How to Make a Valid Will in Arizona
What Arizona law requires for a valid will: age, signing, witnesses, handwritten wills and self-proving affidavits.
Short answer: Anyone 18 or older who is of sound mind may make a will. A paper will must be in writing, signed by the will-maker (or by another person in the will-maker's name, in their conscious presence and at their direction), and signed by at least two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable… A.R.S. §§ 14-2501, 14-2502
| Requirements for a valid will | Anyone 18 or older who is of sound mind may make a will. A paper will must be in writing, signed by the will-maker (or by another person in the will-maker's name, in their conscious presence and at their direction), and signed by at least two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the will-maker's acknowledgment of the signature or the will. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: A.R.S. §§ 14-2501, 14-2502 |
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| Handwritten (holographic) wills | Yes. A will that does not meet the witness rules is valid as a holographic will, witnessed or not, if the signature and the material provisions are in the will-maker's handwriting. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: A.R.S. § 14-2503 |
| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. A will can be made self-proved when it is signed, or at a later time, by the will-maker's acknowledgment and the witnesses' affidavits before a notary or other officer authorized to give oaths. The statute provides a sample form. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: A.R.S. § 14-2504 |
More Arizona estate law
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- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Arizona
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FAQ
What makes a will valid in Arizona?
Anyone 18 or older who is of sound mind may make a will. A paper will must be in writing, signed by the will-maker (or by another person in the will-maker's name, in their conscious presence and at their direction), and signed by at least two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the will-maker's acknowledgment of the signature or the will.
Is a handwritten will valid in Arizona?
Yes. A will that does not meet the witness rules is valid as a holographic will, witnessed or not, if the signature and the material provisions are in the will-maker's handwriting.
Does a will need to be notarized in Arizona?
Yes. A will can be made self-proved when it is signed, or at a later time, by the will-maker's acknowledgment and the witnesses' affidavits before a notary or other officer authorized to give oaths. The statute provides a sample form.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.