Phoenix Probate Court Records

Phoenix probate court records are handled by Maricopa County Superior Court. As Arizona's capital and largest city, Phoenix residents have access to multiple court filing locations across the metro area. The Probate and Mental Health Department processes all estate cases, guardianships, and conservatorships. You can search probate cases online through the court's public docket system or visit any of four filing locations in the Phoenix area.

Where Phoenix Residents File Probate

Phoenix residents file probate cases at Maricopa County Superior Court. The main downtown location is most convenient for central Phoenix. Two additional Phoenix locations serve the northeast and northwest parts of the city.

The Downtown Phoenix courthouse is at 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. This is the main probate filing location. The Northeast Phoenix office at 18380 N. 40th Street, Suite 120 serves the north valley. The Northwest location in Surprise at 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane serves the west side. Mesa has a Southeast location at 222 E. Javelina.

All four locations accept probate filings and charge the same fees. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (602) 372-5375 for the main clerk's office.

Search Phoenix Probate Cases Online

The Maricopa County Probate Docket lets you search for Phoenix probate cases online. Enter a name or case number to find case information. This free service shows filing dates, hearing schedules, and case status.

The system provides basic case data but not full documents. For complete files, visit the clerk's office or request copies by mail. Document images may be available through the eAccess portal for a $10 fee per document. The minute entries portal shows hearing results and court orders at no cost.

Note: The online system is down for maintenance Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM.

Phoenix Probate Filing Fees

Maricopa County charges $306 to file an informal probate case or guardianship petition. This applies to all Phoenix residents. Answers or responses cost $217. Post-judgment activities cost $102. Certified letters of appointment and other certifications cost $35 each.

Copies cost $0.50 per page. Research fees for locating old files are $35 per year searched. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income. Contact the clerk for a waiver application if you cannot afford the fees.

Free Probate Legal Help in Phoenix

Maricopa County offers the Probate Lawyers Assistance Program for Phoenix residents who need help with probate matters. This free service connects eligible people with volunteer attorneys. You can get up to 30 minutes of advice at no cost if you meet income guidelines.

The program runs on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to noon by appointment only. Call (602) 732-2834 to schedule. If you do not qualify for free help, the consultation costs $40. The court's Information Center at (602) 506-3204 can answer general questions about forms and procedures.

Filing Probate as a Phoenix Resident

To file probate in Phoenix, gather your documents and visit any Maricopa County filing location. Bring the original will if one exists, death certificate, asset list, and completed forms. Download forms from the Arizona Judicial Branch website or the Maricopa County probate forms page.

Arizona law requires probate to start within two years of death. Small estates may avoid full probate. Personal property under $200,000 can transfer by affidavit 30 days after death. Real property under $300,000 can transfer six months after death. The personal property affidavit does not need to be filed with the court.

Fiduciary training is required for anyone serving as personal representative, guardian, or conservator who is not a licensed professional. Complete the online training and file the declaration with your case.

Nearby Cities

These Arizona cities are near Phoenix and also file probate at Maricopa County Superior Court.