Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family, preserve their assets, and maintain control over important decisions. At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, our estate planning attorneys serving Tempe, Arizona offer strategic legal solutions tailored to your needs, not boilerplate templates.

Whether you need to draft a will, create a trust, appoint a healthcare proxy, or plan for future incapacity, our team delivers thorough, thoughtful guidance grounded in decades of real-world legal experience. We help you avoid common pitfalls, minimize tax burdens, and build a plan that reflects your values.

Our attorneys are known throughout Arizona for our clarity, precision, and personal commitment. We’re not just attorneys, we’re legal strategists, trusted advisors, and experienced problem-solvers. When it comes to safeguarding what matters most, there’s no substitute for working with a team that’s seen it all and done it well.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services helping individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

Need An Estate Planning Attorney In Tempe?

If you don’t have an estate plan in place, or you created one years ago that no longer fits your life, you’re not alone. Most people delay estate planning, often because it feels overwhelming, overly complex, or uncomfortable. But the reality is simple: without a plan, the state of Arizona decides how your assets are distributed, who manages your affairs, and who receives what after you’re gone.

At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, we make the process approachable and effective. Our estate planning attorneys help individuals, families, fiduciaries, and business owners in Tempe build legally sound plans that reflect their unique goals and protect what they’ve worked hard for.

We’ll help you:

• Gain Peace Of Mind knowing your assets will be handled according to your wishes
• Avoid Probate Delays And Disputes with properly structured trusts and documents
• Reduce Tax Exposure for you and your heirs with strategic planning
• Plan For Incapacity by appointing trusted agents to manage finances and healthcare
• Ensure Family Harmony through clear instructions and communication

Whether you live near Arizona State University, South Tempe, or anywhere in between, our legal team offers high-quality estate planning services with clarity, speed, and personal care. We’re here to help you take control, on your terms.

Schedule a Consultation with one of our estate planning attorneys serving Tempe today.

Why Tempe Clients Trust Our Estate Planning Experts

Choosing an estate planning attorney isn’t just about legal documents, it’s about working with someone who understands your values, communicates clearly, and anticipates legal issues before they arise. That’s why individuals, families, and fiduciaries in Tempe turn to Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC. We’ve earned a reputation for combining deep technical skill with personal, responsive service.

Each of our principals brings over 20 years of experience in Arizona law. We’ve guided countless clients through complex estate matters, from establishing charitable trusts to navigating multigenerational asset transfers. Our estate planning attorneys don’t just provide paperwork, we offer insight, strategy, and lasting peace of mind.

Clients across Tempe trust us because we are:

From preparing wills and healthcare directives to managing trusts and probate litigation, we bring both professionalism and empathy to every client relationship.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services helping individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services In Tempe

At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, we offer a full spectrum of estate planning services designed to help individuals, families, and fiduciaries in Tempe protect what matters most. Whether you’re looking to create a simple will or implement a sophisticated multi-generational trust, we tailor every strategy to your unique situation and goals.

Our legal team combines precision and flexibility, offering both traditional estate planning tools and advanced techniques that reflect changes in tax law, family structure, and long-term care planning.

Our estate planning services include:

• Wills And Testamentary Planning – Ensuring your intentions are legally binding and clearly expressed
• Revocable Living Trusts And Irrevocable Trusts – Including Special Needs Trusts, Charitable Trusts, and Life Insurance Trusts
• Asset Protection Strategies – Helping shield property from creditors or legal judgments/
• Powers Of Attorney And Healthcare Directives – Appointing trusted decision-makers for financial and medical matters
• HIPAA Authorizations – Ensuring loved ones can access necessary medical information when needed
• Probate And Estate Administration – Guiding fiduciaries through the probate process with efficiency and clarity
• Gifting Programs And Charitable Planning – Supporting your legacy through strategic giving
• Family Limited Partnerships – Preserving and transferring family wealth while maintaining control
• Retirement And Generation-Skipping Trusts – Building structures that benefit heirs now and long into the future
• Business Succession Planning – Creating continuity strategies for privately held businesses

If you already have an estate plan in place, our attorneys can conduct a detailed review and offer enhancements based on current Arizona law and best practices. Even small updates can make a significant difference in avoiding probate or minimizing future tax exposure.

To learn more about how we can help with your specific needs, visit our full Estate Planning Attorney page or contact us to schedule a consultation.

