Faith Law, PLCFaith Law, PLC2026-06-30T17:56:59Zhttps://www.faithlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1503607/2024/09/site-icon-150x150.pngOn Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[You do not have to give someone their inheritance right away]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=527142026-06-30T17:56:59Z2026-06-30T17:56:59ZWhen 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 then the estate executor can pass the assets on. But as soon as these steps have been taken, the transfer happens.
Some people are concerned about this when making their estate plan. A grandparent may want to include their grandchildren in the plan, for instance, but those grandchildren may be minors or young adults, such as college students. The grandparents are not sure they should receive such a large inheritance at a young age.
Using a trust to delay distributions
One tactic to spread out the distributions is to instead put the inheritance into a trust. The young beneficiary can still be named in the trust, and a trustee will be assigned to manage distributing the assets to them when appropriate.But the trust could then give specific instructions to hold back all or a portion of the inheritance. People sometimes pick specific ages. A grandparent may stipulate that the beneficiary can receive 25% of the trust at age 21, the next 25% at age 25 and the final 50% when they turn 30 years old, for instance.This is just one example, but trusts give you a lot of control over how assets are distributed, and you can set up rules and regulations that work for your family. Be sure to carefully consider how you may want to incorporate trusts into your estate plan when drafting the documentation.]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[3 common reasons drivers hit motorcycles on the road]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=527092026-06-17T23:29:41Z2026-06-17T23:29:41Z1. Inadequate surveillance
Some people insist on handling their mobile phones while they drive. Others simply don't watch for motorcycles. Insufficient surveillance is one of the most common reasons that people hit motorcycles. They don't see them in time, so they cannot avoid causing a crash.
2. Alcohol intoxication
According to federal research into motorcycle collisions, a substantial portion of motorcycle collisions involve drivers who are under the influence on the road. Impaired drivers struggle to focus, make appropriate decisions and monitor their surroundings. Even when drivers aren't over the legal limit, partial alcohol impairment could be to blame for a crash.
3. Excessive speed
Many motorcycle collisions occur on highways and rural roads with higher speed limits. Especially when there is minimal traffic present, drivers often assume that they can safely exceed the speed limit without any serious risks. That presumption can have tragic consequences in some cases.
Motorcycle riders and their family members can potentially take action when drivers are to blame for motorcycle collisions. Requesting compensation through insurance or a lawsuit is a reasonable reaction to a serious motorcycle crash that causes injuries or worse.]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[Young drivers have higher accident rates]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=527082026-06-17T17:56:28Z2026-06-17T17:56:28ZWhen you look at accident statistics and fatal accident rates, it becomes clear that young drivers face a relatively high level of danger on the roads. The fatal accident rate for teenage drivers is higher than any other age group, for instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.But the CDC also notes that one of the major reasons for these high rates is that these drivers are inexperienced. It is not just their age that plays a role. It is a fact that they have not spent much time behind the wheel, which means that they are more likely to make mistakes.For example, an experienced driver would understand that they need to slow down in heavy rain, or they run the risk of hydroplaning. But an inexperienced driver may simply keep driving at the speed limit, failing to adjust their speed for weather conditions, until they lose control of the vehicle.
Raising the driving age is often suggested, but not a perfect solution
Raising the driving age may not overcome the issues that teen drivers face. Drivers in their 20s have lower accident rates, for example, but if the law were changed so that people were not allowed to drive until they turned 21, it may just mean that the inexperienced drivers would be in their early 20s. That age group's fatal accident rate would likely go up. It still takes time to learn how to drive safely, no matter when you start the journey.
Seeking financial compensation after a wreck
Unfortunately, inexperienced drivers are still going to make mistakes as they learn, and some of those mistakes will cause accidents. If you have suffered injuries, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other damages.]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[3 contract contingencies that protect your real estate investment]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=527062026-06-16T10:53:16Z2026-06-16T10:53:16ZInspection findings shape your decision
An inspection contingency gives you a defined window to examine a property before you fully commit. During this period, a licensed inspector can evaluate the home's structure, systems and general condition.
Arizona's standard residential purchase contract sets aside an inspection period for this review. If the inspector identifies problems, you can request repairs, propose a price adjustment or withdraw from the agreement.
This step also connects to the state's seller disclosure obligations, which require sellers to share known material issues with a property. An inspection lets you verify those disclosures and uncover concerns that may not appear on paper.
Financing terms preserve your deposit
A financing contingency ties the purchase to your ability to obtain a mortgage. If your loan does not come through within the agreed timeframe, you can step away without forfeiting your earnest money.
