Estate Planning Costs in Arizona (2025)

Phoenix • Scottsdale • East Valley • Prescott • Tucson

Estate planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cost of your plan depends on your family, assets, and goals. This guide breaks down the typical costs of wills, trusts, and probate in Arizona, why fees vary, and how to avoid the traps of low-cost providers.

⚖️ These figures are illustrative examples of typical ranges families may encounter in Arizona. They are not Boland Law Group’s fees.

Why You Can’t Get an Estate Planning Quote Without Details

Estate planning isn’t priced like a haircut — it’s priced like building a custom home. Until an attorney knows your family, your assets, and your goals, any “quote” you see online is just a marketing hook.

What Attorneys Must Know Before Quoting Fees

• Family structure: single, married, blended, children from prior marriages, or special needs dependents

• Assets: homes, rental properties, vacation homes, businesses, investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance

• Community vs. separate property: Arizona’s community property laws require special treatment of spousal and separate assets

• Goals: equal distributions, disinheriting heirs, charitable giving, protecting children from prior marriages

• Complexity: basic will vs multi-trust structure, business succession, high-net-worth planning, or asset protection

How This Affects Cost

• Basic Revocable Living Trust (single/married) → $4,000–$5,000

• Blended Family Trust (A/B, QTIP, Disclaimer) → $6,500–$9,000+

• Enhanced Plans ($5M+ gross estate) → $10,000–$20,000

• Advanced Planning ($10M+) → $30,000–$350,000+

👉 The more moving parts, the more time, drafting, and strategy are required — and that’s why fees rise.

📌 Quick Takeaway: Estate Planning = Building a House

• Asking for an estate planning price without sharing your details is like asking a contractor “How much to build me a house?”

• Without knowing the size, layout, materials, and features, the number is meaningless.

• Estate plans work the same way: your family, assets, and goals dictate the price.

👉 A $4,000 simple plan can jump to $20,000+ once blended families, businesses, or multiple trusts are added.

Building a House vs. Building an Estate Plan

👉 Key takeaway: Just as you wouldn’t expect one flat price for every house, there’s no one flat price for every estate plan.

⚖️ These figures are illustrative examples of typical ranges families may encounter in Arizona. They are not Boland Law Group’s fees.

Gross Estate vs Net Worth: The Real Measure

When families ask, “Do I need advanced estate planning?”, they usually think in terms of net worth. But the IRS doesn’t care about your net worth — it looks at your gross estate under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

What Counts Toward Your Gross Estate

• Real property: homes, rentals, land, vacation homes

• Bank and brokerage accounts: checking, savings, investment accounts

• Retirement accounts: 401(k), IRA, pension accounts

• Business interests: LLCs, partnerships, S-corps, family businesses

• Life insurance: death benefits, not just cash value

• Tangible property: vehicles, jewelry, art, collectibles

• Certain transfers: gifts made within three years or assets you still control

👉 This means your gross estate is usually much bigger than your net worth.

Example: Net Worth vs Gross Estate

• Couple thinks they are “worth” $2.5M:

  • $1.5M home + $500k retirement + $500k savings

• But they also have a $3M life insurance policy

• IRS “gross estate” = $5.5M

➡️ Result: they’re suddenly in the $5M+ planning tier, even though their net worth on paper looks far lower.

Why the $5M Break Point Matters in Arizona

• Complexity: More deeds, business interests, or accounts need proper titling and trust funding.

• Insurance: Carriers often require disclosure of estate planning for underwriting at $5M+. Such itemized disclosures of attorney matters increase the costs of insurance which are passed down to the clients.

• Tax Risk: The current $13.99M federal exemption is set to increase in 2026. Families in the $12M+ zone may be exposed in various circumstances.

• Litigation Risk: Larger estates invite more disputes. Protective drafting is needed.

Cost Impact by Gross Estate

• Under $5M → Basic Revocable Living Trust ($4k–$9k)

• $5M–$12M → Enhanced/Disclaimer Trusts ($7.5k–$12k)

• $12M+ → Multi-bucket/dynasty/charitable ($20k–$350k+)

📌 Quick Takeaway for the Casual Scrollers

You may think you have a $2M estate, but once life insurance and retirement are added, you may actually have a $6M gross estate — and that changes everything.

Why Estate Planning Fees Vary in Arizona

Two families may both ask for a “living trust,” but their fees can differ by thousands. That’s because estate planning is shaped by Arizona’s laws, your family dynamics, and the complexity of your assets.

Key Factors That Drive Cost

• Community Property Rules
  Arizona is a community property state. How assets are titled — community vs separate — can double the number of documents needed.

• Blended Families
  Protecting children from prior marriages often requires A/B or QTIP trusts, which are more complex and usually irrevocable.

