Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Arizona

My father recently passed away. I am his only survivor, his daughter. He has CDs, savings account, and checking account all in joint ownership with me in excess of $100,000. He owns no property. Does this need to be handled by the courts or can I fill out a small estate affidavit to recoup his retirement pension benefits? We live in the state of Arizona.


Asked on 8/15/16, 8:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Hyder Law Office of Scott W. Hyder, PLC

If the accounts are jointly owned "with rights of survivorship", then you own them free and clear without having to do anything. Check with your banks to see if that is the case.

If not, and the total amount of his estate is less than $75,000, then a small estate affidavit is fine, unless the bank doesn't accept it. In such a case, you will have to probate the estate with the Court.

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Answered on 8/15/16, 10:41 am


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