Lenders review your finances, the property and current market conditions before approving a loan. Because those conditions can shift, this provision offers a measure of protection when financing stays outside your control.
Knowing the steps involved in applying for a home loan can help you set a realistic financing timeline. Keeping in close contact with your lender early on also reduces the chance of complications near closing.
Appraisal results guard your budget
An appraisal contingency depends on a professional estimate of a property's value. Lenders generally require an appraisal to confirm that a home is worth the amount you intend to borrow.
An appraisal weighs comparable sales, property features and neighborhood trends. The resulting figure gives both you and your lender a grounded understanding of value.
If the appraised value lands below the agreed price, you have room to renegotiate the terms, cover the difference yourself or step away from the contract. Each option carries trade-offs, so the decision often depends on your budget and how strongly you want the property.
Negotiation terms shape your contract
Contingencies remain negotiable, and the terms you accept influence how much flexibility you carry into a deal. Sellers sometimes push for shorter timelines or fewer conditions, especially when demand is high.
Careful drafting matters here, since precise language around deadlines, responsibilities and remedies leaves less room for dispute later. An attorney can review the contract before you sign and identify terms that deserve closer attention.]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[Do you need both a will and a trust in Arizona?]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=527052026-06-08T09:25:08Z2026-06-08T09:24:03ZWhat makes a will different from a trust?
A will is a legal document that specifies how you want your property divided after you die. It becomes effective only upon your death. A will is generally subject to probate, but smaller estates under specific statutory limits (less than $200,000 in personal property or $300,000 in real property equity) can completely bypass formal court supervision by utilizing Arizona's small estate affidavit process. Through a will, you may name guardians for minor children, specify beneficiaries and designate an executor to manage your estate.
A trust, on the other hand, is a legal arrangement where you place assets under the control of a trustee who oversees them based on your directions. Unlike a will, a trust can take effect immediately or upon a triggering event. Trusts typically avoid probate, offering privacy and potentially faster distribution of assets to your beneficiaries. You can serve as your own trustee during your lifetime and name a successor to take over when you are unable to manage the trust yourself.
Should you consider having both documents?
Arizona residents might find that having both a will and a trust provides comprehensive estate planning coverage. A trust handles the bulk of your assets and helps you avoid probate, while a will serves as a safety net for any assets not transferred into the trust. This combination is often called a "pour-over will" because it "pours" any remaining assets into your trust after death.
While a will is the standard instrument used to nominate a guardian for minor children to preserve trust privacy, Arizona law allows guardian appointments to be made via a will or any other signed writing, which technically includes a trust agreement.
The decision to use one or both documents depends on your unique circumstances, including the size of your estate, your family situation and your privacy concerns. Understanding your options could help you determine which approach best suits your needs and ensures you properly document your wishes in a legally sound manner.
Taking time now to plan your estate can provide peace of mind and make things easier for your loved ones during challenging times.]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[What happens when you’re given a suspended sentence?]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=527042026-06-04T19:44:04Z2026-06-04T19:44:04Za suspended sentence works is essential to understanding what comes next and protecting your interests. Here’s what you need to know.
The law in Arizona
When a court suspends your sentence, the judge formally imposes a term of incarceration and then suspends its execution, placing you on probation instead. Think of it less like forgiveness and more like a contract. The court agrees to keep you out of jail as long as you don’t violate the terms of your probation.
Probation conditions are legally binding obligations -- not suggestions -- and can run for a number of years. Depending on your case, the court may require you to report regularly to a probation officer, submit to drug or alcohol testing, complete community service hours, attend counseling or treatment programs, pay fines and restitution and avoid any new criminal conduct. In some cases, electronic monitoring or home detention may also be imposed.
What if you violate your probation terms?
Courts take probation seriously, and so should you. Arizona probation officers have direct reporting relationships with the court. If you violate the court’s directives by, say, missing an appointment, failing a drug test or picking up a new charge, that information reaches a judge, and a violation petition can follow quickly.
If the judge agrees that there’s been a violation, you can be sentenced to serve all or part of the original suspended term. The court may even impose additional time, depending on the facts of your case.
The stakes are too high to navigate alone
A suspended sentence is only one part of a much broader criminal process. Whether you're facing charges for the first time, dealing with a probation violation or something far more serious, having experienced legal guidance is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your freedom and your future.]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[3 types of taxes that may be due during estate administration]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=527032026-06-04T18:43:58Z2026-06-04T18:43:58Z1. Income taxes
The person who died may have owed income taxes at the time of their passing. Personal representatives typically file a final income tax return on behalf of the person who died. If they must sell estate resources, then they may also need to file an income tax return on behalf of the estate.
