When a loved one passes away, handling probate can feel overwhelming. The process involves court oversight, legal filings, creditor notices, and the distribution of assets—all while families are still grieving. At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, our Glendale probate attorneys provide clear, compassionate guidance to help individuals and fiduciaries navigate this process with confidence.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services to help individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer, and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

Need A Probate Attorney In Glendale?

Probate is the legal process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries. In Arizona, probate may be required if a person passes away with more than $75,000 in personal property or $100,000 in real estate that does not transfer by operation of law.

Our probate team assists clients with:

• Determining whether probate is required
• Handling both informal and formal probate proceedings
• Preparing and filing the necessary documents with the court
• Resolving disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
• Managing tax obligations and debt settlements
• Guiding fiduciaries through their legal responsibilities

We’ve guided countless Glendale families through probate, offering steady legal support every step of the way.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services to help individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer, and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

Why Glendale Clients Trust Our Probate Attorneys

For more than 20 years, Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC has been a trusted legal resource for Arizona families facing probate. Glendale residents choose our probate attorneys because we combine proven experience with a commitment to practical, compassionate service.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services to help individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer, and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

Comprehensive Probate Services In Glendale

Our Glendale probate attorneys provide full-service representation designed to meet the unique needs of each estate. Whether you are a personal representative, beneficiary, or concerned family member, we can help with:

• Probate Administration – Collecting assets, managing debts, and distributing property in compliance with court requirements.
• Small Estate Proceedings – Preparing affidavits when assets qualify for simplified transfer under Arizona law.
• Litigation Support – Representing clients in disputes over wills, trusts, or contested estate distributions.
• Fiduciary Guidance – Advising personal representatives and executors on their legal duties and responsibilities.
• Tax & Creditor Issues – Managing estate taxes, preparing necessary returns, and addressing creditor claims appropriately.
• Non-Probate Transfers – Handling assets that pass outside probate, including joint tenancy property, beneficiary deeds, and retirement accounts.

Our goal is to make the probate process as clear, efficient, and manageable as possible so that Glendale families can focus on what truly matters.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services to help individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer, and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

Where We Work In Glendale: Neighborhoods And Landmarks We Serve

Our probate attorneys in Glendale proudly assist families throughout the community, including:

Arrowhead Ranch

Known for master-planned communities and golf course estates.

Deer Valley

A growing residential hub with easy access to major freeways.

Historic Downtown Glendale

Where heritage homes and small businesses often intersect with probate matters.

Westgate Entertainment District

A vibrant area where estate planning and probate needs often involve business interests.

Sahuaro Ranch Park

A historic site and community hub where families have deep generational roots.

Whether your family resides near Thunderbird Conservation Park, along Bell Road, or in the heart of Arrowhead, our Glendale probate attorneys are ready to help.

Common Probate Issues We Help Resolve In Glendale

Our probate lawyers regularly assist with:

No matter how complex the estate, we provide solutions that protect our clients’ interests.

Ready to get trusted probate guidance in Glendale? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced probate attorneys.

Serving Glendale For Over 20 Years – Probate Attorneys You Can Rely On

At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, we combine deep legal knowledge with genuine client care. For more than two decades, we’ve been recognized for our service and leadership in Arizona’s legal community. Our mission is to guide Glendale families through the probate process with clarity, professionalism, and compassion.

We are Arizona lawyers dedicated to helping individuals, families, and fiduciaries plan, administer, and litigate probate and estate issues. Whether you’re navigating a straightforward estate or dealing with complex disputes, our Glendale probate attorneys are here to provide the guidance you need.

Schedule a Consultation today to get trusted legal support.

What To Do If You’re Facing Probate In Glendale

If you’ve lost a loved one and believe probate may be required, here are the important first steps to take:

• Gather essential documents – Collect the will, trust documents, financial statements, and property records.
• Determine estate size – Assess whether the estate qualifies for Arizona’s small estate procedures, which may streamline the process.
• Identify beneficiaries and heirs – Make a clear list of family members and other potential claimants.
• Seek legal guidance – Contact a probate attorney early to avoid costly missteps and unnecessary delays.

Our attorneys are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and take on the legal burdens so you can focus on what truly matters—supporting your family during this difficult time.

Learn more about our full range of probate services by visiting our Probate Attorney page.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a Consultation with our Glendale probate attorneys today.

We Proudly Serve Glendale And Surrounding Areas

At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, our probate attorneys are committed to helping families across Glendale and nearby communities handle probate and estate matters with care, precision, and efficiency.

In addition to Glendale, we proudly serve:

• Peoria – Supporting residents with probate and estate planning needs, including asset distribution and will administration.
• Phoenix – Families across the metro area trust our experienced probate attorneys to resolve disputes and guide them through complex legal processes.
• Avondale – Assisting growing communities with probate issues, from property transfers to guardianship concerns.
• Surprise – Offering counsel for estates that involve retirement communities, multiple beneficiaries, and real estate holdings.
• Goodyear – Providing trusted probate representation for families managing high-value estates, investment properties, and fiduciary obligations.

