Phoenix Probate Administrator
A Phoenix Probate Administrator may be appointed by the court after an individual passes away to oversee the management and distribution of their estate in accordance with Arizona probate law. When the court issues Letters of Personal Representative, the administrator is authorized to collect and safeguard assets, pay valid debts, and distribute the balance to heirs or beneficiaries. In complex or contested cases, appointing a neutral third party helps ensure fairness, compliance, and the protection of all interested parties. For additional background, see our resource on the role and purpose of a court-appointed receiver, which parallels many fiduciary functions in probate administration.
Who We Work With
We partner with trust and estate attorneys in Phoenix and across Arizona who are handling contested or complex probate cases. Our impartial role ensures that assets are managed transparently and that the estate is administered in accordance with Arizona probate procedures. In matters involving real estate, business holdings, or financial accounts, our probate administrators coordinate with specialized professionals, including our Real Estate Receiver and Business Receiver teams, to protect and preserve estate value.
Tailored to the Case
Every estate has unique needs. We adapt our experience and credentials to meet the requirements of each case, including acting as successor trustee or interim trustee when appropriate.
Neutral and Impartial
We manage estates without bias toward any heir or beneficiary, ensuring compliance with court orders and Arizona law. For context, review our guide on what are the qualifications of a receiver.
Dispute Minimization
As independent administrators, we help reduce disputes among heirs and focus on achieving fair, court-guided resolutions. Related cases often draw from principles outlined in types of court receiverships.
Arizona Probate Expertise
With experience in Arizona probate courts, we understand local procedures and ensure that filings, deadlines, and responsibilities are completed accurately and on time.
Types of Cases
Our Phoenix Probate Administrators specialize in estates involving complex or high-value assets such as:
Real estate — residential, commercial, or investment properties, often handled alongside our Real Estate Receiver services.
Business interests — partnerships, corporations, and operating companies, sometimes requiring collaboration with our Business Receiver team.
Financial assets — bank accounts, securities, and other investments that require accurate accounting and reporting.
Personal property — jewelry, artwork, collectibles, or other valuables, which may require professional appraisal and distribution.
Clients Who Trusted Us
Locations Served
We provide probate administration services in California.
Los Angeles, Riverside, San Francisco, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Ventura, San Diego, Orange County, and the California District Court
California
How we work together
Every case is different. We match our training, experience, licensing, and credentials with the needs of each estate to determine the most appropriate remedy including successor trustee or interim trustee roles where appropriate.
We take a pragmatic, impartial, and court-compliant approach to probate administration that protects estate value, minimizes conflict, and facilitates timely resolution.
Reach out
Reach out to us via our contact page.
Set an Appointment
An initial call will allow for an initial assessment of the proposed case.
Sample Pleadings & Orders
FedReceiver has a vast library of exemplars including motions seeking appointment of provisional director, orders appointing provisional director and memorandum of points & authorities.
References
We offer excellent references with local and national law firms, accounting firms and clients.
Court Experience
Given our decades of experience and hundreds of cases, we have appeared in state/federal court and have excellent relationships with numerous courts/judges.
Probate Administrator FAQs
Who is a Probate Administrator?
A Probate Administrator is assigned by the court to oversee the financial and legal affairs of a deceased individual who did not leave a valid will. They manage the estate’s assets, debts, and final distributions.
When does the court appoint a Probate Administrator?
A Probate Administrator is appointed by the court in situations where someone dies without a valid will (intestate) or if the executor nominated in the will is either unable or unwilling to manage the estate. Typically, the court chooses a suitable individual such as a close relative or a professional administrator.
What are the main duties of a Probate Administrator?
Their responsibilities may include preparing an inventory of all estate assets, settling any outstanding debts or liabilities, distributing the remaining assets according to state inheritance laws, and regularly updating the court on their actions and progress.
How long does probate typically last?
The probate process can vary in duration, often taking from several months up to a few years, depending on the size and complexity of the estate and the speed of court proceedings.
Is a Probate Administrator paid for their work?
Yes, Probate Administrators receive compensation determined by applicable state regulations or court guidelines. This compensation is paid from the estate before distributing remaining funds to the beneficiaries.
Review the chapter authored by Mr. Donell
Reviving the Financially Distressed Business
Reviving The Financially Distressed Business is the essential guide for business owners and corporate leaders whose companies are under—or anticipating—financial difficulties. See Chapter 11, Receiverships, written by Court Receiver Stephen Donell, CCIM, CPM
Steve Donell’s contribution to the book “Reviving a Financially Distressed Business” reflects not only his expertise as a receiver, but his sound judgment on how receivership can be used to effectively advance a financially troubled business.”
– Brian Davidoff, Esq. Author and Editor
About Our Phoenix Probate Administrators
FedReceiver, Inc. is a family-operated firm founded by James Donell
At FedReceiver, Inc., we apply decades of fiduciary experience to probate cases throughout Arizona. Our professionals have been appointed by courts to administer estates impartially, ensuring transparency, compliance, and protection of beneficiaries’ rights. As a family-operated firm founded by James Donell, we are recognized leaders in court appointments across the western United States. Our team also serves in leadership roles within the California Receivers Forum and the National Association of Federal Equity Receivers (NAFER), bringing national expertise to every case.
Stephen J. Donell Los Angeles
President of FedReceiver, Inc., Jalmar Properties, Inc. and Donell Expert Services, Inc.
Todd D. Donell Los Angeles
Executive Vice President of FedReceiver, Inc. and Jalmar Properties, Inc.
James H. Donell Founder and CEO of FedReceiver, Inc. and Jalmar Properties, Inc.
Founder and CEO of FedReceiver, Inc. and Jalmar Properties, Inc.
Sarah R. Bates Los Angeles
Vice President of FedReceiver, Inc. and Jalmar Properties, Inc.
