Items to Address When Someone Dies in Arizona

This list is intended as a practical starting point to assist survivors with the steps to consider after a loved one’s death. It is not exhaustive and is not legal advice. Given the complexity of many of these matters, consulting with an Arizona probate/estate attorney, CPA, or financial advisor is strongly recommended.

Note: Phone numbers and addresses were current at the time of publication but may change. Always verify contact information online when possible.

A Moment to Pause

The loss of a loved one is overwhelming. In the middle of grief, you may feel pressure to act quickly or handle everything at once. You do not need to do everything immediately. Take a moment to breathe. Be with your family. Ask for help where you can. Many of the tasks in this guide can wait a few days without causing harm.

In the first day or two, focus only on what is truly necessary:

  • Confirming the death and making initial arrangements
  • Securing the home and property
  • Making sure dependents and pets are cared for

Everything else can follow, step by step. If you need support, you are not alone:

  • Arizona’s 2-1-1 helpline connects you with local services, including grief counseling (dial 2-1-1 or visit az211.gov)
  • AARP Grief & Loss support line: 1-888-677-1116
  • Many hospice organizations offer bereavement support, even if hospice was not used

This guide is here to help you move forward when you are ready, one step at a time.

FIRST 24 TO 72 HOURS

Confirm the Death and Initial Arrangements

  • Confirm the death has been legally pronounced; obtain contact information for the certifying physician, hospice, or medical examiner
  • Locate any written instructions about body disposition: will, health care power of attorney, prepaid funeral contract, or a separate letter of instructions
  • Select and contact a funeral home or cremation provider; confirm arrangements, costs, and required identifying information for the decedent

Secure the Home and Property

  • Lock all doors and windows; consider changing locks if keys were widely held
  • Safeguard valuables, firearms, cash, jewelry, and important papers
  • Document and photograph the condition and contents of the home before distributing anything; keep a written inventory of tangible personal property
  • Make the home appear occupied (timers, lights, alarm system) to deter theft
  • Arrange yard, pool, and property maintenance so the home does not appear abandoned
  • Dispose of perishable food; address any other immediate hazards
  • Keep essential utilities on (electric, water, gas, minimal internet for security systems) to avoid damage and maintain the home’s condition
  • Identify and continue automatic payments (mortgage, HOA fees, insurance premiums) to avoid penalties or lapse

Arrange Care for Dependents and Pets

  • Arrange immediate care for any minor children or dependent adults in the household
  • Arrange immediate care for pets: food, medication, temporary foster or boarding

Organ and Anatomical Donation

  • The decedent may have indicated donation preferences on their driver’s license or in a Medical Power of Attorney
  • Family may authorize organ donation (A.R.S. § 36-843)
  • Contact Donor Network of Arizona: 800-447-9477 or donornetworkaz.org
  • Gift for education or research can be arranged within 24 hours of death through the University of Arizona Willed Body Program: 520-626-6083 (general); 520-694-6000 (24/7 after-death reporting)

Autopsy

  • May be requested in the person’s Medical Power of Attorney, or by a family member
  • Cost can be high and is often not covered by health insurance

THE FIRST WEEK

Notify Family, Friends, and Key Parties

  • Notify close family and friends; consider delegating some notifications
  • Notify the decedent’s employer (or former employer if benefits may still be in play) to stop payroll, address accrued vacation or sick pay, and request information on life insurance, retirement plans, and any final paycheck
  • Notify fraternal organizations, clubs, religious organizations, and professional associations
  • Draft and publish an obituary if desired; avoid including sensitive details (address, travel plans) that could invite scams or theft

Funeral Arrangements

  • Did the decedent have a pre-arranged funeral contract?
    • Locate the burial certificate and determine if a balance is due
    • If the contract cannot be located but you know the funeral home, contact them for a copy
    • If you do not know the funeral home, contact major national funeral companies to search their records
  • If no contract exists, arrange the funeral:
    • You have the right under Arizona law to receive an accurate price quote by telephone (A.R.S. § 32-1375)
    • Compare services carefully — know what is included and what costs extra
    • Embalming is required only if there will be a viewing; not required for cremation or immediate burial
    • The funeral home cannot charge an embalming fee unless you order the service (FTC Rule 453.5)
  • Purchasing a casket:
    • You do not have to purchase a casket from the funeral home — prices vary significantly
    • The funeral home must accept caskets purchased elsewhere and cannot charge a handling fee (FTC Rule 453.4)
  • Cremation:
    • Typically costs approximately one-sixth of a traditional funeral and casket
    • You cannot be required to purchase a casket if choosing cremation
  • Indigent burial:
    • Each county has its own regulations; the Medical Examiner will forward the body to a local home at the established county fee (A.R.S. § 11-600)
  • Out-of-state burial:
    • The funeral home can arrange transport; if cremated, you may transport ashes yourself — bring a certified death certificate and check airline rules in advance
  • Military burial:
    • Available for honorably discharged veterans, their minor children, or spouse
    • Arizona Military Cemeteries: 602-255-3373
    • Arlington National Cemetery: 877-907-8585
    • The VA may reimburse funeral and burial costs: 800-827-1000
  • Problems with a funeral home or cemetery:
    • Funeral homes and crematories regulated by Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Professions — complaints: 602-364-2079 or azdhs.gov
    • Cemeteries: Arizona Attorney General’s Office, 602-542-3702

Order Certified Copies of the Death Certificate

  • The funeral director will order as many copies as requested
  • Order 10-12 certified copies; they are required by:
    • Each insurance company (life, health, etc.)
    • Each financial institution (bank, brokerage, retirement account)
    • The decedent’s pension fund
    • Each credit card company
    • The Internal Revenue Service
    • The Social Security Administration
    • The County Recorder for each county where the decedent owned real property
    • Airlines offering bereavement fares may also require a copy
  • If you need more copies after the services:
    • The funeral director can order more, or contact Arizona Bureau of Vital Records directly: 602-364-1300 or via VitalChek online
    • Maricopa County Vital Registration: 602-506-6805
  • Record the death certificate with the County Recorder in each county where the decedent owned real property (required to clear title)
    • Maricopa County Recorder: 602-506-3535

Locate Estate Planning Documents

  • Search for: will, trust(s), codicils, powers of attorney, living will/advance directive, community property agreements, beneficiary designations, and any letter of specific bequests
  • Also locate: deeds, vehicle titles, life insurance policies, military papers (DD-214), pre-need funeral contract, prior tax returns, safe deposit box keys, and a list of accounts and passwords
  • Confirm whether the decedent had a revocable living trust and whether it was funded (which assets were titled to the trust)
  • Determine who is nominated as personal representative (executor) and any successor trustees

Mail and Communications

  • Arrange for mail forwarding to the Personal Representative or next of kin via USPS
  • Check with the local postmaster if the decedent rented a PO Box
  • Review incoming mail for bills, statements, and assets you may not yet know about
  • Cancel or pause deliveries and services not immediately needed: newspapers, meal delivery, home health services, auto-ship subscriptions

NOTIFYING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND BENEFITS

Social Security Administration

  • Most funeral directors will notify SSA as part of their services
  • To verify or notify directly: 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778) or ssa.gov
  • Have available: decedent’s full legal name, Social Security number, and date of death
  • If the decedent was receiving Social Security:
    • The payment for the month of death must typically be returned (payments cover the prior month)
    • If deposited electronically, notify the bank immediately
  • Potential benefits for survivors:
    • One-time death benefit (currently $255) for eligible surviving spouse or dependent children
    • Surviving spouse may be eligible for ongoing survivor benefits
    • Minor or dependent children may be entitled to benefits
    • Apply at ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213

Veterans Administration (VA)

  • Contact the VA regarding burial benefits, survivor benefits, and any service-connected death benefits: 800-827-1000 or va.gov
  • A DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge) is typically required; locate this document early

Government and Military Pension

  • Post-death pension checks must be returned; notify the bank if deposited electronically
  • Apply for survivor benefits even after notifying the government of the death:
    • Federal civilian employees: Office of Personnel Management, 888-767-6738
    • Military: Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), 888-332-7411
    • Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS): 800-621-3778 or azasrs.gov

Annuity or Company Pension

  • Determine if any checks received after death must be returned
  • Locate the policy or statement before contacting the company
  • Request survivor or beneficiary forms; discuss rollover and distribution options with a financial advisor before taking action, as there may be tax implications

IRA or Qualified Retirement Plan

  • There may be significant tax consequences for withdrawals; consult a CPA or financial advisor before taking any distributions
  • Contact plan administrators to confirm beneficiary designations and required forms

Internal Revenue Service

  • A final federal income tax return must be filed for the year of death (and a final Arizona state return as well)
  • Do not close joint accounts until you confirm whether the decedent is entitled to a refund
  • An estate income tax return (IRS Form 1041) may be required if the estate generates income during administration
  • A federal estate tax return may be required depending on the size of the estate — consult a CPA
  • Obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the estate or trust if one is needed to open an estate bank account or file fiduciary returns (IRS Form SS-4)