• Disinheriting or Unequal Distributions
  Cutting out or reducing a child’s share increases litigation risk, requiring stronger no-contest language and trustee protections.

• Size and Type of Assets
  A single home is simpler than multiple rentals, business interests, and accounts spread across states. Each deed or account adds to the work.

• Scope of Work Beyond the Flat Fee
  Most firms offer flat fees for a set scope. Extra meetings, revisions, or sub-trusts are billed hourly — typically $350–$700/hour.

Potential Cost Differences

• Couple with one home and no blended family: $4,500–$5,000 trust plan

• Couple with blended family, two homes, retirement accounts: $7,500–$9,000+

• Business owner with $8M estate, multiple trusts, tax planning: $15,000–$25,000+

Experts vs Generalists

• Experts (LL.M.) understand Arizona’s community property traps, blended family risks, and advanced planning needs. They build protections into your documents.

• Generalists often reuse templates and miss these details. Families discover the gaps in probate — when it’s too late.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

In Arizona, fees vary because families vary. The more homes, businesses, and blended family issues you have, the more complex (and protective) your plan must be.

Blended Families: The Most Complex

Blended families are a significant source of probate disputes in Arizona. If one spouse dies and the survivor controls everything, children from the first marriage are often disinherited. Estate planning for blended families must balance spousal care with inheritance protection — and that requires more complex, usually irrevocable trust structures.

Why Blended Families Require Extra Planning

• Survivor’s Trust Risk: In a basic Survivor’s Trust, the surviving spouse can amend or revoke the plan, leaving stepchildren with nothing.

• Bypass / Credit Shelter Trust (B Trust): Locks in the first spouse’s wishes by placing assets in an irrevocable trust for their children.

• QTIP Trust: Surviving spouse receives income for life, but principal is preserved for the deceased spouse’s children.

• Disclaimer Trust (A/C Plan): Gives the survivor flexibility to “disclaim” assets into a protective trust depending on tax laws and family needs.

• Litigation Risk: Disinheriting or reducing stepchildren’s shares nearly always increases the chance of a probate fight — which is why stronger protections are essential.

Typical 2025 Costs for Blended Families in Arizona

• Survivor’s Trust (basic, revocable) → ~$4,500

• A/B or Disclaimer Trust (irrevocable protections) → $5,500–$7,000

• QTIP or Clayton Trust (income for spouse, principal to children) → $6,500–$9,000+

• Multi-bucket structures (QTIP + Credit Shelter + GST layering) → $10,000–$20,000

  Trust Type	How It Works	Risks	Typical 2025 Cost
  Survivor’s Trust	All assets stay revocable and amendable by surviving spouse	Stepchildren can be disinherited; survivor can change plan	~$4,500
  A/B Trust (Bypass / Credit Shelter)	Assets split into survivor’s share and irrevocable share for deceased spouse’s heirs	Less flexibility for surviving spouse	$5,500–$7,000
  Disclaimer Trust (A/C Plan)	Survivor can disclaim assets into an irrevocable trust if needed	Survivor must act after death; requires careful drafting	$6,000–$7,500
  QTIP Trust	Survivor gets income for life, principal preserved for children of first spouse	More complex to administer; less flexibility	$6,500–$9,000+
  Multi-Bucket / Clayton	Combines marital, credit shelter, and possibly GST or charitable buckets	More costly and complex; usually high-net-worth families	$10,000–$20,000

  ⚖️ These figures are illustrative examples of typical ranges families may encounter in Arizona. They are not Boland Law Group’s fees.

Example: Scottsdale Couple

• John and Maria each have children from prior marriages

• Without planning → Maria can amend the trust and disinherit John’s kids

• With a QTIP + Credit Shelter trust → Maria has income for life, John’s children inherit principal, Maria’s kids are also protected

👉 Cost difference: $4,500 for a Survivor’s Trust vs $8,000+ for blended family protections.

Experts vs Generalists

• Experts (LL.M.) know how to structure irrevocable sub-trusts that balance care for a surviving spouse with inheritance rights for children.

• Generalists often use a one-bucket Survivor’s Trust, which leaves stepchildren exposed and nearly guarantees litigation later.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Causal Scrollers

In Arizona, blended families need more than a “basic trust.” If your plan doesn’t include irrevocable protections, stepchildren can be cut out completely.

High-Net-Worth & Advanced Planning

Estate planning changes once your gross estate crosses key thresholds. At higher levels, it’s no longer just about avoiding probate — it’s about taxes, asset protection, and multi-generational wealth transfer.

