Planning your estate might feel like a daunting task, especially when you consider the many options available. It’s admirable to prepare ahead of time for the sake of your loved ones, but it might be hard to know where to start. Establishing a trust can seem overwhelming, but with a Mesa trusts lawyer on your side, you can rest easy knowing that they have the experience and knowledge to help you.
At CDM Law Firm, we understand how complicated planning your estate can be, and we are passionate about making it easier.
Because our law firm has 25 years of experience helping a variety of people establish trusts, we are particularly able to tailor our knowledge of trust laws to your unique situation. If your needs are basic or complex, we have a comprehensive understanding that can help you establish a trust that you can be confident about.
Listening and understanding your needs is a skill that we focus on as we help you detail your wishes in the trust. Having a solid trust can help protect your assets and ease the probate process for your loved ones.
Only around 24% of Americans have a will or estate plan. Roughly 43% say that they want one, but they haven’t gotten around to it. That doesn’t have to be you. There are many ways to engage with estate planning, including establishing a trust. A trust is a legal document that specifies:
In order for a trust to be created in Mesa, Arizona, the person creating the trust, otherwise known as the grantor, must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. If their judgment is questioned, then the court can test their cognitive ability with medical records, witness testimony, or prior legal documentation.
The trust needs to be in writing and signed by the grantor. It doesn’t require witnesses, but having it notarized is a good idea to avoid later disputes. Since Arizona follows the Uniform Trust Code, the trust must contain assets that benefit either a charity or specific individuals.
A trust that isn’t drafted well or doesn’t follow all of the legal requirements can be deemed invalid, so it’s vital that you hire a trusts lawyer to help you with the details.
Mesa trusts attorneys play an important role in establishing a solid trust. They can help you navigate every stage of the trust, including helping your loved ones after your passing. A trusts lawyer has the following responsibilities:
Trust lawyers have a wide range of responsibilities, which we at CDM Law Firm take very seriously. We can help take some of these items off your list, allowing you to put your focus where it really matters. Hire a trusts lawyer to make things easier for you.
The costs of creating a trust in Arizona depend on how complex the trust is. Creating a trust for someone with straightforward finances will likely cost less than a trust that has a lot of moving parts. The initial cost of a trust might seem expensive, but people who only have a will can end up paying a lot in probate costs. Comparing the two, a living trust can save money in the long run.
An estate planning lawyer is ideal for trusts. Estate planning lawyers have years of experience establishing trusts and can answer your questions thoroughly. They know how to do an inventory of all of your assets and arrange them appropriately in the trust. They can also explain the nuances of trust laws, along with potential tax implications. With this knowledge, an estate planning lawyer can help structure your trust in a way that minimizes tax burdens.
You don’t have to have an attorney to set up a trust in Arizona, but you have a better chance of creating an enforceable trust with their help. If a trust doesn’t follow legal requirements, it can become invalid. If you don’t have trust experience, you can accidentally create a trust that doesn’t align with your wishes, which could lead to legal disputes and litigation for your loved ones. A trust lawyer can help you and your loved ones avoid these issues.
If you’re beginning to establish a trust, it’s important to understand the difference between an irrevocable trust and a revocable trust. An irrevocable trust is an estate planning document that cannot be changed. There are tax advantages to the irrevocable trust, which is why some prefer it. A revocable trust, otherwise known as a living trust, can be changed or even canceled by the settlor at any point. A trusts lawyer can help you decide which might work for you.
With over 25 years of experience focused on estate planning, we are well-equipped to serve your needs while creating a trust. C. David Martinez is a compassionate listener and is dedicated to making sure your voice is heard.
Whether you’re just starting on the journey to establishing a trust or are in the thick of it, our law firm is ready to help.
Contact CDM Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation.