There is a simplied procedure for "probating" the will of a small estate (less than $75,000 in assets); the will still needs to go through the courts (be probated) to be given affect, but the small estate process is faster and less expensive. You do not indicate what county you are in, but below is a link to a webpage of the Maricopa County courts with information about this process and links the forms; other counties in your state will use the same process.