$5M–$12M Gross Estate: Enhanced Planning

• Most Common Design: Disclaimer Trust (A/C plan) or A/B Trust

• Why: Provides flexibility at the survivor’s death — can elect to fund a credit shelter trust if tax laws or family circumstances make it necessary

• Benefits: Preserves the deceased spouse’s exemption, balances flexibility with protections for children from prior marriages, and anticipates the 2026 federal exemption sunset

• Typical 2025 Fees: $7,500–$12,000

$12M+ Gross Estate: Multi-Bucket Planning

• Common Designs: A/B/C, Clayton, or QTIP with additional sub-trusts

• Why: Preserves exemptions, locks in protections for spouse and children, and often adds GST/dynasty or charitable buckets

• Benefits: Provides irrevocable protections, proactive tax structuring, and reduces remarriage or blended family risks

• Typical 2025 Fees: $20,000–$50,000+

$10M–$15M+ Gross Estate: Advanced Planning Beyond RLT

• Common Tools:

  • SLATs (Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts)

  • ILITs (Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts)

  • GRATs (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts)

  • Dynasty or GST-exempt trusts

  • Family limited partnerships or business succession planning

• Why: Minimize federal estate taxes, reduce valuation exposure, protect family businesses, and provide liquidity for estate settlement

• Typical 2025 Fees: $30,000–$350,000+ depending on structures involved

Arizona Example: Scottsdale Couple

A Scottsdale couple believed their estate was worth about $9M (home, retirement accounts, and business interests). However, they also had two life insurance policies totaling $4M.

• Net worth: $9M

• Gross estate (IRS measure): $13M

👉 This pushed them past the $12M threshold, requiring multi-bucket planning with a QTIP trust, dynasty trust, and business succession strategies. Their fees were closer to $25,000, but the plan protected their children, reduced litigation risk, and prepared them for the upcoming federal exemption drop in 2026.

High-Net-Worth Estate Planning Tiers (Arizona 2025)

Experts vs Generalists

• Experts (LL.M.): Coordinate multi-trust strategies, integrate tax planning, and balance protections for spouse, children, and future generations.

• Generalists: Often stop at a simple Survivor’s Trust. For estates of $10M+, this can mean millions lost to taxes or family disputes.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

• Under $5M: Simple RLT ($4k–$9k)

• $5M–$12M: Enhanced Disclaimer Trust ($7.5k–$12k)

• $12M+: Multi-bucket structures ($20k–$50k+)

• $10M–$15M+: Advanced planning ($30k–$350k+)

👉 The higher your gross estate, the more “buckets” your plan needs — just like upgrading from a starter home to a luxury estate. Each bucket adds protection, but also adds cost.

The Bucket Approach to Pricing

Estate planning fees rise not just because your estate is larger, but because your plan requires more “buckets.” Each bucket represents a different trust or structure, designed to protect against a unique risk. The more buckets you need, the more time, drafting, and legal analysis are required — and that’s why fees climb.

Common Buckets in Arizona Estate Planning

• Survivor’s Bucket: All assets stay revocable; simplest but weakest for blended families

• Marital Bucket: Provides for a surviving spouse, often through a QTIP trust

• Credit Shelter / Disclaimer Bucket: Preserves the deceased spouse’s exemption, especially common in $5M–$12M estates

• GST / Dynasty Bucket: Passes wealth to children and grandchildren while skipping unnecessary tax layers

• Charitable Bucket: Supports philanthropy while reducing estate tax exposure

Bucket Pricing Table (Arizona 2025)

Local Arizona Examples

Phoenix Couple ($6M estate)

• Home, retirement accounts, brokerage, and life insurance

• Concerned about federal exemption sunset and blended family risks

• Solution: 2-bucket Disclaimer Trust (A/C) + Survivor’s Trust

• Cost: ~$9,500

Paradise Valley Family ($15M estate)

• Real estate, closely held business, life insurance, and grandchildren

• Solution: 4-bucket plan — QTIP + Credit Shelter + Dynasty + Charitable Trusts

• Cost: ~$40,000+

• Protected assets across generations, locked in tax exemptions, reduced litigation risk

Buckets Are Like Rooms in a House

Think of buckets like rooms in a home:

• A 1-bucket plan is a starter house — simple but limited.

• A 3-bucket plan is a larger family home — garage, guest suite, more protection.

• A 4+ bucket plan is a luxury estate — designed for long-term use and multiple generations.

👉 Just as no two houses cost the same to build, no two estate plans cost the same. The more rooms (or buckets) you add, the higher the price.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

• 1 bucket: $4k–$5k

• 2 buckets: $5.5k–$12k

• 3 buckets: $10k–$20k

• 4+ buckets: $20k–$50k+

• Advanced multi-bucket: $30k–$350k+

👉 Each additional bucket = more protection, more drafting, more cost.

The Hidden Cost: Trust Funding

Creating a trust is only half the job. A trust must be funded — meaning your assets (homes, accounts, businesses, life insurance, etc.) must be retitled or assigned to the trust. Without funding, your trust is just an empty binder, and your estate could still end up in probate.

