Heir Claims in Arizona: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

When someone dies in Arizona, they may leave behind unclaimed money or property they never collected. This can include forgotten bank accounts, utility refunds, old paychecks, insurance proceeds, or stock dividends. In Arizona, these assets are usually handled through the state unclaimed property system, and certain heirs can often claim them.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how heir claims for unclaimed assets in Arizona usually work. It is informational only and not an official government site, application portal, or legal service. For actual claims, you will need to work through official Arizona state offices, courts, or licensed professionals.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Arizona?

In Arizona, unclaimed assets (also called unclaimed property) are typically money or property that belongs to someone but has been inactive for a set period of time. When a business or financial institution cannot find the owner, they may be required by law to turn the property over to the State of Arizona.

Common types of unclaimed property include:

• Bank accounts and credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor refunds, etc.)
• Utility or phone company deposits and refunds
• Insurance policy benefits or refunds
• Stocks, mutual funds, or dividends
• Safe deposit box contents (eventually sold and held as cash)
• Gift card balances in certain situations

When the original owner dies, heirs or the estate may be able to claim these assets.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Assets as an Heir in Arizona?

Arizona typically allows the following people to pursue heir claims for unclaimed property belonging to a deceased person:

• A surviving spouse
• Children (biological, adopted, sometimes stepchildren depending on the situation)
• Parents of the deceased
• Siblings or other close relatives
• A court-appointed personal representative (executor or administrator of the estate)
• An attorney or authorized agent acting for the estate or an heir

Exactly who has priority and what proof is required often depends on:

• Whether the deceased had a will
• Whether a probate estate has been opened
• The value of the unclaimed assets
• The family relationship between the claimant and the deceased

If there is any disagreement among relatives or the estate is complicated, Arizona families often consult with a probate attorney for guidance.

Step 1: Confirm the Person Has Unclaimed Property in Arizona

Before you gather documents, it helps to confirm whether your deceased relative has any unclaimed property listed with the state.

In Arizona, this usually involves:

1. Going to the official Arizona unclaimed property website or state treasury/unclaimed property division online.
2. Searching by:
   • The deceased person’s full legal name
   • Possible previous names (maiden name, name before marriage, etc.)
   • Last known city or address in Arizona

If you do not have online access, you can usually:

• Call the Arizona unclaimed property office (through the state treasury or similar department).
• Ask for information about how to search and how to request claim forms by mail.

If something appears under your relative’s name, write down or print:

• The property ID or claim number
• The reported owner name and address
• The holding company’s name (bank, insurance company, etc.) if listed

This information is often needed when you submit your claim as an heir.

Step 2: Understand Which Type of Heir Claim You Need

The paperwork for an heir claim in Arizona can differ based on the size of the property and the status of the estate.

Common scenarios include:

1. Estate Is in Probate (There Is a Personal Representative)

If a probate case has been opened in Arizona and the court has appointed a personal representative (also called an executor or administrator):

• The personal representative usually has the main authority to claim unclaimed property for the estate.
• He or she may need to list the unclaimed property as an asset of the estate.

In this situation, individual heirs often cannot claim directly. Instead, the estate claims the property, and then the property is distributed to heirs through the probate process.

2. Small Estate Without Full Probate

If the value of all estate property is relatively small and no formal probate has been opened, Arizona law often allows heirs to use:

• A small estate affidavit (sometimes called an “affidavit for collection of personal property”).

For some unclaimed property claims, the state may accept this kind of sworn statement from an heir instead of requiring full probate.

3. No Probate and Higher-Value Estate

If the estate assets are larger and no probate has been opened:

• Arizona may require a probate case to be opened
• The court may need to appoint a personal representative
• Only then can that representative claim larger amounts of unclaimed property

Because rules can change and thresholds can differ, it is usually best to:

• Contact the Arizona unclaimed property office and ask which claim form fits your situation.
• Consider talking with an Arizona probate attorney if the amount is large or multiple heirs are involved.