Homestead Property Tax Exemption

  • A surviving spouse may be eligible for a property tax exemption (A.R.S. § 42-11111)
  • Eligibility depends on residency and income; use Arizona DOR Form 82514
  • Contact the County Assessor’s Office promptly — application must be made in a timely manner
    • Maricopa County Assessor: 602-506-3406 or mcassessor.maricopa.gov

NOTIFYING BUSINESSES AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Financial Records — Gather First

  • Collect: bank and brokerage statements, retirement plan statements, life insurance policies, annuity contracts, stock certificates, loan documents, credit card statements, property tax bills, and prior tax returns
  • Order a copy of the decedent’s credit report from all three bureaus to identify unknown accounts, debts, and any potential identity theft

Banks and Brokerage Accounts

  • Notify all banks and brokerage firms
  • Do not close or retitle accounts until you understand whether they are estate assets, trust assets, or pass by beneficiary designation (TOD/POD)
  • Do not close joint accounts until you determine if a refund from any source is still pending

Credit Cards

  • Notify all credit card companies of the death
  • Do not cancel cards that have automatic payments attached to them until those payments have been redirected
  • For joint accounts: consider closing the joint account and opening a new one solely in the survivor’s name
  • Authorized users (non-joint cardholders) typically lose access when the primary cardholder dies

Utility and Subscription Services

  • Contact utility companies (electric, gas, water, cable, internet, phone) to transfer or cancel service as appropriate
  • Cancel or transfer recurring subscriptions: streaming services, gym memberships, software, meal delivery, etc.
  • Cancel any prescription refill auto-ships or medical supply deliveries

Insurance Policies

  • Homeowner’s Insurance:
    • Verify the policy remains in force and coverage is sufficient
    • Keep premiums current until the home is transferred or sold
    • Check with the mortgage company to see if the decedent had mortgage life insurance
  • Motor Vehicle Insurance:
    • Determine how long coverage lasts after death; do not allow unauthorized use of vehicles
    • Extend coverage as needed until vehicles are transferred or sold
  • Accidental Death Insurance:
    • If death resulted from an accident, check credit card agreements and organizations like AAA for accidental death coverage
  • Life Insurance:
    • Locate the policy and notify the company promptly; file claims with a certified death certificate
    • Send required documents via a service that provides tracking and requires a signature
    • If you cannot locate the policy, use the free NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator Service at naic.org or via the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI)
      • Arizona DIFI: 602-364-3100 or 800-325-2548
  • Health Insurance:
    • Verify coverage for any treatment received before death
    • If the decedent was on Medicare: 800-633-4227 or medicare.gov
    • If the survivor was covered under the decedent’s employer plan, elect COBRA continuation coverage promptly — typically within 60 days of the qualifying event

Update Beneficiary Designations

  • If the decedent was the sole named beneficiary on any of the following, a new beneficiary should be named promptly:
    • Life insurance policies
    • Will or trust documents
    • Bank or securities accounts (TOD/POD designations)
    • Pension or retirement plans — some plans require election of a new beneficiary within 30 days of the prior beneficiary’s death

Creditors

  • If probate is required, the Personal Representative will notify creditors through the formal court process
  • If no probate is required, next of kin can notify creditors directly
  • In general, debts are paid from estate assets before distributions are made to heirs; do not distribute assets prematurely until you are confident all debts, taxes, and expenses can be paid

ESTATE AND LEGAL MATTERS

How Each Asset Passes — Understanding the Basics

  • Assets pass in one of four ways; it is important to understand which applies to each asset:
    • By beneficiary designation: retirement accounts, life insurance, POD/TOD bank accounts — these pass directly to the named beneficiary and do not go through probate
    • By survivorship: jointly owned property with right of survivorship or community property with right of survivorship transfers automatically to the surviving owner
    • By trust: assets titled in a living trust are distributed by the trustee according to the trust document, outside of probate
    • By probate: assets titled solely in the decedent’s name without a named beneficiary may have to pass through some form of probate to be distributed

Community Property Considerations

  • Arizona is a community property state; property acquired during marriage is generally owned equally by both spouses
  • Community property with right of survivorship transfers automatically to the surviving spouse without probate
  • Consult an attorney to confirm how real property and financial accounts were titled, as this determines how they pass

Beneficiary Deed

  • If the decedent recorded an Arizona beneficiary deed (also called a revocable transfer-on-death deed), real property may transfer to the named beneficiary automatically upon recording a certified death certificate with the County Recorder
  • No probate is required for property covered by a properly executed and recorded beneficiary deed

DIGITAL ASSETS AND ONLINE ACCOUNTS

Digital assets are a critical and often overlooked area. The decedent may have significant financial or sentimental assets stored online.

