How Much Does a Probate Cost in Arizona?
The cost for filing a probate in Arizona can vary greatly. According to Legal Dive/Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions (“Wolters”), the average rate for a non-litigation partner attorney in Phoenix, Arizona was $470 per hour in 2022. Some law firms base their fees on the value of the estate, which can lead to an enormous fee for bigger estates. On top of that, there are filing fees, recording fees, fees for certified copies of your letters of appointment from the court, the cost of publication of Notice to Creditors, etc. The good news is that you can pay for the cost of administration with monies from the decedent’s estate.
Paralegals
Prior to the creation of Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparers (“AZCLDP”), the paralegal profession was created to help lower legal costs. Today, attorneys delegate much of their workload to paralegals so they can charge lower rates for their services, but even paralegal services are often beyond what the average person can afford. The previously mentioned Wolters article lists the average billing rate for paralegal services nationwide in 2022 as $247 per hour. One major difference between a paralegal and an AZCLDP is that a paralegal must work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney, while an AZCLDP can work independently.
Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparers
If you want to save time and money, you can hire an AZCLDP such as Arizona Probate, LLC to handle your informal probate. Arizona Probate, LLC charges a flat fee of $1,500 plus costs for an informal probate. You can click on one of the links at the bottom of the page to see the current filing fees in several Arizona counties. Please see our Services page for a description of the services provided and our fees for other services, such as trust administrations, or call for more information.
Arizona Licensed Fiduciary
Julie Ruetz, the owner and operator of Arizona Probate, LLC, is also an Arizona Licensed Fiduciary. As such, she can be named as successor trustee of a trust, personal representative in a will, or agent under a POA. She is also able to act as a guardian or conservator.
Where Should I File for Probate?
If the decedent was living in Arizona at the time of her/his death, then the probate would be handled in Arizona. If the decedent was living outside of Arizona at the time of death, but she/he had real property (real estate) in Arizona, then Arizona Probate, LLC may be able to assist you with an ancillary probate. Call to find out if Arizona Probate, LLC is able to assist you.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