Step 3: Gather the Right Documents for an Heir Claim

To prove that you are entitled to claim unclaimed assets for a deceased relative in Arizona, you will usually need to show:

A. Proof the Owner Has Died

Common documents:

• Certified death certificate for the deceased
• Obituary or other supporting documents (sometimes requested)

B. Proof of Your Relationship to the Deceased

Depending on your relationship, examples include:

• Birth certificate (to show parent–child relationship)
• Marriage certificate (for a surviving spouse)
• Adoption records (if applicable)
• Family records or court documents if the relationship is more complex

C. Estate Documents (If Applicable)

If the estate went through probate or is in progress, you might need:

• Letters of Appointment or Letters Testamentary showing you are the court-appointed personal representative
• A copy of the will (if there is one)
• Court orders about distribution of property

D. ID and Contact Information

Most claim forms request:

• A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Your Social Security number (or other taxpayer ID)
• Your current mailing address and phone number

E. Claim-Specific Forms

The Arizona unclaimed property office usually provides claim forms specifically for:

• Individual owner claims
• Heir / beneficiary claims
• Estate / business claims

Make sure you use the correct form and follow the instructions carefully.

Quick Reference: Common Documents for Arizona Heir Claims

*Exact requirements can vary. The Arizona unclaimed property office’s forms and instructions are the official guide.

Step 4: File the Heir Claim Through Official Arizona Channels

How you submit your claim usually depends on the Arizona unclaimed property office’s current process. Common options include:

• Online filing through the state’s official unclaimed property portal
• Mailing a completed claim form with copies (or sometimes originals) of required documents
• In-person visits to the Arizona treasury or unclaimed property office, if they offer walk-in services

Typical steps:

1. Obtain the correct claim form

   • Look for a form labeled “Heir/Beneficiary Claim”, “Estate Claim”, or similar.
   • If unsure, call the state unclaimed property office directly and ask which form fits your situation.

2. Fill out the form completely

   • Include:
     • The deceased person’s full name and last known address
     • The property ID or claim number
     • Your name, relationship, and contact information
   • Answer any questions about probate status or other heirs.

3. Attach all required documents

   • Follow the checklist on the form or in the instructions.
   • Some documents may need to be notarized.

4. Submit the claim

   • If mailing, use a trackable mail service if you want confirmation of delivery.
   • Keep copies of everything you send.

Because this is a state-run process, HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or process your claim. All claims must go through official Arizona state channels.

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim?

After you submit your claim, the Arizona unclaimed property office generally:

1. Acknowledges receipt

   • You may get a letter, email, or online status update confirming that your claim was received.

2. Reviews your documents

   • Staff verify:
     • Your identity
     • The death of the original owner
     • Your legal right to claim (relationship or estate authority)
     • Any probate or small estate documents

3. Requests additional information if needed

   • If something is missing or unclear, they may send a request for more documentation or clarification.

4. Approves or denies the claim

   • If approved, you usually receive:
     • A check issued to you or to the estate
     • Occasionally, other instructions if the property is more complex (e.g., stocks)
   • If denied, they typically provide a reason and may explain what could fix the issue, if anything.

Typical Timelines

Processing times can vary based on:

• The volume of claims being handled
• Complexity (number of heirs, probate issues, etc.)
• How complete your documentation is

It is common for heir claims to take several weeks or longer. You can usually call the Arizona unclaimed property office or check the official online portal (if available) to see if there is a way to confirm status.

