When a loved one passes away, their family often needs to handle their property and finances through a process called probate. This can take time and money — but if the estate is small, you might be able to avoid probate in Oro Valley, Arizona.
Here’s how it works and what you need to know.
🏠 What Is a Small Estate in Arizona?
Arizona law makes it easier for families to settle smaller estates without going through full probate court. To qualify as a small estate, the total value must be:
- $75,000 or less in personal property (like money, cars, or personal items)
- $100,000 or less in real estate (like a house or land)
If the estate meets these limits, you can use a faster process with special forms instead of a full court case.
📋 How to Transfer a Small Estate Without Probate
In Oro Valley, you can use two simple legal forms:
- Small Estate Affidavit (for personal property)
- Used to claim bank accounts, vehicles, or valuables
- Can be used 30 days after the person’s death
- Affidavit for Transfer of Real Property
- Used for real estate valued under $100,000
- Can be filed six months after death
You’ll need a death certificate, proof of ownership, and a notarized affidavit to complete the process.
💡 How to Avoid Probate in the Future
If you want to make things easier for your family, there are ways to plan ahead and skip probate completely:
- Set up a living trust so assets go directly to your heirs
- Add Transfer-on-Death (TOD) designations for your home, car, or bank accounts
- Own property jointly with right of survivorship
- List beneficiaries on insurance and retirement accounts
These steps save time, money, and stress for your loved ones later.
⚖️ Get Help from an Oro Valley Real Estate Expert
Even if an estate seems simple, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the legal details. That’s why it helps to talk with a local Oro Valley real estate expert who understands Arizona’s probate process.
If you’re managing a loved one’s property or preparing your own estate, Ryan Comstock can help. He knows the Oro Valley and Tucson markets and can guide you through every step with care and professionalism.
📞 Phone: 520-261-4669
📧 Email: ryancomstock@ryancomstock.com
🌐 Website: www.ryancomstock.com