San Tan Valley Estate Administration Lawyer

San Tan Valley Estate Administration Attorney

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the stress of disagreements over assets, estates, wills, or trusts. Your family deserves time to grieve and heal instead of worrying about the potential litigation that might arise from improperly implemented estate planning. If you have recently suffered a loss and are now unsure what rights you have to your loved one’s assets, a San Tan Valley estate administration lawyer can help you.

Estate administration and probate are the processes through which property and assets in an estate are distributed to the appropriate parties after a death. If you are going through disagreements over current estate issues or are ready to plan for your future, hiring a San Tan Valley estate administration lawyer is the first step.

Why Choose CDM Law Firm for Your Estate Administration

At CDM Law Firm, we are an affiliate of Elysium Legal, and our lawyers understand that the estate administration process can be difficult to get through. Proudly serving the areas of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek, we have over 25 years of legal experience and are dedicated to meeting your estate administration needs. We are here to help you from the initial stages of estate planning through the resolution of any disputes and the distribution of assets.

Estate Administration in San Tan Valley

In 2025, over 18,000 probate cases were handled by superior courts in Arizona, and 1,122 of those cases were filed with the Pinal County Superior Court. This highlights how common the probate process is. There are a few steps involved in the estate administration process.

First, assets must be evaluated for value. Your lawyer can work with you to go through and document important information, including financial and estate information. This can help place a total value on overall assets. If any debts or taxes are owed, they will be paid for by the estate. At this point, creditors or lenders will also be notified of the passing of the individual.

Next, assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries. Any and all remaining assets after debts, taxes, and bills are paid will go to those designated in the estate plan. This is made easier when a will is already established prior to the passing of the estate holder. A will can ensure the deceased’s wishes and instructions will be followed and might mitigate tension or conflict between the beneficiaries.

If a dispute does occur during the distribution of assets or estate execution, a party is allowed to contest the will if they feel:

• The will has been misinterpreted
• They have been omitted unfairly
• The ethics of the estate executor are questionable

To contest a will, you must file a petition in probate court. The Pinal County Superior Court is located at 181 N. Courtside Avenue in Florence.

If you feel you or the deceased have been unfairly represented in the execution of a will, a San Tan Valley estate administration attorney is here to help.

Why You Need a San Tan Valley Estate Administration Attorney

Planning for the future is a vital step in protecting the interests of your loved ones. In the state of Arizona, while estate administration can be complex, our lawyers are here to walk you through each step with compassion and understanding. Our estate administration lawyer can help with many complex issues that surround the loss of a loved one, including:

• Collecting and evaluating assets
• Paying creditors and debtors
• Distribution of assets to beneficiaries
• Guiding you through the process of probate court
• Advising on the financial process of taxes on the estate

FAQs

Do All Estates Have to Go Through Probate in Arizona?

In Arizona, not all estates have to go through probate. It is only required if an individual passes away with personal property valued at more than $200,000 or real property valued at over $300,000. If the assets are valued lower than the thresholds, the estate may go through a small estate affidavit.

To avoid probate in Arizona, having a living trust secures assets for beneficiaries while the account holder is still alive and can dictate when and to whom assets are to be distributed.

What Assets Do Not Go Through Probate in Arizona?

There are quite a few assets that do not go through probate in Arizona. Any assets with already established beneficiaries, like insurance policies, retirement accounts, bank accounts, or assets held in a living trust, are not put through probate, as their beneficiaries are already decided. Jointly owned or community assets are also not subject to probate.

What Is the Order of Inheritance in Arizona?

Under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 14-2103, the order of inheritance is as follows:

• If the deceased has children with only the surviving spouse, the spouse inherits.
• If the deceased has children from another relationship(s), the surviving spouse splits the inheritance with those children.
• If there is no surviving spouse, the children of the deceased get the inheritance.
• If there’s no surviving spouse or children, the parent(s) of the deceased get the inheritance, followed by the grandparent(s).
• If there are no surviving relatives, the estate is handed to the state.

How Long Does an Executor Have to Settle an Estate in Arizona?

While there is no set timeframe for how long an executor has to settle an estate in Arizona, the general rule is to begin work on settling the estate within 60 days of the account holder’s passing. The timeline to settle depends on how complex the estate is and whether there was a will or estate plan prior to the individual’s passing. This is why it is vital to begin planning for the future of your estate today.

Hire an Estate Administration Lawyer in San Tan Valley

Whether you are planning for the future of your estate, require someone to execute a will, or have terms being contested in an estate plan, working with a San Tan Valley estate administration attorney can make the process easier on you and your loved ones. Contact CDM Law Firm today to hire an estate administration lawyer.