What Trust Funding Involves

• Real Estate: Deeds must be retitled into the trust (with county recording fees)

• Bank & Brokerage Accounts: Institutions require new ownership paperwork or TOD (transfer on death) updates

• Retirement Accounts: Beneficiaries must be updated carefully to align with the trust plan

• Businesses & LLCs: Membership interests must be formally assigned into the trust

• Life Insurance: Policies may require ownership changes or updated beneficiaries

Why Funding Isn’t Usually in the Flat Fee

Even top estate planning attorneys — including those with an LL.M. — typically do not include funding in their fixed fee.

Why?

• Unpredictable Third Parties: Banks, brokerages, and title companies each have unique forms and timelines.

• Time-Intensive: Each account or property can take hours of back-and-forth.

• Client Choice: Many clients prefer to handle basic transfers themselves, using attorney-provided instructions, to save costs.

👉 Result: Funding is either client-led or billed hourly after completion (often $350–$700/hr).

Typical Funding Costs in Arizona

• Self-Funding: Clients handle accounts and simple transfers with guides from their attorney

• Attorney-Assisted Funding: $1,500–$5,000+ depending on number of accounts, properties, and business assets

• Real Estate Deeds: $350–$600 each plus county recording fees

An Unfunded Trust = An Empty Binder

👉 Key Point: A trust without funding is like buying a safe but never putting your valuables inside it.

Arizona Example: Mesa Family

A Mesa couple purchased a $995 “bargain trust” online. The documents were valid, but no deeds or accounts were ever transferred into the trust. When the first spouse passed, the family still had to go through probate — costing $18,000.

👉 The trust existed, but it was an empty binder. Proper funding would have prevented probate entirely.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

A trust isn’t complete when it’s signed — it’s only complete when it’s funded. Without funding, your estate still goes through probate.

Updating & Maintenance

Estate planning is not a one-time project. A trust or will that is never updated is almost as dangerous as not having one at all. Life changes, family changes, and law changes can all make your plan outdated.

When to Update Your Plan

• Family Changes: marriage, divorce, births, deaths, adoptions, or blended family restructuring

• Financial Changes: new business ventures, property purchases, major asset sales, inheritances, or retirement account rollovers

• Relocation: moving between states — especially between community property and separate property states

• Legal & Tax Changes: updates in federal estate tax law (like the 2026 exemption sunset), Arizona statutes, or new IRS rulings

• Trustee or Guardian Changes: if your chosen trustee, executor, or guardian is no longer appropriate

Typical Costs for Updates in Arizona (2025)

• Minor Amendments (single document change) → $1,000–$1,500

• Trust Restatement (full refresh of trust without new deeds) → $2,500–$5,000+

• Full Redesign (new planning structure, blended family or tax shift) → $5,000–$15,000+

Maintenance Programs

Some Arizona estate planning firms (especially those focused exclusively on this field) offer annual or biennial maintenance programs. These may include:

• Regular plan reviews

• Updates triggered by law changes

• Beneficiary and asset audits

• Ongoing access to attorneys for quick questions

👉 Costs vary from $500–$2,500/year depending on the scope of services.

Arizona-Specific Risks

Estate planning in Arizona comes with unique risks that many generalists — and especially non-Arizona firms — overlook. Failing to address these issues can lead to probate, higher costs, or family disputes.

Community Property vs. Separate Property

• Arizona is a community property state, which means most assets acquired during marriage are jointly owned.

• Assets acquired before marriage, by inheritance, or as gifts are considered separate property.

• Misclassifying property is one of the most common causes of disputes and probate litigation.

• Example: A home acquired during marriage but titled in only one spouse’s name may still be community property — without proper planning, this can force probate.

Snowbirds and Out-of-State Property

• Many Arizona residents own property in multiple states (e.g., winter in Scottsdale, summer in Minnesota).

• Without planning, each state property can trigger ancillary probate in its own court.

• Solution: Additional deeds or sometimes separate trusts for out-of-state real estate.

Probate in Arizona

• Arizona probate is public and time-consuming, with average costs around $15,000 for uncontested cases.

• Filing fees (e.g., ~$350 in Maricopa County) are only the beginning — attorney fees and delays pile on quickly.

• Even “simple” estates can take 9–18 months to close through probate.

Beneficiary Deeds: Useful but Limited

• Arizona allows Beneficiary Deeds (sometimes called “Transfer on Death” deeds).

• They are inexpensive (~$300–$500) but limited — they don’t protect against remarriage disputes, stepchildren disinheritance, or estate tax issues.

• Best used only for simple, single-property situations, not comprehensive estate planning.

Family Conflict Risks in Arizona

• Arizona’s large retirement population means blended families are common.

