When people are preparing their estate plan, there are a number of factors to consider. One of those factors is medical care in case one becomes disabled or incapacitated. Legal documents are necessary if you want someone else to make decisions for you when you cannot speak or communicate for yourself. The following will discuss the […]
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Estate Planning: Do-it-Yourself vs. Licensed Attorney
Do-it-yourself wills and estate planning or using a certified legal document preparer may seem appealing, but lurking below the surface, these services do not replace an attorney. Oftentimes you need a licensed attorney to assist with estate planning because there are several variables that do-it-yourself programs and licensed legal document preparers miss. The Downsides of […]
Arizona Probate – The Process of Closing Probate
When a loved one passes away, there are many overwhelming emotions experienced by those left behind. There is no way to be emotionally prepared for the loss of a loved one, but you can be prepared for the essential probate process. One of the most commonly asked questions of estate planning attorneys is, “What happens […]
Estate Planning – Probate & Notice to Creditors
After the death of a loved one, it is understood that family members and beneficiaries may obtain property, money, and other items in the probate process, but what about the debt they may incur? Beneficiaries sometimes incur leftover bills, loans, and mortgage payments that will come out of their inheritance where applicable. A notice to […]
What is Probate and Why Do I Want to Avoid It?
Probate is essentially the court supervised method of identifying assets and liabilities and heirs and beneficiaries for the distribution of assets once a person is deceased. The process of probate court can become tedious and lengthy, resulting in months and possibly years of waiting for a resolution and the release of assets, property and/or funds. […]
How Can Estate Planning Help Me in Avoiding Probate?
Probate is the term used for the legal procedure that involves the identification of assets, properties, and liabilities after a person is deceased and then transferring said assets to the beneficiaries and heirs of the decedent. Probate superior court is where this procedure occurs. It is an essential element of estate planning in Arizona. The […]
Guardians for Minors – The Importance of Nominating a Guardian
In Arizona, any person under the age of 18 is considered a minor. Minors are essentially protected by their parents who make all their legal decisions for them. If something happens to the parents, the child becomes a ward of the court. To protect your child or children from having their fate completely at the […]
Pet Trusts: How to Protect Your Precious Pets After You’re Gone
Pet ownership comes with many benefits like companionship, support, and comfort. They help with the emotional and physical well-being of their owners. In fact, having a pet helps combat anxiety, loneliness, and depression. For these reasons, it makes sense that pets become beloved family members or companions. The Basics of Pet Trusts You are the […]
Provisions for Special Needs Trusts: What to Consider and Include
For long-term planning purposes as well as shielding a recipient’s ability to receive government benefits now and in the future, the special needs trust is a powerful tool. As with any trust, the proper drafting and language inside such a trust are critical to ensure the terms are followed and that they accomplish the desired […]
Discretionary Trust Provisions: What You Need to Know
A trust is only as powerful as the terms inside, and this is why careful attention to detail is a must when selecting an experienced estate planning attorney to help you with the structure of your trust. Given the inflexibility of many mandatory trusts, a discretionary trust empowers the trustee to use his or her […]