Estate plan requirements
Arizona
Everything you need to create a valid estate plan in Arizona: wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Will
2W
Trust
—
POA
1W + N
Healthcare Dir.
1W
E-will
Adopted
Since 2019
Online notary (RON)
Authorized
Since 2020
Remote witnessing (ROW)
All docs
Since 2019
Community property
Yes
Minimum age
18
Will
Witnesses: 2 required
Two witnesses must sign within reasonable time after witnessing testator's signing or acknowledgment
Notarization: Recommended
Not legally required, but recommended for self-proving affidavit
Holographic will: Valid
Handwritten wills without witnesses are recognized in Arizona
Self-proving affidavit: Available
Allows the will to be admitted to probate without witness testimony
Living Trust
Witnesses: None required
No formal execution requirements beyond settlor signature; notarization strongly recommended when funding real property
Notarization: Recommended
Not legally required for the trust document, but needed to transfer real property
Durable Power of Attorney
Witnesses: 1 required
Arizona requires 1 witness for power of attorney execution
Notarization: Required
Notarization is required for a valid durable power of attorney
State-specific notes
Healthcare Directive
Witnesses: 1 required
Arizona requires 1 witness for healthcare directive execution
Notarization: Not required
Notarization is not required but may be accepted
Alternative to witnesses: Notary acknowledgment
A notary public may be used in lieu of a witness
State-specific notes
Community property
Arizona is a community property state. Assets acquired during marriage are jointly owned by both spouses. This affects all four estate planning documents.
Married couples should consider how community property rules interact with their will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive to ensure consistent coverage.
Electronic will status
Arizona has adopted electronic will legislation (2019). You may be able to create, sign, and witness a will electronically using approved methods.
Remote online notarization
Arizona authorized remote online notarization (RON) in 2020. You can have your estate planning documents notarized via live video call with an approved notary, without an in-person appointment.
Remote online witnessing
Arizona authorized remote online witnessing (ROW) in 2019. Witnesses can observe your signing via live video call for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
This information is general in nature and not legal advice. Laws change. Consult a licensed estate planning attorney in Arizona for guidance specific to your situation.