Access Yuma County Probate Records

Yuma County probate court records are held at the Superior Court in Yuma. This southwestern Arizona county borders California and Mexico. The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains all probate files including estate cases, guardianships, and conservatorships. Lynn Fazz serves as clerk. Note that Yuma County does not accept ez-Courtforms, so use the standard Arizona Judicial Branch forms or county-specific documents.

Yuma County Clerk of Superior Court

The Yuma County Clerk handles all probate filings and record requests. The office is at 250 W. 2nd Street, Yuma, AZ 85364. Contact Clerk Lynn Fazz at (928) 817-4210 or email lfazz@courts.az.gov. Fax is (928) 817-4211.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk's office processes probate filings, issues certified copies, and helps the public search for case information. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can explain filing procedures.

Note: Yuma County does not accept ez-Courtforms. Use standard state forms from the Arizona Judicial Branch website instead.

Yuma County Probate Filing Fees

The probate fee schedule lists current costs for Yuma County filings. Fees may change, so verify with the clerk before filing.

An application for informal probate costs $281. The affidavit of succession to real property also costs $281. Guardianship and conservatorship appointment petitions are $281. If you oppose a contested petition, the fee is $192. Petitions to reopen a probate case cost $102. Post-judgment adjudication petitions are also $102.

Copies and certification follow standard county rates. The clerk can provide an estimate of total costs when you inquire about your specific needs. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.

Yuma County Probate Forms

The Self-Service Center probate page has forms and instructions for common filings. Use statewide forms from the Arizona Judicial Branch. Make sure to select Yuma County as your court when filling them out.

Case-initiating documents and original wills must be filed on paper. After your case opens, you may be able to e-file subsequent documents through the eFileAZ system. Check with the clerk about current e-filing options in Yuma County.

Arizona requires fiduciary training 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.

Yuma County Public Fiduciary

The Yuma County Public Fiduciary serves as guardian or conservator when appointed by the court. This office is available 24/7 for emergencies involving vulnerable adults who need immediate protection.

The office is at 3007 S. Pacific Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85365. The on-call phone number is (928) 373-1145 and operates around the clock. The Public Fiduciary takes court referrals when no family member or friend can serve.

How Probate Works in Yuma County

To file probate in Yuma County, start by gathering your documents. You need the original will if one exists, death certificate copies, and a list of assets and heirs. Complete the appropriate forms from the Arizona Judicial Branch website. Do not use ez-Courtforms as Yuma County does not accept them.

Bring your completed forms, the original will, and the filing fee to the clerk's office. Staff will check your filing for completeness. Keep copies for your records. The court will set any needed hearings and issue notices to interested parties.

Small estates may avoid full probate using an affidavit. Personal property under $200,000 qualifies 30 days after death. Real property under $300,000 qualifies six months after death. The affidavit for real property must be filed with the court. The personal property affidavit is presented directly to asset holders.

Cities in Yuma County

Residents of Yuma County cities file probate cases at the Superior Court in Yuma. There are no city-level probate courts.

Nearby Counties

These Arizona counties are near Yuma County. Each has its own Superior Court.