• Stepchildren vs. surviving spouse disputes are a significant driver of probate litigation in the state.

• Irrevocable sub-trusts (A/B, QTIP, Disclaimer) are essential to prevent disinheritance battles.

Experts vs Generalists in Arizona

• Experts: Understand Arizona’s community property laws, how out-of-state property triggers ancillary probate, and the nuances of blended families.

• Generalists: Often overlook these Arizona-specific details, leaving assets exposed to probate and conflict.

Top 5 Arizona Estate Planning Mistakes

1. Misclassifying property (assuming something titled in one name is separate property when it’s not)

2. Relying on Beneficiary Deeds as a “cheap fix” instead of full planning

3. Ignoring out-of-state property, leading to multiple probates in different states

4. Not protecting stepchildren, especially in second marriages

5. Assuming probate in Arizona is simple — typically it’s costly, public, and slow

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

Arizona’s mix of community property laws, snowbird real estate, and blended families means cookie-cutter estate plans don’t work. Without Arizona-specific planning, probate is almost guaranteed.

Case Studies: Arizona Families (Hypothetical Examples)

The following examples are hypothetical illustrations. They are based on common situations Arizona families face and are provided to show how different estate planning strategies may apply. Every family’s facts are unique, and actual outcomes will depend on individual circumstances.

Scottsdale Couple ($2.5M Estate, Blended Family) – Hypothetical illustration for educational purposes only

• Situation: A remarried couple with children from prior marriages. Assets included a Scottsdale home, retirement accounts, and life insurance.

• Problem: A basic Survivor’s Trust would allow the surviving spouse to amend the plan and potentially disinherit stepchildren.

• Solution: An A/B Trust with blended family protections could lock in each spouse’s wishes while still providing for the survivor.

• Cost Range: ~$5,500 (2025 typical fees)

• Outcome: Probate avoided, and both sets of children protected.

Phoenix Couple ($6M Gross Estate, Married) – Hypothetical illustration for educational purposes only

• Situation: A couple believed their estate was worth $4M, but retirement accounts and life insurance increased their gross estate to $6M.

• Problem: With the federal exemption scheduled to drop in 2026, they risked tax exposure and needed flexibility.

• Solution: A Disclaimer Trust (A/C Plan) could allow the surviving spouse to disclaim assets into a credit shelter trust if needed at the first spouse’s death.

• Cost Range: ~$12,000

• Outcome: Plan provides flexibility for tax law changes while protecting both sets of children.

Mesa Family ($995 “Cheap Trust”) – Hypothetical illustration for educational purposes only

• Situation: A couple purchased a $995 trust package through a financial planner.

• Problem: The trust was never funded — no deeds prepared, accounts not retitled, beneficiaries left unchanged.

• Result: When one spouse passed, the estate could still go through probate, costing $15,000–$20,000+.

• Lesson: An unfunded trust is just an empty binder.

Paradise Valley Family ($15M Estate, High-Net-Worth) – Hypothetical illustration for educational purposes only

• Situation: A family with real estate, a closely held business, investment accounts, and large life insurance policies. Gross estate exceeded $15M.

• Problem: Without advanced planning, they faced federal estate tax exposure and family conflict over the business.

• Solution: A 4-bucket plan (QTIP + Credit Shelter + Dynasty + Charitable Trusts) plus an ILIT for life insurance and a family limited partnership for the business.

• Cost Range: $40,000+

• Outcome: Taxes minimized, assets preserved, and multi-generational protection achieved.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers – Hypothetical illustration for educational purposes only

• Scottsdale blended family: ~$5,500 → blended family protected

• Phoenix couple: ~$12,000 → Disclaimer Trust flexibility at $6M gross estate

• Mesa cheap trust: $995 → unfunded, probate $15,000–$20,000+

• Paradise Valley family: $40,000+ → multi-bucket advanced plan for $15M estate

👉 Disclaimer: These are hypothetical examples, not real client stories. Fees and outcomes vary based on family circumstances, assets, and goals.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes in Arizona

Most families don’t fail because they don’t plan — they fail because their plan is incomplete, outdated, or handled by the wrong provider. Here are the most common mistakes we see in Arizona:

1. Thinking a Will Avoids Probate

• In Arizona, a will does not avoid probate.

• It simply directs how assets are distributed through the court process.

• Probate still costs ~$15,000+ for uncontested estates.

2. Relying on a Cheap $995 Trust

• Many financial advisors and document preparers sell “bargain trusts.”

• These often use outdated templates, miss Arizona-specific rules, and are never funded.

• Result: families end up in probate anyway — often costing $15,000–$20,000+.

3. Failing to Fund the Trust

• A trust without assets in it is just an empty binder.

• Homes, accounts, and businesses must be retitled or assigned to the trust.

• Without funding, probate is still required.

