Arizona Estate Planning

Legal Help Preparing a Valid Will or Trust

We've all been told that if we do nothing else to take care of our legal affairs, we should write a Will. That's pretty good advice. If you don't make a will before your death, Arizona state law will determine who will get your property and who will raise your children, and it may not be the person whom you would have chosen.

Start today to get your affairs in order. It only takes one call to Wilson-Goodman & Fong, P.C., to begin the process: 480.503.9217. Or contact one of our Gilbert estate planning attorneys online.

Click here to find a Will Questionnaire that you can use to begin thinking about what you would like to accomplish with an estate plan, a will, or a trust. After you've completed the questionnaire, bring it with you to your appointment. We will take care of it from there.

Last Will

Wills are the most common way for people to state a preference about how they want their estates handled after death. A well-written will eases the transition for survivors, transfers property efficiently, and avoids tax burdens. Wills vary from extremely simple to elaborate. Wills describe the estate and specify who will (and who will not) receive specific property. A will can also include instructions about care of minor children, gifts to charity, and formation of trusts. Some people choose to disinherit legal or expected heirs.

Restrictions and Limitations on Wills

Legal restrictions may prevent some parts of a will from being effective. For example, property owned in joint tenancy may only go to the surviving joint tenant. Assets that specifically name a beneficiary pensions, bank accounts, insurance policies must go to the named party.

By working with an experienced estate planning attorney, we can help you create a will that is legally valid, and name an executor to ensure that your estate is handled correctly.

When No Will or No Valid Will Exists

If you die without a will, are with a will that is invalid (intestate), the state of Arizona has specific statutes governing what steps need to be taken to administer your estate and who has priority for the distribution of your assets. Outstanding debts and death expenses are paid first, and then any remaining property is distributed to your closest relative or group of relatives if they have the same degree of relation. Therefore, many close family members, close friends, and charities will not receive anything. Furthermore, dying without a will may impose a heavy tax burden on your estate.

Choosing a Guardian for Children

If you have minor or dependent children, you may use a will to name a guardian for your children (if they have no surviving parent). Guardianship affects other aspects of a will because you may want to provide financial support to the guardian to help in raising children.

Consider All Your Options

Our estate planning attorneys can help you communicate your wishes about a variety of things, not just dividing property. Learn more about end-of-life decision making for medical care and financial decision making, if you are unable to manage your own affairs.

Contact Wilson-Goodman & Fong to schedule an appointment with one of our Arizona estate planning lawyers:

• Letty Segovia
• Elizabeth Fleming

The law office of Wilson-Goodman & Fong, P.C., provides a wide range of legal services to meet the varied needs of individuals and families in Phoenix, Arizona. We serve clients in Maricopa County and Pinal County, and the communities of the East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Chandler Heights, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Florence, Gold Canyon, Eloy, Maricopa, and Coolidge.