In Re the Estate of Mary A. Riley

OPINION

BERCH, Chief Justice.

¶ 1 We granted review to decide whether A.R.S. § 14-3952(1) requires beneficiaries of an estate to unanimously approve a settlement agreement. We hold that the statute requires all beneficiaries to execute the agreement if it affects beneficial interests in the estate and the settling parties seek court approval pursuant to A.R.S. § 14-3951.

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

¶ 2 Mary A. Riley (“Decedent”) died in 1996, leaving her estate to her thirteen children and appointing her two oldest, Joseph Riley and Mary Benge, as co-personal representatives. The family…