4. Not Updating After Life Changes

• Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and relocations all trigger updates.

• An outdated plan can leave out new family members or send assets to the wrong heirs.

• Many plans fail simply because they were never updated.

5. Overlooking Arizona-Specific Issues

• Community property vs. separate property rules often trip up generalists.

• Snowbird families with property in multiple states risk multiple probates.

• Blended families need irrevocable protections to avoid litigation.

6. Hiring the Wrong Provider

• Document preparers: Not lawyers, cannot give legal advice.

• Financial advisors: Conflicted — they manage assets, not protect legacies.

• Generalist lawyers: May draft basic trusts but miss complex Arizona or tax issues.

• Only experts (LL.M. in estate/tax) build plans designed to last.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

• Wills don’t avoid probate

• Cheap trusts = empty binders

• Funding is essential

• Outdated plans fail

• Arizona-specific laws matter

• Pick the right provider

👉 Avoiding these mistakes can save your family tens of thousands in probate costs and years of stress.

Probate in Arizona (2025)

Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a decedent’s estate when property is held in their name (and not in a trust or via other nonprobate mechanisms). Even if there is a will, assets in that name still typically must pass through probate unless properly structured otherwise.

Key Probate Paths in Arizona

• Informal Probate — the most common route when no one contests the will, the heirs agree, and the process is straightforward.

• Formal Probate — required when disputes, contests, or complex assets exist. A hearing before a judge is needed.

• Small Estate / Affidavit Procedures — for estates with limited value (personal property under ~$75,000 and real property under ~$100,000, though thresholds vary) may qualify for simplified transfer methods without full probate.

Arizona also requires a waiting period: the decedent must be dead at least 120 hours (5 days) before a probate application may be filed.

Costs & Fees of Probate in Arizona

Probate costs are rarely trivial. They include court fees, legal fees, executor compensation, valuation and appraisal, publication costs, and more.

• Court Filing Fees: In Maricopa County, the base fee for initiating probate is $306 for many formal/informal cases.

• Legal / Attorney Fees: For simpler, uncontested probates, legal fees often run from $7,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity.

• Executor / Personal Representative Compensation: Arizona law allows “reasonable compensation” — not a fixed statutory rate — which is often determined by hours worked, estate complexity, and what is customary.

• Publication & Notice Costs: If direct notice to heirs or creditors isn’t possible, legal notice in newspapers may cost $100–$300+ depending on location and length of publication.

• Appraisal / Valuation / Inventory: Estates must inventory all assets; real property appraisals may cost $300–$600 (or more for nonstandard assets).

• Recording / Distribution / Deed Costs: The cost to transfer real property through deeds after probate, plus certifications and recordation fees.

In many practical cases, probate costs can consume 3-8% of the estate’s gross value, especially for more complex or contested estates.

Timeline & Process Highlights

• Duration: Informal probates often close in 6 to 12 months, if uncontested. More complex or contested cases (formal) can extend to multiple years.

• Appointment of Personal Representative: The court must approve someone to act as executor (called “personal representative” in Arizona).

• Inventory & Valuation Deadline: Usually within 90 days unless extended by the court.

• Creditor Claims / Notification: The estate must notify creditors and allow opportunity for claims.

• Final Distribution & Closing: After debts, taxes, and costs are satisfied, the remaining assets are distributed per the will or statute (if no will).

• Public Record: Probate is public — anyone can view records, filings, and distributions.

Pitfalls & Risks in Arizona Probate

• Public nature: Unlike trusts, probate is a public process.

• Disputes / Contests escalate cost: Litigation, will challenges, creditor claims prolong and drastically increase fees.

• Delayed distributions: Heirs may wait months or years.

• Multiple probates for out-of-state property: Property in other states may require ancillary probate unless properly planned.

• Unfunded trusts: If an intended trust wasn’t funded, probate still occurs.

  Feature	Revocable Living Trust (Properly Funded)	Probate (Arizona Court Process)
  Cost	$4,000–$9,000 upfront (basic to blended)	$15,000+ uncontested; $25,000–$50,000+ if contested
  Timeline	Weeks to transfer assets; private administration	6–12 months if simple; years if contested
  Privacy	100% private	Public court filings (anyone can access)
  Control	Family-selected trustee; flexible distribution	Court-appointed personal representative
  Multi-State Property	One trust covers all	Separate probate in each state (ancillary probate)
  Family Conflict	Reduced risk with clear, irrevocable instructions	High risk; probate often invites litigation

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

Probate in Arizona often costs thousands to tens of thousands, takes 6–12 months or more, and is public. It doesn’t matter whether you left a will — if your assets are in your name, they may still pass through the court.

Estate Planning Providers Compared (Arizona, 2025)

Not all estate planning providers are the same. In Arizona, families often choose between document preparers, financial advisors, general practice lawyers, “certified specialists,” and true experts. Who you hire determines whether your plan actually works when your family needs it most.