Where We Work In Tempe: Neighborhoods And Areas We Serve

At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, we’re proud to offer personalized estate planning services throughout the Tempe area. From university professionals to long-time homeowners and growing families, our clients span generations and backgrounds, but they all share a need for thoughtful, experienced legal guidance. We serve clients across Tempe’s most notable neighborhoods and surrounding areas, including:

• Downtown Tempe And Mill Avenue District – We assist professionals, entrepreneurs, and property owners in preserving their assets and planning for the future in one of the city’s most vibrant urban centers.
• The Lakes – Our attorneys help long-term homeowners in this waterfront community establish or update trusts, healthcare directives, and business succession plans.
• Maple-Ash – In this historic district, we provide legacy planning services designed to honor family values while minimizing future estate conflict.
• South Tempe – Families and retirees in this quiet, residential area rely on us to prepare durable powers of attorney, establish blended family plans, and manage long-term charitable giving.
• North Tempe And Papago Park Area – We work with clients who want to protect assets and establish clear instructions for inheritance, particularly those with real estate or investment portfolios.
• University Heights And Surrounding ASU Housing – For faculty, staff, and professionals near Arizona State University, we offer foundational estate planning solutions that include wills, living trusts, and advance healthcare planning.

Our central Phoenix location makes it easy to meet with clients across Tempe and the East Valley. Whether you prefer to meet in person, by phone, or over video, our team is ready to help you take the next step.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services helping individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

Common Estate Planning Issues We Solve In Tempe

Estate planning isn’t just about preparing documents, it’s about preventing future problems. At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, we help Tempe clients anticipate and address the most common legal, financial, and family-related challenges that can arise without proper planning. Our experienced estate planning attorneys are known for delivering solutions that are clear, effective, and built to last.

Some of the most frequent estate issues we help resolve include:

• Dying Without A Valid Will (Intestacy) – Without a will, Arizona law determines how your estate is distributed. We help you avoid this with clear, enforceable documents.
• Family Disputes Over Inheritance – We structure your estate plan to minimize confusion and reduce the likelihood of conflict among heirs.
• Inadequate Or Outdated Documents – We review and revise existing plans to reflect changes in law, family status, or personal goals.
• Delayed Probate Proceedings – Through tools like revocable living trusts, we help clients minimize or avoid Arizona’s probate process altogether.
• Protection For Loved Ones With Special Needs – We set up Special Needs Trusts that preserve eligibility for benefits while providing lifelong support.
• Second Marriages And Blended Families – We craft customized plans that provide for new spouses and protect children from previous relationships.
• Lack Of Incapacity Planning – Powers of attorney and healthcare directives ensure your wishes are followed if you’re unable to make decisions yourself.
• Unclear Or Missing Beneficiary Designations – We coordinate your estate plan with retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other non-probate assets.
• Unprotected Assets – For clients with significant wealth or business holdings, we offer asset protection strategies designed to reduce exposure.
• No Succession Plan For Business Owners – Our attorneys design transition plans that protect your company’s value and leadership when you’re ready to step away.

Every estate plan we create is tailored to your specific situation. Whether you’re just starting out or need a full review of your existing documents, our Tempe estate planning lawyers are here to help you make smart, proactive choices.

Schedule a Consultation to address your estate planning concerns.

Serving Tempe For Over 20 Years – Local Legal Experience You Can Count On

At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, we’ve built our reputation on providing trusted legal counsel to Arizona individuals and families for over two decades. While our office is based in Phoenix, our estate planning attorneys serve clients throughout Tempe with the same high level of care, professionalism, and precision that has defined our firm for years.

Our deep knowledge of Arizona estate law, combined with our personalized approach, means we’re equipped to handle everything from straight

forward wills to complex trusts and high-value asset protection. We don’t rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we get to know you, your family, and your goals, then design a legal plan that reflects your life and legacy.

What sets us apart?

• We take the time to explain each part of your plan in plain English.
• We stay up to date on changes in Arizona probate and tax law, so your plan stays effective.
• We offer flexible consultations, in person, over the phone, or by video.
• We have a long-standing history of supporting Arizona families, professionals, retirees, and business owners with clarity and care.

If you’re ready to work with a legal team that brings both experience and accessibility to the table, our Tempe estate planning attorneys are here to help.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services helping individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.                                                                        

What To Do If You Need To Create Or Update Your Estate Plan

Many Tempe residents know they need an estate plan, but don’t know where to start. Whether you’re building a plan from scratch or updating documents after a life change, the process doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right legal team, it can be clear, efficient, and empowering.

At Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC, we help clients take control of their future with customized, legally sound estate planning strategies that grow with them over time.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Take Inventory of your assets, accounts, and any existing documents (wills, trusts, deeds, etc.).
2. Think About Your Priorities, whether it’s protecting your children, minimizing taxes, supporting a cause, or ensuring smooth business succession.
3. Schedule A Consultation with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys to discuss your situation.
4. Review Your Options for wills, trusts, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and other essential tools.
5. Sign And Secure your documents knowing they comply with Arizona law and reflect your intentions.

