MCBA EPPT Section Probate Court and Practice Updates at September Meeting
By Kent Berk on September 12th, 2026 in BLOG, Elder Law, Probate
The Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Maricopa County Bar Association held its monthly meeting on September 9, 2026, featuring updates about court administration, access-to-justice programs, and upcoming educational initiatives affecting Arizona estate planning, probate, and trust practitioners.
Probate Court Continues Overhaul of Compliance Procedures
The most significant update for practitioners involved ongoing changes to the probate court’s compliance process. Court representatives reported that probate examiners have been eliminated and compliance responsibilities have been reassigned to judicial divisions. Commissioners are also no longer handling these matters, resulting in greater judicial discretion over compliance issues.
The court currently processes approximately 800 compliance orders each month involving matters such as accountings, bonds, letters, and restricted accounts. Discussion included the possibility of implementing an automated compliance calendar that would place matters on calendar automatically and vacate settings once compliance is achieved.
For probate practitioners, these developments reinforce the importance of closely monitoring all statutory and court-ordered compliance requirements and promptly addressing any deficiencies before court intervention becomes necessary.
Maricopa County Evaluating Alternative Probate Technology Solutions
Attendees also received an update regarding court technology initiatives. The previously anticipated Societal automated accounting software project will not be moving forward in Maricopa County. While the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts continues a separate implementation effort in certain counties, Maricopa County is reportedly pursuing alternative software solutions for probate administration.
The discussion highlighted the judiciary’s ongoing interest in leveraging technology to improve accountability and efficiency in fiduciary administration and court oversight.
Access-to-Justice Programs Continue Expanding
The section discussed a possible elder law litigation clinic through ASU law school, with limited-scope representation opportunities, and law student participation in probate matters.
Updates were also provided regarding the Probate Lawyers Assistance Project (PLAP) and efforts to increase access to legal services for individuals navigating probate and guardianship matters.
Statewide Probate Initiatives Remain Active
Members received updates concerning the Arizona Supreme Court’s probate committee. The committee includes judges, attorneys, and public-access stakeholders working to improve probate procedures and court operations throughout Arizona.
Additional discussion addressed oversight and review efforts involving court-appointed counsel and contract providers through the Office of Public Defense Services.
Upcoming EPPT and Probate Community Events
The section highlighted several upcoming opportunities for networking and continuing legal education.
The annual Meet the Probate Judicial Officers event is scheduled for September 23, 2026. Attendees were advised that nearly all probate judges are expected to participate.
The section also promoted upcoming CLE programs, including:
- Estate and Succession Planning for Solo Practitioners and Small Firms on September 30, 2026.
- The Intersection Between Personal Injury Settlements and Conservatorships on October 9, 2026.
Members also received updates regarding planning for the National Probate Judicial Officer Conference scheduled for May 2027.
Looking Ahead
The meeting reflected continued efforts by the probate bench, bar, and stakeholders to improve court administration, expand access-to-justice initiatives, and enhance educational opportunities for practitioners.
