FREE CHECKLIST
Download the 150-Point Small-Estate Checklist
Arizona’s small-estate affidavit process can be faster than probate but it’s easy to trigger delays if you file too early, miss a requirement, or distribute assets before debts/taxes are handled. This checklist is built to help you avoid the common traps and keep the process moving.
WHAT YOU GET
What’s Inside the 150 Points?
This isn’t a generic brochure. It’s a working checklist organized in the order people actually get stuck, so you can move forward confidently and document what you did.
Eligibility & strategy: confirm you’re using the right process and avoid invalid filings
Timing & coordination: the 30-day and 6-month checkpoints, plus sequencing that prevents do-overs
Asset discovery: banks, vehicles, hidden accounts, and “things families miss”
Heirs, creditors, and taxes: reduce surprises that can create personal liability
Affidavit prep (personal + real property): what must be included so institutions don’t refuse it
BEFORE YOU FILE
There are 150 ways to mess up.
We list them all.
Banks commonly reject early filings and sloppy submissions. Use this checklist to confirm you qualify, calendar the waiting periods, and submit what institutions actually accept, so you don’t have to start over.
Eligibility First
Make sure the affidavit path actually applies (personal vs. real property, no conflicting probate, and within the value limits) because using the wrong process leads to rejections, weeks of delay, and higher costs.
Timing & Deadlines
Calendar the waiting periods: 30 days for personal-property affidavits and six months for real-property affidavits. Banks commonly reject early filings, and recording too early can void the transfer.
Personal Liability
You sign under oath that debts and taxes will be handled before distribution. Skip a bill and you can be personally liable, so the checklist walks you through finding and resolving debts before payouts.
Reality Check
Confirm whether assets are owned by a trust or with survivorship (JTROS). Those don’t use the affidavit and trying anyway causes rejections and family conflict over “who gets what.”
Accepted Paperwork
Build a one-page plan and a single digital folder before contacting any bank/recorder because they reject sloppy submissions, and missing one required page can cause refusals.
Family-Proof Docs
Keep things from blowing up: designate one spokesperson, use a consistent “authority” script, and get receipts/approvals so distributions don’t turn into “you owe me more” claims later.
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what People say about us
Our consultation gave us confidence in Paul and his ability to represent us when the time comes. I feel like he accurately heard our concerns and was very pleased with his advise regarding steps we could take now that will help us prepare for future action. We also got a brief overview of what we might expect moving forward. Thank you, Paul!
Paul was very helpful giving me wise advice about my parents estate. He went beyond my expectations and was a genuine blessing to me. I would use his services again.
Paul guided the sad probate matter with intelligence & sensitivity. Additionally, he referred me to tremendously talented professionals in other fields who expertly provided essential services. It is my pleasure to refer Paul to my friends everywhere, especially those who now spend long winters in the Phoenix area.
get started
We're here to help
If things become to overwhelming, we're here to help you get through the probate situation as calmly and stress free as possible.
get started
We're here to help
If things become to overwhelming, we're here to help you get through the probate situation as calmly and stress free as possible.
7600 N 15th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020
602-443-4888