Already have a plan in place? It’s just as important to review and revise your documents after key life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, retirement, or a change in financial circumstances. Our estate planning attorneys can audit your current plan and recommend legal improvements that align with current laws and your goals.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services helping individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

We Proudly Serve Tempe And Surrounding Areas

While Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC is based in Phoenix, we proudly serve clients across the East Valley, including Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Ahwatukee, and beyond. Our attorneys understand the unique needs of Arizona residents and provide experienced, attentive service whether you’re establishing a basic will or crafting a complex trust.

We frequently assist Tempe professionals, retirees, business owners, and families who want to plan ahead, protect their loved ones, and avoid legal headaches down the road. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to update an outdated plan, our team of estate planning attorneys is here to walk you through every step with clarity and care.

You don’t need to navigate Arizona estate law alone. Let us help you make informed decisions that reflect your goals and values, now and in the future.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services helping individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.

FAQs About Estate Planning In Tempe

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just beginning. To help Tempe individuals and families better understand the process, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below. If you need guidance tailored to your situation, our estate planning attorneys are here to help.

1. Do I Really Need An Estate Plan If I Don’t Have Significant Wealth?

Yes. Estate planning is about more than money, it’s about making sure your wishes are followed, protecting your loved ones, and avoiding unnecessary legal complications. Even a simple plan with a will, healthcare directive, and power of attorney can make a big difference in Arizona.

2. What Happens If I Die Without A Will In Arizona?

If you pass away without a valid will, your estate goes through intestate succession, meaning the state determines who receives your property. This process may not reflect your true wishes. Our Tempe estate planning lawyers can help you avoid that outcome with a clear, enforceable plan.

3. How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3 to 5 years, or anytime you experience a major life event, such as marriage, divorce, having children, retirement, or purchasing property. Laws and family circumstances change, so keeping your plan up to date is critical.

4. What’s The Difference Between A Will And A Trust?

A will directs how your assets are distributed after your death but typically goes through probate. A trust allows you to avoid probate by transferring assets to a trustee for management and distribution. Trusts offer privacy and greater flexibility. We’ll help you decide which is best based on your goals, learn more on our Estate Planning page.

5. How Can I Avoid Probate In Arizona?

Setting up a revocable living trust, updating beneficiary designations, and using payable-on-death (POD) accounts can help you avoid probate. These tools let your assets transfer directly to beneficiaries, bypassing court involvement. Our attorneys can design a plan that reduces or eliminates probate where possible.

6. What Is A Healthcare Directive And Why Do I Need One?

A healthcare directive (also called a living will) outlines your medical preferences if you’re unable to communicate them. Combined with a medical power of attorney, it ensures someone you trust can make healthcare decisions on your behalf. These documents are essential parts of any estate plan.

7. Can I Protect A Loved One With Special Needs In My Estate Plan?

Yes. A Special Needs Trust allows you to provide for a loved one without disqualifying them from government benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Our estate planning attorneys in Tempe regularly set up these trusts with precision and care.

8. How Do I Plan For My Business In My Estate?

Business owners need a clear succession plan to ensure continuity. This might include buy-sell agreements, assigning voting rights, or placing business interests into a trust. If you own a company in Tempe or the greater Phoenix area, we can help you build a plan that protects your investment and legacy.

9. What Is A Durable Power Of Attorney, And How Is It Used?

A durable power of attorney authorizes someone to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. This person can pay bills, manage assets, and make legal decisions on your behalf. Without this document, your family may need to pursue court-appointed guardianship.

10. How Do I Get Started With An Estate Plan?

Start by scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We’ll walk you through your options, assess your needs, and create a plan tailored to you. You can also explore our full range of services on our Estate Planning Attorney page.

Get Reliable Estate Planning Services In Tempe Today

If you’re ready to create, update, or review your estate plan, the attorneys at Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC are here to help. With decades of experience and a reputation for dependable, high-level service, we’re proud to serve individuals and fiduciaries throughout Tempe and across Arizona.

Whether you need help establishing a trust, preparing a will, or navigating probate, we tailor our guidance to your situation. Our estate planning attorneys offer thoughtful legal strategies backed by deep experience, and a commitment to protecting your future.

We welcome you to schedule a consultation at our Phoenix office or via video. Let’s ensure your wishes are honored and your legacy preserved with clarity, precision, and care.

Arizona lawyers who provide legal services helping individuals and fiduciaries plan, administer and litigate issues. Schedule a Consultation.