Estate Planning

When many people write a will, they are essentially giving their inheritance to the selected beneficiaries right away. There can be a delay as the estate goes through probate. Documents have to be verified, assets need to be inventoried, creditors need to be paid, and...

When planning your estate in Arizona, you might wonder whether you need a will, a trust or both. Understanding the differences between these legal tools can help you make informed decisions about protecting your assets and loved ones. What makes a will different from...

During estate administration, personal representatives carry out the last wishes of a person who has died. They distribute property to beneficiaries or heirs. They also settle their affairs, a process that frequently requires communication with creditors and tax...

If you and your spouse are among the many couples who have retired to Arizona, you may believe that having a joint will is the best choice as you prepare to begin your estate planning. You may jointly own all of your significant assets and have the mutual goal of...

Studies have found that most Americans do not have a will or an estate plan. Roughly only one-third of people who responded to a survey claimed that they did have an estate plan in place, while the other two-thirds did not. So, if you have not written a will yet, you...

You use a power of attorney as part of your estate plan to identify a specific agent who can act on your behalf when necessary. It is a way of planning for the future, especially when considering incapacitation. If you lose the ability to make decisions on your own,...

If you are planning your estate in Arizona, a bypass trust can help balance supporting a surviving spouse with guiding assets to children or other heirs. These trusts may appeal to blended families or those hoping to protect family wealth from outside claims. How a...

Many people assume their spouse will automatically inherit everything if they pass away. In Arizona, that assumption can lead to unpleasant surprises for surviving family members. When someone passes away without a valid will, state law decides who gets what through a...

If you spend part of the year in Arizona and part in another state, your estate plan needs extra care. Living in two places can create confusion about which state’s laws apply to you. A simple, updated plan helps protect your property and your family. Residency and...

When you create a will, you make a significant decision for your family. A major part of this process involves naming a personal representative to manage your final affairs. This individual handles everything from paying final bills to distributing property in Sun...