Maricopa County Probate Court Records
Maricopa County probate court records are held at the Superior Court in Phoenix. This court handles all estate cases, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health matters for Arizona's largest county. You can search for probate cases online through the court's public docket system. The Clerk of the Superior Court keeps all case files and can provide copies of documents. With over 4 million residents, Maricopa County processes thousands of probate filings each year.
Maricopa County Probate Quick Facts
Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of the Superior Court handles all probate filings in Maricopa County. You can file new cases, get copies of documents, and search records through this office. The main location is in downtown Phoenix, but the county has several branch offices for convenience.
The Maricopa County probate filing page has details on what you need to submit. For new cases, bring the original will if one exists, your application forms, the filing fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk will stamp copies of your filing and mail them back to you. They conform up to five copies for new cases and three copies for later filings.
Main office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call the main line at (602) 372-5375 if you have questions. The Probate Department has its own number at (602) 506-3668 for case-specific inquiries.
The Probate and Mental Health Department oversees all probate matters in Maricopa County.
Where to File Probate in Maricopa County
Maricopa County has four locations where you can file probate documents. Pick the one closest to you. All offices accept the same filings and charge the same fees.
- Downtown Phoenix: 201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Southeast (Mesa): 222 E. Javelina, Mesa, AZ 85210
- Northwest (Surprise): 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374
- Northeast (Phoenix): 18380 N. 40th St., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85032
You can also mail filings to the downtown office. Send them to: Clerk of the Superior Court, Probate File Counter, 201 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Include the filing fee as a money order or business check made out to "Clerk of the Court." Personal checks are not accepted. Include a stamped envelope for your copies.
Note: No personal checks accepted. Use money order, business check, or credit card for payments.
Search Maricopa County Probate Cases Online
Maricopa County offers free online access to probate case information. The Superior Court Probate Docket lets you search by name or case number. You can find basic details like filing dates, hearing schedules, and case status. The system updates regularly, though some entries may change within 24 hours due to auditing.
The online docket shows case information but not full documents. To see actual filings, you need to request copies from the clerk or use the ECR Online system if you are a party to the case. The minute entries portal has hearing results and court orders. These are also free to search.
The system is down for maintenance Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM. During these times you cannot access case records online.
Maricopa County Probate Filing Fees
Filing fees in Maricopa County are set by the court and apply to all probate cases. The official fee schedule lists current costs. Here are the main probate fees you should know about.
An informal probate filing or affidavit costs $306. This is the starting fee for most estate cases. Guardianship and conservatorship petitions also cost $306. If you file an answer or response in an existing case, the fee is $217. Post-judgment activities like closing an estate cost $102. There is no fee for mental health petitions.
Other costs add up fast. The probate investigation fee is $400. Accounting review fees run $300. Certified letters of appointment cost $35 each. Demands for notice or claims against an estate are $35 to file. Regular copies cost $0.50 per page. Certification adds $35 per document.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, you can request a waiver. The fee waiver application requires proof of low income. The court reviews each request and decides if you qualify.
Maricopa County Probate Forms
The court provides official forms for all types of probate cases. Visit the Maricopa County probate forms page to download what you need. Forms are grouped by case type to help you find the right ones.
For small estates that do not need full probate, use the Small Estate Transfer forms. These work when personal property is under $200,000 or real property is under $300,000. Informal probate forms cover estates with valid wills and no disputes. Guardianship and conservatorship forms come in packets for adults and minors. Each packet includes instructions and all required documents.
Arizona law does not allow electronic filing of case-initiating documents or original wills. You must file these on paper. After your case opens, you can e-file subsequent documents through the eFileAZ system. Maricopa County began accepting e-filed probate documents in July 2025 for post-initiation filings.
Maricopa County Public Fiduciary
When no family member or friend can serve as guardian or conservator, the court may appoint the Public Fiduciary. This county office manages the affairs of people who cannot handle their own finances or personal decisions. The Maricopa County Public Fiduciary handles cases referred by the court.
Contact the Public Fiduciary at 222 N. Central Ave., Suite 4100, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Phone is (602) 506-5801. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Email inquiries to pf@mail.maricopa.gov.
Free Probate Legal Help in Maricopa County
Maricopa County offers a Probate Lawyers Assistance Program for people who cannot afford an attorney. This free service connects eligible residents with volunteer lawyers for consultations. You can get up to 30 minutes of advice at no cost if you meet income guidelines. If you do not qualify for free help, the consultation costs $40.
The program runs on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to noon by appointment only. Call (602) 732-2834 to schedule a time. This is a good option if you have questions about filing probate, serving as a personal representative, or handling a small estate in Maricopa County.
The court's Information Center can also answer general questions about procedures and forms. They cannot give legal advice, but they can explain what forms you need and how to file them. Call (602) 506-3204 for the Information Center.
Cities in Maricopa County
All cities in Maricopa County use the Superior Court in Phoenix for probate matters. There are no separate city probate courts. Residents file at any of the four county locations listed above.
Nearby Counties
These Arizona counties border Maricopa County. Each has its own Superior Court for probate matters.