Provider Comparison Table

Experts vs Generalists: The Difference

Many providers call themselves “estate planners.” But the difference between an expert and a generalist is often the difference between a plan that protects your family — and one that fails.

How to Tell the Difference

• Years in the Field: Experts often have 10+ years focused strictly on estate/trust practice.

• Clerkship / Early Training: Experts may have clerked in estate, tax, or business courts; generalists often have broader or less focused backgrounds.

• Practice Focus Consistency: Experts rarely switch into or out of other practice areas; generalists often pivot into estate planning later.

• Document Depth & Customization: Experts build from first principles tailored to your facts. Generalists often rely on form libraries and templates.

• Track Record: Experts have plans tested or defended; generalists often avoid contentious or high-risk cases.

Estate Planning Experts (LL.M.)

• Hold an advanced law degree (LL.M.) in estate planning, tax, or elder law

• Clerked or trained specifically in estate/tax/business law

• Practice exclusively in estate, trust, and tax law (no family, DUI, or accident cases)

• Draft custom strategies, not templates

• Stay on top of law changes like the 2026 exemption sunset and Arizona community property rules

• Have plans tested in probate or litigation and refined to withstand court challenges

Generalists

• Hold only a basic law degree (J.D.)

• Often pivoted into estate planning later after struggling in other practice areas

• Split their time across divorce, criminal defense, real estate, and estate planning

• Rely on form libraries, creating one-size-fits-all documents

• Miss Arizona-specific issues (community vs separate property, blended family protections, tax thresholds)

• Plans more likely to fail under stress — ending up in probate or litigation

Red Flag Checklist: Spotting a Generalist

🚩 Attorney advertises “$995 Living Trust Packages”
🚩 They also handle divorces, DUIs, or personal injury cases
🚩 Most documents are drafted by paralegals or staff, not the attorney
🚩 They cannot explain gross estate vs. net worth
🚩 They never bring up blended family risks, disclaimers, or Arizona-specific property rules

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

• Document preparers and financial advisors = cheapest now, most expensive later

• General practice lawyers = broad but shallow

• Specialists = better, but may lack deep tax/estate expertise

• Experts (LL.M.) = highest upfront cost, but safest long-term outcome

👉 If you have a blended family, $5M+ estate, businesses, or multi-state property, you need an expert — not a generalist.

Frequently Asked Questions (Arizona Estate Planning, 2025)

Do I really need a trust if I have a will?

Yes. In Arizona, a will does not avoid probate. It only directs how assets are distributed through the probate court. A properly funded trust keeps your estate private and avoids the $15,000+ average cost of probate.

How much does estate planning cost in Arizona?

In 2025:

• Basic Revocable Living Trust (RLT): $4,000–$5,000 (single), $4,500–$6,000 (married)

• Blended family / A-B Trusts: $6,000–$12,000

• High-net-worth multi-bucket plans: $20,000–$50,000+

• Advanced planning (SLATs, ILITs, dynasty trusts, partnerships): $30,000–$350,000+

👉 Fees vary based on complexity, family dynamics, and asset size.

What is the average cost of estate planning in Scottsdale or Phoenix?

For most Scottsdale or Phoenix families, a solid trust package averages around $5,000–$12,000 in 2025. Costs rise with blended families, multiple properties, or advanced tax planning.

How much does probate cost in Maricopa County?

• Court filing fee: ~$306 (2025)

• Attorney fees: $2,000–$15,000 for simple uncontested probates

• Total average cost: ~$15,000 for uncontested cases; $25,000–$50,000+ if contested

Probate also takes 6–12 months or longer, and is completely public.

Why do estate planning fees vary so much?

Fees depend on:

• Gross estate size (IRS measure, not net worth)

• Community vs. separate property (unique to Arizona)

• Blended family risks (stepchildren vs. surviving spouse)

• Number of “buckets” (trusts) required

• Advanced tools (SLATs, ILITs, GRATs, dynasty trusts)

What happens if I don’t fund my trust?

A trust without funding is an empty binder. Homes, accounts, and businesses must be retitled into the trust. Without funding, probate is still required, even if the trust documents exist.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Review every 3–5 years, or immediately after:

• Marriage, divorce, or death in the family

• Birth of a child or grandchild

• Major financial changes (inheritance, new business, real estate purchase)

• Moving into or out of Arizona

• Tax law changes (e.g., 2026 exemption sunset)

Is probate really that bad in Arizona?

Yes. Even uncontested probates typically cost $15,000+ and take 6–12 months. Contested probates can last years and cost tens of thousands. Probate is also public, meaning anyone can see your family’s financial details.

Can my financial advisor set up a trust?

