Most people have some kind of debt, whether it\u2019s from a credit card, a car loan, or a mortgage. When someone passes on, their estate must pay for those debts if creditors file a claim to get their money. The personal representative<\/a> (executor) must address beneficiaries\u2019 rights and creditor claims when they administer the estate. According to Arizona law, they must give all known creditors notice of the deadline for filing claims against the estate.<\/p>\n The claimant (person owed a debt) may begin a proceeding to obtain payment from the estate but must do so within the limited period of time they are given. If you had a claim pending against the decedent at the time of their death, you don\u2019t need to present the claim again. Once an estate is closed, the probate court\u2019s decisions are final in most cases.<\/p>\n Under Arizona law, an estate\u2019s personal representative must send a written notice to all known creditors of the estate. It should mention that the decedent has died, the representative will be handling the estate\u2019s affairs, and that probate has been opened. The representative must also publish a notice in \u201ca newspaper of general circulation\u201d in the relevant area, giving unknown or potential creditors four months to present their claims.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If creditors don\u2019t submit their claims within that time period (which starts at the date of the notice\u2019s first publication), they are forever barred from filing a claim. If you received mailed notice of the decedent\u2019s death, you can make a claim within 60 days, even if the 4-month period already passed.<\/p>\n Filing a claim in probate court doesn\u2019t always lead to receiving compensation, but it notifies the estate representative and court about the debt. After you submit your claim, the court will review the debt and decide whether the estate can cover the requested amount. It\u2019s imperative that you file the claim soon (ideally after consulting an attorney), so you don\u2019t miss the deadline. Here are the steps:<\/p>\n After giving notice, the estate representative must gather, inventory, and manage the assets<\/a> in the estate. They can only distribute them to the decedent\u2019s beneficiaries after debts have been paid.<\/p>\n In most cases, creditors must be paid before beneficiaries of the estate. If the estate\u2019s assets aren\u2019t enough to cover all creditors\u2019 claims, Arizona law dictates the order of priority as follows:<\/p>\n The rules and regulations surrounding probate can be complicated, especially when it\u2019s a large or complex estate<\/a>. Creditors have a right to receive compensation for their claims against an estate, but they still must adhere to the deadline and rules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Being knowledgeable about probate and how creditor claims work will increase your odds of successfully collecting compensation. If you have any questions related to filing a claim against an estate or deadlines for filing, it may be helpful to speak with a probate attorney.<\/p>\n Here are some of the most common queries regarding the probate process:<\/p>\n Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone has passed on and ensures that its assets are correctly distributed and that taxes and debts are taken care of. The personal representative of the estate must notify heirs and creditors of the decedent\u2019s passing and the probate process being opened. Depending on the estate in question, it can take a few short months or quite a bit longer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unless there are objections to the representative\u2019s actions or contests to the decedent\u2019s will<\/a>, an estate can settle in as little as 4 months. However, most probate proceedings in Arizona last 6 to 8 months. When contests to the will or disputes arise, court supervision may be required to settle the estate. Depending on how active of a role the court must play in the probate process, proceedings can take a year or more.<\/p>\n The personal representative of an estate must take care of the decedent\u2019s affairs by notifying necessary parties of the death and probate, collecting assets, reviewing and approving or disputing creditor claims, and distributing or selling estate property.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that once a probate case has been closed, the details of the proceedings are usually conclusive. While this article provided general information, every claim is unique. Since you have a limited time to file a claim against an estate, it\u2019s important that you act quickly. If you need help handling the probate court or more information on the state laws regarding this topic, speak with a probate attorney<\/a> as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to Keep in Mind About Claims Against an Estate<\/h4>\n
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Executors Must Notice Potential Creditors Upon Death<\/h4>\n
Steps for Filing a Claim Against a Deceased Person\u2019s Estate<\/h4>\n
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Estate Claim Priority<\/h4>\n
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How Working With an Attorney Can Help<\/h4>\n
Frequently Asked Questions on Probate<\/h4>\n
Q: Why is the probate process necessary?<\/h4>\n
Q: How long will the probate process take?<\/h4>\n
Q: What are the personal representative\u2019s responsibilities in settling an estate?<\/h4>\n
What to Do if You Need Help<\/h4>\n