Arizona Revised Statutes Title 14. Trusts, Estates and Protective Proceedings § 14-5605. Letter testamentary or of administration not required; statement to be filed; powers and duties

A. Whenever the gross assets of an estate do not exceed in value twenty thousand dollars the public fiduciary may act without the issuance of letters testamentary or of administration by filing with the superior court a statement of administration showing the name and domicile of the decedent, the date and place of death and the name, address and relationship of each known heir or devisee. The filing of this statement has the same effect as the issuance of formal letters testamentary or of administration.

B. In the event the gross assets of an estate in which the public fiduciary commences to act pursuant to a statement of administration later are found to exceed twenty thousand dollars the public fiduciary shall apply for letters for the estate.

C. In the event the public fiduciary, acting in any estate pursuant to subsection A of this section, ascertains the names and whereabouts of persons believed to be heirs or devisees of the estate who are not shown in the statement of administration, the public fiduciary shall file a supplemental statement reflecting the new information.

D. On filing the statement of administration, the public fiduciary may:

E. No later than twelve months from the filing of the statement of administration, the public fiduciary shall file with the court an accounting and a proposed distribution and claim for fees if the estate is ready to be settled. If the estate is not ready to be settled the accounting shall contain a statement explaining the delay. The public fiduciary shall file subsequent accountings and explanations on an annual basis until the estate is settled.

F. The public fiduciary shall mail a copy of the accounting, the claim for fees and a proposal for distribution to each person entitled to receive this information including heirs, devisees, known creditors and other persons who have demanded notice. Notification shall be by certified mail. Notice is not required if the public fiduciary cannot reasonably ascertain necessary names and addresses.

G. A decree settling the account and approving the distribution and claim for fees may be entered without further notice or proceedings and with the same effect as in an accounting proceeding unless an objection or claim is properly filed with the court within thirty days after the public fiduciary mails an accounting pursuant to subsection F of this section.