The most common probate disputes in Arizona involve disagreements over wills, claims of undue influence, questions about mental capacity, and disputes between heirs regarding property or money. You typically find trouble when a loved one's desires are ambiguous, or when relatives believe they have been excluded or mistreated. Paperwork mistakes, missing signatures, or out-of-date [...]
Is probate always necessary for estates in Arizona? If you have a small estate, Arizona law allows you to bypass probate if the assets are under specified thresholds. For personal property, it has to be under $75,000 in total value, and for real estate, under $100,000. If the assets are held in joint [...]
About what assets can avoid probate in Arizona. Assets that can avoid probate in Arizona include joint tenancy, community property with right of survivorship, payable-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death registrations, and living trusts. You can bypass probate for life insurance policies and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries, and small estates within specific value thresholds. These alternatives [...]
In AZ, probate takes six months to one year for most cases. If you’re dealing with a straightforward estate, it typically concludes in less than one year. Larger estates or those with disputes can extend longer, sometimes more than a year. Arizona law gives a transparent timeline for probate, beginning with papers filed in [...]
What is the process of probate in Arizona, and how does it work? You use probate to figure out things like debts, legal claims, and who inherits what property or assets. Arizona courts supervise this procedure to ensure that regulations are observed and equitable treatment is provided. It can be informal or formal probate, [...]
Key Takeaways So yes, you can create a legally valid will in Arizona without an attorney, but you do need to follow the state’s requirements for writing, signing, and witnessing. Your will must be in writing and signed by you, in the presence of at least two non-beneficiary adult witnesses, to minimize the risk [...]
Key Takeaways So yes, you can create a legally valid will in Arizona without an attorney, but you do need to follow the state’s requirements for writing, signing, and witnessing. Your will must be in writing and signed by you, in the presence of at least two non-beneficiary adult witnesses, to minimize the risk [...]
Key Takeaways You can legally revoke your will in Arizona by creating a new will, performing a revocatory act like destroying the original document, or through certain life events that trigger revocation by operation of law. If you intend to revoke a will, be sure you do it in a way that’s unambiguous and [...]
Key Takeaways You should update your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the addition of new family members to ensure your intentions remain clear and current. Review your finances–asset values, new assets, etc.–so that your will reflects your current situation and your current wishes. Be aware of Arizona legal requirements [...]
Key Takeaways What is the difference between a will and a living will in Arizona? A will manages your estate and guardianship of minors after your death, and a living will offers clarity about your healthcare if incapacitated. Both are legally binding documents in Arizona, but each has a distinct purpose and should be [...]