AZ · Will Requirements
Will Requirements in Arizona (2026)
A will in Arizona requires 2 witnesses and does not require notarization. You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. Arizona accepts handwritten (holographic) wills, and electronic wills are valid here. A self-proving affidavit is available: your witnesses sign a sworn statement before a notary, and the will can then be admitted to probate without them appearing in court. Will execution is governed by Ariz. Rev. Stat. §14-2502.
Here's what Arizona says you need to make your last wishes actually count. Spoiler: it's not as bad as you think.
What does a valid will in Arizona require?
| Requirement | Arizona rule |
|---|---|
| Witnesses required | 2 |
| Notarization | Not required |
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | Recognized |
| Electronic wills | Recognized |
| Self-proving affidavit | Available |
| Governing statute | Ariz. Rev. Stat. §14-2502 |
| Probate threshold | $75,000 |
| Property system | Community property |
| State estate tax | No |
| State inheritance tax | No |
How do you make a will legally valid in Arizona?
- Be at least 18 and of sound mind.
- Put it in writing and sign it yourself.
- Have 2 witnesses watch you sign, then have them sign the will too. Don't pick someone who inherits under it.
- A notary isn't required in Arizona, but one is worth finding anyway.
- Attach a self-proving affidavit so your witnesses never have to show up in probate court.
So you’ve decided to finally write a will in Arizona. Congratulations on acknowledging your own mortality. Most people can’t even manage that. Here’s what AZ law requires to make sure your last wishes actually hold up in court instead of becoming an expensive piece of creative writing.
The basic requirements
Arizona requires 2 witnesses to make your will valid. Good news: Arizona doesn’t require a notary for your will, though getting one makes it self-proving and saves your executor a headache later. You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind, though if you’ve been putting this off for years, the “sound mind” part is debatable.
Arizona supports self-proving affidavits, which means if you get your witnesses to sign a sworn statement with a notary, they won’t have to show up in court later to confirm they watched you sign. Future-you’s executor will thank present-you.
Handwritten and electronic wills
Arizona does accept holographic (handwritten) wills, so technically you could scribble your wishes on a napkin. We don’t recommend it, but you do you. Arizona is one of the forward-thinking states that accepts electronic wills. Welcome to the future of death planning.
What Arizona law says about your stuff
As a community property state, your spouse already owns half of everything acquired during the marriage. Your will covers your half and any separate property. Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. §14-2502, if you die without a will in Arizona, your assets get distributed according to intestacy laws, basically, the state’s default settings for dead people. These defaults rarely match what anyone actually wants.
The bottom line
A valid will in Arizona isn’t complicated, but it does need to follow the rules. 2 witnesses, your signature, and a clear head. Skip any of these and you might as well not bother, your family will be stuck in probate court arguing about who gets the good china while lawyers bill $300 an hour to watch.
Special note for Arizona: Community property state
How much does a will cost in Arizona?
An attorney in Arizona averages $900 (range $600-1800). Killswitch charges $69, once, with no subscription.
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What else do people ask about wills in Arizona?
How many witnesses do I need for a will in Arizona?
Arizona requires 2 witnesses for a valid will. They need to be competent adults who watch you sign and then sign the will themselves. Pro tip: don't pick someone who's inheriting, that's a conflict of interest that could invalidate their share.
Does Arizona require a notary for wills?
No, Arizona doesn't require a notary for your will to be valid. However, getting a notarized self-proving affidavit means your witnesses won't have to testify in court later, worth the extra step.
Are handwritten wills valid in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills. They still need to be entirely in your handwriting and signed by you. No witnesses technically required for holographic wills, but a typed and witnessed will is much harder to contest.
What is the minimum age to make a will in Arizona?
You must be at least 18 years old to make a will in Arizona. If you're 18 and already thinking about your will, you're either incredibly responsible or having a really rough week.
Can I make an electronic will in Arizona?
Yes! Arizona recognizes electronic wills, so you can create, sign, and witness your will digitally. Welcome to the 21st century of death planning.
What other Arizona documents do you need?
Do you need a Arizona power of attorney?
Arizona POAs are durable by default. Notarization required.
What does estate planning in Arizona cover?
Everything AZ residents need to know about estate planning, without the lawyer-speak or the $900 attorney bill.
Do you need a Arizona healthcare directive?
Arizona requires 1 witness for healthcare directives. Notarization is required.
How do the rules compare in nearby states?
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Look, we're not lawyers (we're way more fun at parties). This is educational content about Arizona laws, not legal advice. If your situation is complicated (and let's be honest, whose isn't), talk to an actual attorney. We just make the paperwork less painful.
