Apache County Probate Records Search

Apache County probate court records are kept at the Superior Court in St. Johns. This northeastern Arizona county includes parts of the Navajo Nation and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains all probate files. Annell Hounshell serves as clerk. Apache County cases from 1995 forward are searchable online through the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access system at no charge.

Apache County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of the Court handles all probate filings in Apache County. The office is at 75 West Cleveland Street, St. Johns, AZ 85936. Mail goes to PO Box 365, St. Johns, AZ 85936. Call (928) 337-7550 for inquiries.

Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, except government holidays. Fax numbers are (928) 337-2771 and (928) 337-7950. The office does not accept fax filings. All documents must be filed in person or by mail.

How to Get Apache County Probate Records

Apache County Superior Court cases from 1995 to present are searchable online through the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access portal. This free service shows basic case information. For earlier records or full documents, contact the clerk's office directly.

Everyone who requests records must submit a Request for Access to Court Records form. This applies whether you visit in person or make a written request. You can search records at no charge during business hours. The clerk's office typically responds to requests within three to five days, depending on how many requests are pending and whether files are in storage.

Public records include juvenile delinquency, criminal, probate, guardianship, domestic, and civil cases. Records that are closed to the public include adoption files, mental health cases, and dependency matters. These require a judge's approval to access.

Apache County Probate Fees

The fee information page through AZ Court Help shows current costs for Apache County. Verify fees with the clerk before filing since they can change.

Standard fees include filing costs for new cases, copy fees per page, and certification charges. Fee waivers are available for those who meet income requirements. Ask the clerk for a waiver application if you cannot afford the filing fee.

Filing Probate in Apache County

To start a probate case in Apache County, gather your documents including the original will if one exists, death certificate, and asset information. Complete the forms from the Arizona Judicial Branch website. Bring everything to the clerk's office in St. Johns or mail it with the filing fee.

Arizona law requires probate within two years of death for most cases. Small estates may qualify for simplified procedures. Personal property under $200,000 can transfer by affidavit 30 days after death. Real property under $300,000 can transfer by affidavit six months after death.

Fiduciary training is required for non-licensed personal representatives, guardians, and conservators. Complete the approved online training and file the declaration with your case. The Arizona Judicial Branch website has links to training programs.

Note: The clerk cannot accept fax filings. Plan ahead if you need to file by mail from a distance.

Nearby Counties

These Arizona counties border Apache County. Each has its own Superior Court.