Common Reasons Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied in Arizona

Understanding common problems can help you avoid delays:

• Missing death certificate or using an unofficial copy
• No proof of relationship (for example, a claim from “a cousin” with no supporting documents)
• Name mismatches (maiden names, spelling errors, different last names) without documents tying them together
• Wrong form type (using an individual form when an estate or heir form is required)
• Probate needed but not opened for larger amounts
• Conflicts between multiple heirs about who should receive the funds
• Unsigned or unnotarized affidavits when notarization is required

If your claim is denied:

• Review the denial letter carefully.
• Call the Arizona unclaimed property office to ask what specific additional steps might fix the problem, if any.
• For complex situations or disputes, many people consult with an Arizona probate or estate attorney.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

Arizona may allow you to:

• Submit additional documents if your claim was denied for missing or incomplete information.
• Request a review or reconsideration if you believe the decision was based on incorrect information.

The process is not always formalized like a court appeal, but you can usually:

1. Contact the Arizona unclaimed property office and ask how to challenge or correct a decision.
2. Provide written explanations and any new documents that address the reason for denial.

If the disagreement is about who the rightful heir is, that might need to be settled through:

• Probate court, or
• A separate legal proceeding to determine heirship or interpret a will.

State staff cannot give you legal advice, so if you are unsure about your rights, you may want to speak with an attorney.

If You Do Not Qualify as an Heir

If the Arizona unclaimed property office determines that you are not a legal heir or authorized representative, you will typically not be able to claim the property.

Possible next steps:

• Talk with other family members who may have a closer legal relationship (for example, a surviving spouse, child, or parent).
• Encourage a valid heir or the personal representative of the estate to file the claim instead.
• If you believe you are an heir but cannot prove it with documents, you may need to explore court options (for example, establishing heirship in probate court) with help from an attorney.

Verifying You Are Using Official Arizona Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money is involved, scams do appear from time to time. To protect yourself:

• ✅ Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails

  • Be wary of people who say they can get you unclaimed money for a fee, especially if they contacted you first.

• ✅ Confirm you are dealing with a government office

  • Look for contact information that clearly identifies the State of Arizona (such as the state treasury or department of revenue).
  • When in doubt, you can:
    • Call the main state government information line.
    • Ask to be transferred to the unclaimed property division.

• ✅ Do not send full personal information to unclear websites

  • Official state websites usually end in “.gov.”
  • If you are not sure, you can call the state’s unclaimed property office and ask how to verify the correct online portal.

• ✅ Know that you do not have to pay the state to claim your own property

  • Arizona may require notarization or document costs, but the state itself typically does not charge a percentage to release your unclaimed property.

Some people choose to hire a “finder” or “heir locator” service, but this is optional. If you consider this, research the company carefully, read contracts closely, and understand you may be able to file directly with the state without paying a fee.

When to Consider Legal or Professional Help

While many small heir claims in Arizona can be handled directly through the state unclaimed property office, extra help may be useful when:

• The amount is large
• There are multiple heirs with disagreements
• The deceased had complex assets (stocks, businesses, out-of-state property)
• You are unsure how to handle probate or small estate procedures
• Your claim has been denied and you believe it is incorrect

People in Arizona often turn to:

• An Arizona-licensed probate or estate attorney
• Legal aid organizations, if they meet income or eligibility guidelines
• General legal referral services offered by state or local bar associations

These professionals are separate from HowToGetAssistance.org and the state. They can help you understand your rights and what legal steps fit your situation.

Key Takeaways for Arizona Heir Claims

• Unclaimed assets in Arizona are usually held by a state unclaimed property office after businesses turn over abandoned funds.
• Heirs and estates can claim these funds with the right forms and documentation.
• You will generally need:
  • A death certificate
  • Proof of your relationship to the deceased
  • Estate documents if probate is involved
  • A completed heir/estate claim form from the Arizona unclaimed property office
• Claims must be filed through official Arizona government channels, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Delays often come from missing documents, name mismatches, or probate-related issues.
• If you run into difficulties or disputes, you can contact the Arizona unclaimed property office for procedure questions and consider speaking with a probate attorney for legal guidance.

By following the steps above and working with the appropriate Arizona offices, many families are able to successfully claim unclaimed assets that belonged to a deceased relative.