---
title: Will Requirements in Arizona (2026)
state: Arizona
state_abbreviation: AZ
document_type: Will Requirements
updated: '2026-08-26T19:40:01Z'
reading_time: 2 min read
url: https://killswitch.rip/states/arizona/will
requirements:
  witnesses: 2
  minimum_age: 18
  special_rules: Community property state
  notary_required: false
  electronic_allowed: true
  holographic_allowed: true
  self_proving_affidavit: true
laws:
  estate_tax: false
  inheritance_tax: false
  primary_statute: Ariz. Rev. Stat. §14-2502
  probate_threshold: 75000
  community_property: true
costs:
  diy_range: 39-99
  attorney_range: 600-1800
  attorney_average: 900
  killswitch_price: 69
  probate_cost_percentage: 3
---

# Will Requirements in Arizona (2026)

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


## Frequently Asked Questions

### 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.