No matter where you are in Glendale, the West Valley, or beyond, our team is here to provide reliable probate services tailored to your situation.

FAQs About Probate In Glendale, Arizona

1. What Is Probate, And When Is It Required In Arizona?

Probate is the legal process in which the court oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s estate, payment of debts, and transfer of assets to rightful heirs or beneficiaries. In Arizona, probate is generally required if the estate includes:

• More than $75,000 in personal property (such as bank accounts, stocks, or vehicles), or
• More than $100,000 in real estate that does not automatically transfer by deed, trust, or survivorship.

Even if probate isn’t required, the estate may still need smaller court procedures like small estate affidavits. A Glendale Probate Attorney can help determine whether probate is necessary in your situation.

2. How Long Does Probate Take In Glendale?

The probate timeline varies depending on the complexity of the estate. In many straightforward cases, the process may take about six months to a year. However, if disputes arise, creditors file claims, or assets are difficult to value, probate may last 18 months or longer.

Having an experienced Arizona probate lawyer manage the process can significantly reduce delays by ensuring filings are accurate and deadlines are met.

3. Can Probate Be Avoided In Arizona?

Yes, in many cases probate can be avoided through proper estate planning. Common probate-avoidance strategies include:

• Joint tenancy with right of survivorship (property automatically transfers to the co-owner)
• Beneficiary deeds (transfer-on-death deeds) for real estate
• Payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts
• Living trusts that hold and manage assets outside of probate

To explore strategies tailored to your family’s needs, consult with a Glendale Probate Attorney.

4. What If There Is No Will?

When someone dies without a will in Arizona, their estate is distributed under intestate succession laws. This means the state decides who inherits, starting with the spouse, then children, parents, and other relatives. This process often causes stress for families and can create disputes among heirs.

Having a will avoids uncertainty, but if your loved one passed away without one, our attorneys can guide you through the intestate probate process. Contact us today for support.

5. Who Manages The Probate Process?

The court appoints a personal representative (also called an executor) to manage the estate. If the deceased had a will, that document usually names the personal representative. If no will exists, or the named individual cannot serve, the court selects one—often a surviving spouse or adult child.

The personal representative is responsible for notifying heirs, paying debts, filing court documents, and distributing assets. Because these duties are complex, many families turn to a Probate Attorney in Glendale for legal guidance.

6. Are Creditors Notified During Probate?

Yes. Arizona law requires that notice of probate be published in a local newspaper to alert creditors. Creditors then have four months from the date of notice to file claims against the estate. The personal representative must review and either approve or deny these claims.

Failing to properly notify creditors can delay probate or create legal liability. Our legal team ensures these notices are handled correctly and on time. Reach out to us if you need assistance managing creditor claims.

7. Can Probate Be Contested?

Yes. Probate disputes can arise for several reasons, including:

• Challenges to the validity of the will (forgery, undue influence, lack of capacity)
• Disagreements over the choice of personal representative
• Conflicts among heirs regarding how assets are divided

Contested probate cases can drag on for years without skilled legal representation. An experienced Glendale Probate Lawyer can protect your interests and work toward a fair resolution.

8. What Taxes Are Owed In Probate?

Arizona does not impose a state inheritance or estate tax. However, estates may still owe:

• Federal estate taxes (for very large estates exceeding federal exemption limits)
• Final income taxes for the deceased
• Taxes on estate-generated income during probate

Even if estate taxes don’t apply, navigating the IRS requirements can be complex. Our probate attorneys work with tax professionals to help families stay compliant and avoid penalties.

9. Do I Need An Attorney For Probate?

While Arizona law does not require you to hire an attorney for probate, having one is highly recommended. Probate involves:

• Strict court filing deadlines
• Complex legal paperwork
• Creditor disputes and potential lawsuits
• Heated family conflicts

Trying to manage probate without guidance can lead to costly mistakes and prolonged stress. A Glendale Probate Attorney can streamline the process, protect your family, and ensure compliance with Arizona law.

10. How Do I Start Probate In Glendale?

Probate begins by filing a petition with the Maricopa County Superior Court. This petition requests the appointment of a personal representative and officially opens the estate. From there, the process includes notifying heirs and creditors, gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing the remainder to beneficiaries.

Our law firm handles every step of this process, from court filings to asset distribution. If you’re ready to begin, contact our probate attorneys today to schedule a consultation.

Get Reliable Probate Services In Glendale Today

If you are facing probate in Glendale, you do not have to navigate the process alone. The attorneys at Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC have decades of combined experience helping individuals, families, and fiduciaries with probate administration, estate litigation, and legal guidance every step of the way.

Our Arizona probate lawyers provide trusted legal services that help you plan, administer, and resolve estate matters with confidence.

Schedule a Consultation Today.