose a trustee based on competence, not convenience. Avoid naming all children as co-trustees, which creates gridlock. Pick your most capable child as primary and name a backup.

How do I prepare my successor trustee to manage my estate?

Create a binder or digital folder listing financial accounts, professional advisors, document locations, bill payment details, and contacts. Your trustee should not have to guess their way through your estate.

Related Statutes

§ 14-7401Arizona Trust Principal and Income Act: Key Definitions
§ 14-7402Fiduciary Duties When Allocating Trust Income and Principal
§ 14-7403Trustee's Power to Adjust Between Principal and Income

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