Who fills this out
The person with highest intestate priority under A.R.S. § 14-3203 files first. That is the surviving spouse, then adult children, then parents, then siblings. Any heir with equal or higher priority must consent or be served with notice.
When to file
At least 120 hours after death and within 2 years. File in the superior court of the Arizona county where the decedent lived at death.
What you will need
- Certified death certificate.
- Statement that no will exists after a diligent search.
- Names, ages, and addresses of every intestate heir.
- Consents (or waivers of notice) from heirs with equal or higher priority.
- Bond, unless waived by all interested parties.
- Filing fee.
Common mistakes
- Skipping a higher-priority heir. If the surviving spouse is alive, an adult child cannot apply first without the spouse's consent.
- Filing without a bond plan. Intestate estates almost always require a bond unless every heir signs a waiver.
- Missing minor or incapacitated heirs. The court will appoint a guardian ad litem and the case becomes slower.
- Filing too early. The 120-hour rule still applies even without a will.
Questions families ask
Can two heirs co-file as personal representatives?
Yes. Arizona allows co-personal representatives with equal priority; both must act jointly unless the appointment order says otherwise.
What if no relative wants to serve?
Any creditor or interested person can apply 45 days after death, and the court may appoint the county public fiduciary as a last resort.
Related forms
AOC PBF1F is the application a person nominated in an Arizona will files in superior court to open informal probate. It asks the registrar to admit the will and issue letters testamentary so the personal representative can settle the estate. Most applications are processed without a hearing within 7-14 days of filing.
Arizona letters testamentary (or letters of administration if no will exists) are the court-issued certificate proving a personal representative has authority to act for the estate. The clerk of the superior court issues them after the informal or formal probate application is approved. Banks, brokerages, and title companies require a certified copy issued within the last 60 days.