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A.R.S. § 14-7669

Custodian Accounting and Liability Determinations in Arizona

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

Arizona law gives specific parties the right to petition a court for an accounting of custodial property or a determination of the custodian's personal liability. This includes the minor (if at least fourteen), family members, transferors, and successor custodians. When a custodian is removed, the court requires a full accounting and orders the transfer of property to the successor.

Title 14, TRUST ADMINISTRATION

azleg.gov

Who Can Request an Accounting

Transparency is a cornerstone of custodial property management. This statute identifies exactly who can petition a court to compel a custodian to account for how custodial property has been managed. The list includes the minor (if at least fourteen years old), the minor's guardian or legal representative, an adult family member, and the original transferor or their legal representative.

A minor who is at least fourteen years of age, the minor's guardian of the person or legal representative, an adult member of the minor's family, a transferor or a transferor's legal representative may petition the court for an accounting by the custodian or the custodian's legal representative or for a determination of responsibility, as between the custodial property and the custodian personally, for claims against the custodial property.

A.R.S. § 14-7669(A)

A successor custodian can also petition for an accounting from the predecessor. This ensures continuity and accountability when custodians change, whether through resignation, removal, or death.

Court-Ordered Accounting After Removal

When a custodian is removed for cause under section 14-7668, the court does not simply appoint a replacement and move on. The statute requires a full accounting, delivery of all custodial property and records to the successor, and execution of every instrument needed to complete the transfer.

If a custodian is removed pursuant to section 14-7668, subsection F, the court shall require an accounting and order delivery of the custodial property and records to the successor custodian and the execution of all instruments required for transfer of the custodial property.

A.R.S. § 14-7669(D)

The court also has broad authority to require or permit an accounting in any proceeding under this article, not just removal cases. This gives families a reliable path to answers when questions arise about how a minor's property has been handled.

A. A minor who is at least fourteen years of age, the minor's guardian of the person or legal representative, an adult member of the minor's family, a transferor or a transferor's legal representative may petition the court for an accounting by the custodian or the custodian's legal representative or for a determination of responsibility, as between the custodial property and the custodian personally, for claims against the custodial property unless the responsibility has been adjudicated in an action pursuant to section 14-7667 to which the minor or the minor's legal representative was a party. B. A successor custodian may petition the court for an accounting by the predecessor custodian. C. The court, in a proceeding under this article or in any other proceeding, may require or permit the custodian or the custodian's legal representative to account. D. If a custodian is removed pursuant to section 14-7668, subsection F, the court shall require an accounting and order delivery of the custodial property and records to the successor custodian and the execution of all instruments required for transfer of the custodial property.
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.

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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