2. Estate taxes
Arizona does not currently collect an estate tax. Still, large estates could be subject to federal estate taxes. As of 2026, any individual estate worth more than $15 million could owe between 18% and 40% of the total estate value in taxes.
3. Capital gains taxes
When people sell real property, business holdings or other investments as part of estate administration, there may be capital gains taxes due. Capital gains taxes based on asset appreciation may be due to both the federal government and the state of Arizona.
Being aware of the tax implications of different estate administration activities can help personal representatives minimize their liability and beneficiaries temper their expectations. Taxes typically require payment before the final distribution of all estate resources. Careful planning and appropriate paperwork during estate administration can limit the losses triggered by taxes.]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[Why joint wills aren’t recommended for married couples]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=527022026-05-27T20:33:07Z2026-05-27T20:33:07ZIf 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 leaving everything to your children and perhaps some non-profit organizations.
In fact, joint wills are a rarity. The primary drawback is that a joint will requires both spouses’ signatures. If one spouse predeceases the other, becomes incapacitated or no longer has testamentary capacity (for example, due to dementia), the other spouse can’t make any modifications to the document.That means if there are unanticipated changes in your family structure, your property or tax laws, you can’t adjust your will to take those into consideration. The terms you have codified are set. Further, courts aren’t used to dealing with joint wills, so probate can become complicated for your surviving loved ones even though you likely hoped a joint will would simplify it.
Understanding reciprocal (mirror) wills
Instead of a joint will, estate planning professionals generally recommend that long-married couples with mostly shared assets and goals create reciprocal wills. These are sometimes referred to as “mirror” wills because they essentially mirror one another.These wills typically state that when one spouse passes away, the other is the sole beneficiary of their assets. When the surviving spouse passes away, their children (or other designated beneficiaries) receive the remaining assets. They may also choose to leave a certain amount directly to their children if they pass away first.Because each will belongs to and is signed by only the spouse, the surviving spouse is free to make whatever changes they determine are necessary after their husband or wife passes away. They’re also free to make changes to their individual wills while they’re still alive. If they don’t make the same changes, they would no longer be reciprocal wills.If your goal is to make your estate planning as uncomplicated as possible and to make things simple for your loved ones after you’re gone, reciprocal wills may be the best choice. Of course, it’s wise to look at other options for simplifying things, such as revocable living trusts as well as advance directives and powers of attorney. Often, a little more time and money spent on estate planning can mean less time spent in court or arguing with family members later on. Whatever your goals are, the best place to start is with individualized estate planning guidance ]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[Why don’t most people have a will?]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=526992026-05-20T10:31:41Z2026-05-20T10:31:41ZStudies 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 are in good company.The study also asked people why they had not made an estate plan, and their answers shed some light on this decision, while also showing why these excuses do not always hold up.
They have not gotten around to it
The top reason is that people were procrastinating and just planning to make their estate plan at some hypothetical point in the future. The risk, naturally, is that someone could pass away unexpectedly. If they were waiting to write a will in their 60s or 70s, they may simply not have done it in time.
They are waiting to acquire more assets
Some people said they did not have an estate plan because they were not wealthy enough or did not have enough assets yet. There are two problems with this viewpoint, starting with the fact that even a small estate can still be passed on to beneficiaries. The second reason is that estate planning can also focus on medical decisions, so it is not necessarily just a question of assets at all.
Drafting your estate plan
You may know that it is important to write a will, but perhaps you have been putting it off, as so many Americans do. In order to make sure that your family has guidance when they need it, it is important to know what steps to take to create your estate plan this year.]]>On Behalf of Faith Law, PLC<![CDATA[Did an open car door cause a motorcycle crash?]]>https://www.faithlaw.com/?p=526982026-05-16T03:13:50Z2026-05-16T02:32:56ZThe law requires caution when close to traffic
People who park on the road, either due to on-street parking or while loading and unloading, must ensure their activities do not impede the flow of traffic. The law requires that people wait until opening the door will not affect the flow of traffic and is reasonably safe. They also need to close the door again as soon as possible.
Vehicle occupants intending to exit and those trying to enter typically need to check for oncoming traffic, including motorcycles, before they open a car door. A motorcycle rider may not have enough time or space to maneuver to avoid striking the open door.
They can potentially suffer debilitating injuries, especially if they cannot reduce their speed much before striking the open door. In such cases, the violation of Arizona traffic statutes involved likely makes the vehicle occupant the party at fault for the crash.
Evaluating the circumstances of a motorcycle collision with an attorney can help riders and grieving families understand their rights. When drivers and vehicle occupants cause crashes, they may be liable for medical expenses, property damage losses, lost wages and more.]]>