Arizona Law · A.R.S. § 14-3706
The 90-Day Inventory Deadline: What Arizona Personal Representatives Must Know
A.R.S. § 14-3706 gives personal representatives exactly 90 days from appointment to deliver the Inventory and Appraisement. Here’s what that means in practice — and how to meet the deadline without the stress.
The 90-Day Rule: What the Statute Actually Requires
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 14-3706, a personal representative must prepare a complete inventory of all property owned by the decedent at the time of death within 90 days of appointment. The inventory must include:
- A listing of all property with reasonable detail
- The fair market value of each item as of the date of the decedent’s death
- Designation of each item as community or separate property
- The type and amount of any encumbrances (liens, mortgages) on each item
The 90-day clock starts from your official appointment date — not from the date of death and not from when you receive Letters Testamentary.
Court Filing vs. Direct Delivery: Your Two Options
Many personal representatives don’t realize they have a choice. Under A.R.S. § 14-3706(B), you may either:
- File the inventory with the Maricopa County Superior Court and notify interested persons that they may request a copy; or
- Skip the court filing entirely and mail copies directly to each heir (intestate) or each devisee named in the will, plus any other interested persons who request a copy.
In many uncomplicated, uncontested estates, the direct delivery approach is simpler, faster, and less expensive. Ask your attorney which approach is right for your estate — or contact us for a free consultation.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the 90-day deadline exposes the personal representative to potential liability. Interested persons — heirs, devisees, creditors — may petition the court to compel the filing or to remove the personal representative for failing to fulfill fiduciary duties. In supervised administrations, the court may impose sanctions.
The best protection: engage a personal property professional within the first 2–3 weeks of appointment. This gives adequate time for a thorough room-by-room inventory without working against the clock.
How We Help Meet the Deadline
At Unbiased Options, we specialize in meeting the 90-day deadline for personal representatives throughout Maricopa County. Our process includes:
- On-site or virtual initial walkthrough within days of engagement
- Room-by-room photography and video documentation
- Itemized inventory with fair market values as of the date of death
- Community vs. separate property designation on all items
- Professional PDF documentation ready for attorney review and delivery to heirs
We bill hourly with full transparency — you pay only for the time your estate requires.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re managing an Arizona probate estate or preparing a property for sale from out of state, we’re ready to help. Free consultations. No obligation.