  • Secure devices (phones, tablets, computers) and change passwords where authorized and appropriate
  • Locate account credentials: check the decedent’s computer, phone, and any password manager
  • Inventory all digital assets, which may include:
    • Online banking, brokerage, and payment accounts (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle)
    • Cryptocurrency wallets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) — these can have significant financial value and may be permanently lost without private keys or seed phrases; search the decedent’s records immediately
    • Email accounts
    • Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn)
    • Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive)
    • Digital photo libraries
    • Domain names and websites
    • Online subscriptions and rewards/loyalty points (airline miles, hotel points)
    • Intellectual property such as blogs or digital creative works
  • Arizona’s Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (A.R.S. § 14-13101 et seq.) gives a Personal Representative or trustee legal authority to access digital assets
  • Social media platform policies for deceased users:
    • Facebook/Instagram: request memorialization or removal at facebook.com/help
    • Google: use the Inactive Account Manager or submit a request at support.google.com
    • Apple: submit a Digital Legacy request at appleid.apple.com
    • X (Twitter): verified family members may request account deactivation
  • Important: Online tools the decedent completed during life (e.g., Facebook’s Legacy Contact designation) may override estate planning documents under Arizona’s Digital Assets Act

IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION

  • Notify the three major credit bureaus of the death to place a deceased alert and prevent new credit from being opened in the decedent’s name:
    • Equifax: 800-685-1111 or equifax.com
    • Experian: 888-397-3742 or experian.com
    • TransUnion: 800-888-4213 or transunion.com
  • Order a copy of the decedent’s credit report from each bureau to identify unknown accounts or suspicious activity; monitor for several months
  • Notify Arizona MVD to cancel the decedent’s driver’s license
  • Cancel the decedent’s U.S. passport to prevent fraudulent use; contact the U.S. State Department
  • Cancel voter registration: contact the County Recorder’s office with a certified copy of the death certificate
    • Maricopa County: 602-506-1511 or VoterInfo@maricopa.gov

IDENTIFYING ASSETS OF THE DECEASED

After a death it is not always easy to determine what the decedent owned or owed. Consider the following:

  • Check the decedent’s computer, phone, and tablet for financial account information
  • Check the decedent’s business records and checkbook; IRS Form 1099s will help identify out-of-state or lesser-known accounts
  • Check the decedent’s keys — if a key cannot be identified, a locksmith may help identify the lock type
  • Check the mail and arrange forwarding to the Personal Representative or next of kin
  • Review prior tax returns (IRS: 800-829-3676; Arizona Department of Revenue: 602-542-4260)
  • Check for lost or abandoned property held by the State of Arizona at azunclaimed.gov or call 602-364-0380
  • Safe deposit boxes: contact the decedent’s banks; the Personal Representative or surviving spouse may need Letters Testamentary or a court order to access
  • Compile a full written inventory of all tangible personal property and financial assets; this is required for probate and trust administration and is useful for insurance purposes

VEHICLE AND REAL PROPERTY TRANSFERS

  • Vehicle titles: contact Arizona MVD — some vehicles may be transferred via affidavit; others require probate or trust documentation (servicearizona.com or 602-255-0072)
  • Real property: a deed transfer, small estate affidavit, or probate proceeding may be required depending on how title was held
  • Beneficiary deeds (if recorded): property transfers upon filing a certified death certificate with the County Recorder — no probate required
  • Confirm property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and mortgage payments remain current while the estate is being administered

TAXES AND FINAL ACCOUNTING

  • Track all income received and expenses paid after the date of death; maintain organized records for the estate or trust
  • File the decedent’s final federal and Arizona state income tax returns
  • File any required fiduciary income tax returns for the estate or trust (Form 1041)
  • Determine whether a federal or Arizona estate tax return is required (consult a CPA)
  • Confirm that property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, auto insurance, and other critical obligations are current throughout the period of estate administration
  • Before closing the estate or trust, prepare a final accounting (formal or informal as appropriate) showing all receipts, disbursements, and proposed distributions

DISTRIBUTIONS AND WRAP-UP

  • Do not distribute assets early unless you are confident all debts, taxes, and expenses can be paid; consider documented interim distributions if appropriate
  • Transfer or retitle assets to beneficiaries according to the will, trust, or Arizona intestacy statutes if there is no will
  • For probate estates: file a closing statement or petition to close and discharge the Personal Representative once administration is complete
  • Encourage the surviving spouse and other beneficiaries to update their own estate plans — will, trust, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations — to reflect new circumstances