No. Only licensed attorneys can provide legal advice and draft enforceable trusts. Advisors who “bundle” cheap trusts usually outsource to low-cost lawyers using templates, leaving families at risk.

How do I know if I’m working with an expert or a generalist?

Ask:

1. Do you hold an LL.M. in estate/tax law?

2. Is estate planning 100% of your practice?

3. Have your plans been tested in Arizona probate or litigation?

4. Do you offer customized strategies or just templates?

If the answer is “no” to these — you’re likely talking to a generalist.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

• Wills don’t avoid probate

• Scottsdale/Phoenix trust average = $5k–$12k

• Probate in Maricopa County = ~$15k uncontested, $25k+ contested

• Trusts only work if funded

• Update every 3–5 years or after big life changes

• Only attorneys can draft trusts — experts (LL.M.) are not the same as generalists

Planning Now vs Probate Later

Many families hesitate to invest in a proper estate plan because of the upfront cost. But the truth is clear: you either pay for planning now, or your family pays far more later in probate.

Planning Now (2025 Typical Fees)

• Basic Trust Package: $4,000–$5,000

• Blended Family / A-B Trusts: $6,000–$12,000

• High-Net-Worth Multi-Bucket Plans: $20,000–$50,000+

• Advanced Planning (SLATs, ILITs, GRATs): $30,000–$350,000+

Benefits:

• Avoids probate entirely

• Maintains family privacy (no public filings)

• Protects blended families and stepchildren

• Preserves exemptions and reduces estate taxes

• Transfers assets in weeks, not years

Probate Later (Arizona 2025 Costs)

• Court Filing Fees: ~$306 in Maricopa County

• Attorney Fees: $2,000–$15,000 (simple); $25,000–$50,000+ (contested)

• Total Average Cost: ~$15,000 for uncontested estates

• Duration: 6–12 months (uncontested); years if contested

• Other Risks:

  • Public record of your family’s finances

  • Family disputes (especially in blended families)

  • Additional probates for out-of-state property

The Math in Arizona

• $5,000 trust now = avoids $15,000+ probate later

• $12,000 blended family plan = prevents $25,000+ in litigation later

• $25,000 high-net-worth plan = saves millions in estate taxes

Simple Analogy

A trust is like insurance against probate. You pay a premium now, but it saves your family a fortune in money, time, and stress later.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

• Trust today: $5k–$12k → probate avoided

• No trust: $15k–$50k+ probate later → public, slow, expensive

• The choice isn’t “trust vs. nothing” — it’s trust now vs. probate later.

Bottom Line for 2025

Estate planning in Arizona is not one-size-fits-all. Fees vary because every family, every estate, and every risk profile is different. But one truth is constant:

👉 You either plan now, or your family pays later.

What to Expect in 2025

• Basic Revocable Living Trusts start at around $4,000–$5,000

• Blended Family / A-B Trusts range from $6,000–$12,000

• High-Net-Worth Multi-Bucket Plans can reach $20,000–$50,000+

• Advanced Planning (SLATs, ILITs, dynasty trusts, partnerships) begins around $30,000 and can exceed $350,000

Why the Cost is Worth It

• Avoids Arizona probate (average $15,000 uncontested; $25,000–$50,000+ contested)

• Protects blended families from disinheritance disputes

• Preserves exemptions and reduces estate taxes (critical with the 2026 exemption sunset)

• Provides privacy and keeps family wealth out of the public record

• Ensures faster transfers of assets with fewer conflicts

The Real Measure: Value, Not Just Price

A trust is not a stack of documents. It is a strategy — built, maintained, and defended by experts. The families who hire document preparers or generalists often end up paying far more in probate, taxes, and litigation than they ever saved upfront.

📌 Quick Takeaway for Casual Scrollers

• Trusts: $4k–$12k (most families)

• High-net-worth plans: $20k–$50k+

• Advanced planning: $30k–$350k+

• Probate avoided, family protected, privacy preserved

👉 The bottom line: 2025 is the year to get your estate plan right — with experts, not templates.

⚖️ Disclaimer on Pricing
All pricing shown in this guide is for educational purposes only and reflects general 2025 Arizona market averages. These figures are not Boland Law Group’s fees and should not be interpreted as a quote or offer. Actual estate planning costs depend on the provider, the attorney’s credentials, the size of your gross estate, and the complexity of your family’s circumstances. For an accurate quote, a consultation and review of your unique situation is required. Always seek compent legal counsel before acting.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this post is for educational and general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or other professional advice. Laws, regulations, and interpretations are subject to change frequently and may vary by jurisdiction. You should not rely solely on this information when making decisions affecting your personal circumstances. Please consult with a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or financial professional for advice specific to your situation. The transmission or receipt of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship or any other professional relationship. This post may be considered advertising under applicable state laws.