When someone passes away, their family often needs to handle their property, money, and belongings through a legal process called probate. It can take time and involve court paperwork — but in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, small estates may be able to avoid probate completely.
Here’s how the process works and what options are available for families in Arizona.
🏠 What Is Considered a Small Estate in Arizona?
Arizona law allows smaller estates to be settled quickly 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 bank accounts, vehicles, or valuables)
- $100,000 or less in real estate (like a home or land)
If the estate falls within these limits, heirs can use a simpler legal process called an affidavit instead of a full probate case.
📋 How to Transfer a Small Estate Without Probate
There are two main affidavit options available in Catalina Foothills:
- Small Estate Affidavit for Personal Property
- Used to claim personal assets such as money or vehicles
- Can be used 30 days after 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 transfer.
💡 Simple Ways to Avoid Probate in the Future
If you’re planning ahead, there are a few easy ways to help your family avoid probate later on:
- Create a living trust so your assets go directly to your heirs
- Add Transfer-on-Death (TOD) designations for property and bank accounts
- Own property jointly with right of survivorship
- Name beneficiaries on insurance, retirement, and financial accounts
These options can make the process faster, simpler, and less stressful for your loved ones.
⚖️ Get Help from a Catalina Foothills Real Estate Expert
Even small estates can get complicated, especially when real estate is involved. That’s why it helps to work with a local real estate professional who understands Arizona’s probate process.
If you’re handling a loved one’s estate or planning ahead for your own, Ryan Comstock can guide you through each step. With local experience and a helpful approach, he makes the process as smooth as possible.
📞 Phone: 520-261-4669
📧 Email: ryancomstock@ryancomstock.com
🌐 Website: www.ryancomstock.com