Create Your Will Online in Arizona—Here’s How
Are you an Arizona resident looking to create a will? Thanks to Arizona law, you can create your will online quickly and affordably. Taking the time to establish a will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. This guide covers everything you need to know about making an online will in Arizona, including legal requirements, costs, and signing procedures.
Are Online Wills Valid in Arizona? Requirements & Processes
Yes, Arizona recognizes both traditional wills and electronic wills (eWills). This means you can create, sign, and store a legally valid will online—as long as you follow the state’s legal requirements.
What are Arizona’s legal requirements for wills and online wills?
To be valid in Arizona, a will must satisfy these requirements:
Be in writing (digital format is allowed for eWills)
Be created by someone at least 18 years old and of sound mind
Be signed by the Testator (the person making the will)
Be signed by two witnesses who are physically present
For an eWill to be valid, additional steps apply:
It must be stored as a digital record
It must be signed electronically by the testator and two witnesses
It must be stored with a qualified custodian*
It must include the date of each signature
*A qualified custodian is someone who lives in Arizona and is a registered resident. They can also be an incorporated business. The custodian maintains an electronic records system to store eWills and the recording of the notarization session.
How Much Does a Will Cost in Arizona?
If you choose to work with an attorney, the cost of creating a will can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1,000 or more. The complexity of your estate and your attorney’s fee structure will factor into the total cost.
Alternatively, you can create a will online at a fraction of the cost. Trust & Will’s Will Plan starts at just $199. The plan includes additional critical documents such as Power of Attorney, Living Will, and HIPAA Authorization, all at a transparent flat price.
Can I Write My Own Will in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona law allows you to write your own will (also known as a holographic will).
However, this can lead to legal challenges if your will is unclear or incomplete. To ensure your will is legally sound, using a trusted online estate planning service is a safer choice.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Will in Arizona?
No, you do not need a lawyer to make a will in Arizona. Generally speaking, Grand Canyon State laws do not require you to hire a lawyer to create a valid will. However, you may want to consult an estate planning professional for advice if you have a large estate or special conditions that you wish to meet.
How to Create and Sign an Online Will in Arizona: Step-by-Step Overview
Creating an online Will is a simple process:
Choose a reliable online estate planning platform
Draft your will based on your assets, beneficiaries, and final wishes
Review and finalize your will
Sign your will in the presence of two witnesses (can be electronic for eWills)
Get your will notarized (optional but recommended) to make it “self-proving”
Store your will securely, especially if it is an eWill (must be stored with a qualified custodian)
*For eWills, Arizona statutes require that you provide your electronic record and notary session recording to a qualified custodian.
Do Wills in Arizona Need to be Notarized?
No, notarization is not required, but it is recommended. A notarized will is considered “self-proving,” which helps streamline the probate process. Regardless, your will must be signed by two witnesses to be valid in Arizona.
Who Can Witness a Will in Arizona? Legal Requirements
Your witnesses must:
Be at least 18 years old
Be mentally competent
Not be beneficiaries of your will (unless it is self-proving)
To avoid conflicts of interest, it’s best to choose neutral third parties as witnesses.
What Can I Include in an Online Will in Arizona?
Your will can specify:
Who inherits your assets
Guardianship for minor children
An executor to handle your estate
Your final wishes for burial or cremation
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an Online Will in Arizona
Creating an online Will is simple, but small errors can cause big problems. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping witnesses: Arizona law requires two witnesses to be physically present when you sign your Will. Forgetting this step can invalidate your document.
Choosing a beneficiary as a witness: If your witness is also named in your Will, they could lose their inheritance. Always choose disinterested witnesses.
Not making your Will self-proving: While optional, notarizing your Will can simplify probate and help avoid delays.
Using vague or inconsistent language: Your instructions should be clear and specific. Ambiguity can lead to confusion or disputes during probate.
Forgetting to store your Will securely: For an eWill to be valid, it must be stored by a qualified custodian. Even for traditional Wills, secure storage is essential.
Not updating your Will: Life changes—like marriage, divorce, or having children—should prompt a review of your Will to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
Create Your Online Will in Arizona Today
Arizona makes it easy to create a legally valid online Will. Whether you choose a traditional online will or an electronic will, following state requirements ensures your wishes are honored.
With Trust & Will, you can create a state-specific Will from the comfort of your home in minutes. Get started today!
At Trust & Will, we’re here to help keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement options today!
Is there a question here we didn’t answer? Browse more topics in our learn center, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, or chat with our member support!
Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.
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