Virtual first, serving families across Arizona.
Mon to Thu 8 to 4, Fri 8 to 12
Virtual first, serving families across Arizona.
Mon to Thu 8 to 4, Fri 8 to 12
Practice area
Steady, compassionate counsel for the trustees and families handling an estate.
How we help
Phoenix probate lawyers at Nicole Pavlik Law Firm help Arizona families settle a loved one’s estate in court. AZ probate is the legal process of sorting out what a person leaves behind and distributing it to the rightful parties. Let Nicole Pavlik lead the way. Contact us now to get started.
The first question
Many families try to avoid probate court, but it’s often necessary. The law determines and manages a decedent’s assets without a will or other guiding legal documents. Some states run these proceedings through a surrogate’s court, but Arizona isn’t one of them.
In Phoenix, the Superior Court in Maricopa County handles probate and estate administration. The process kicks off when you file a petition to open the estate and name a representative (executor). A Phoenix probate lawyer helps you understand the process, handle the paperwork, manage the deadlines, and transfer property or assets to the right hands.
What to expect
Every estate is different, but most uncontested matters follow a predictable arc driven by Arizona’s statutory notice and creditor periods.
I meet with the proposed personal representative (PR) by phone for about 30 minutes to review whether there is a will, what assets exist, and who the heirs or beneficiaries are.
The PR, who is my client, completes a worksheet with information about the decedent, the PR, the heirs and beneficiaries, and the assets. I use that information to prepare the probate court documents.
The court reviews the filing, appoints the PR, and issues Letters. Statutory notices are sent, and a notice to creditors is published in the newspaper, which starts the four-month creditor claim period.
The PR gathers, values, and inventories estate assets. Assets are not frozen; real estate, vehicles, and personal property can be listed and sold during administration. Creditor claims are identified but not paid until after the four-month period ends.
After the creditor period closes, valid claims and expenses are paid. Once assets have been liquidated or transferred and tax returns are filed, I prepare a final accounting so the court and interested parties can approve distributions and close the probate estate.
Legally, the executor of an estate has a fiduciary duty to put the estate first. That means they locate assets, record transactions, pay debts, and handle other obligations before anything goes to the heirs.
Executors must also tell creditors about the death. Creditors then have four months to file claims, or they’re out of luck. If the debts and claims get cleared, the executor can release funds and property to the heirs. Phoenix probate lawyers keep the executor on solid ground to avoid slips that could turn into personal liability.
Being an estate executor can be a massive responsibility. Don’t handle it alone. Contact Nicole Pavlik Law Firm today for the legal guidance you need.
Many Arizona families in Phoenix plan to avoid probate when possible. Probate is when the court helps distribute what someone owed after they die. Some things can skip the court, but you have to choose who gets them first. This means you can name someone to get your money, and it goes to them instead of the court. It mainly applies to life insurance and bank accounts.
You can also name someone to inherit your home through a beneficiary deed. This lets the house remain in your possession while you’re alive and pass to them only after your death. And if someone leaves behind less than a certain amount, your family can fill out a form instead of going to court. Book a consultation today to find out more.
Some estates involve conflicts. An heir to the estate might contest the will or argue that it doesn’t represent the writer’s true wishes. Others may feel cheated by who got what or why. An otherwise standard probate procedure can turn into litigation, triggering hearings before the settlement.
Surviving spouses and children typically have specific rights under Arizona probate law, and those rights determine how an inheritance is dispersed. Fights can become personal, so clear records and a calm approach are important.
Our Phoenix probate lawyers focus on the facts and a fair result, walking you through your choices before you file or answer petitions. We work to settle the estate with as little conflict as possible. Reach out today to discuss your options.
You need a Phoenix probate lawyer if you are:
An elder law attorney or Phoenix probate lawyer can point you in the right direction. Nicole Pavlik handles estate administration in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities across Maricopa County.
Successor trustees
If a loved one named you successor trustee of their revocable living trust, Arizona law imposes real fiduciary duties from the moment you act. Most can be met cleanly with the right structure in place.
Our services
Whether the estate is settled through trust administration or through court filings for estate distribution, the engagement is scoped, priced, and managed up front.
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Guiding successor trustees through every step of administering an Arizona trust.
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Compassionate, efficient probate counsel for personal representatives across Arizona.
The full scope
A complete trust administration or estate distribution covers the procedural, financial, and personal sides of settling an estate. Here is what that looks like in practice.
Petition to open, letters testamentary or of administration, inventory, accountings, and final closing documents.
Statutory notices, communication with beneficiaries, publication, claim review, and resolution of valid debts.
Real estate transfers, account retitling, EIN setup, and coordination with your CPA on final 1040 and estate income tax filings.
Common questions
A few of the questions that come up at almost every initial consultation. Bring more when we meet.
Most uncontested Arizona probate matters resolve in six to nine months, though cases involving real property that needs to be sold can take longer.
No. The successor trustee or personal representative chooses counsel. You are free to engage Nicole even if a different attorney drafted the trust or will.
We quote each engagement as a flat fee or a clearly capped scope based on the assets and complexity. Court filing fees, publication, and bond premiums when required are separate and disclosed up front.
Yes. Arizona allows reasonable compensation for the fiduciary’s time and effort. We help document the work properly so the fee is supported.
Out of state real estate typically requires an ancillary court filing in that state. We coordinate with local counsel where needed and keep the Arizona work moving in parallel.
Arizona’s intestate succession statutes determine who inherits. Court filings are typically still required, and we guide the family through appointment of an administrator and lawful distribution.
This page is general information, not legal advice for your specific estate. Every estate is different. We are happy to give you a clear answer in a free initial call.
Probate law shouldn’t feel cold or complicated. Get honest advice and fewer surprises with comprehensive legal representation. Nicole Pavlik can help you open the estate, deal with creditors, keep impeccable records of estate funds, and finish distributing assets to the people who should receive them.
Losing someone you love is enough to manage. You don’t have to juggle the court complexities, processes, and paperwork alone. We offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations over video or in our office. Schedule yours today to get the legal guidance your family deserves.
Begin your plan
Schedule a virtual consultation or telephone call with Nicole Pavlik. Flat-fee pricing, clear timelines, and a process designed around you.
