Most families utilize a life insurance policy to ensure their special loved one is provided for after they’re gone. A trust established in Arizona can own the life insurance or be the beneficiary. This way, the proceeds go directly to the trust. The proceeds then assist with covering care, therapy, and daily needs without [...]
A special needs trust in Arizona is a legal instrument that allows people with disabilities to maintain their public benefits while maintaining additional wealth. The trust allows a third party, administrator, or trustee to hold and manage funds or property for the beneficiary with special needs. Because funds in the trust do not count [...]
Courts can order one side to pay the other’s legal costs in some cases, for example, where a party acts in bad faith or brings claims without any reasonable arguable foundation. You may encounter fee-shifting if a trust instrument or state law provides for it. For most trust dispute folks, who pay attorney fees [...]
A trust is legally invalid in Arizona when it does not meet the state’s rules for creation or fails to follow the required legal steps. You need an expressed intention to create trust, a lawful purpose, and a name. It has to have a definite property to take and a trustee to take it. [...]
You should hire a probate attorney in Arizona when you need help handling a loved one’s estate, face legal disputes over a will, or must deal with complex assets. If Arizona probate laws appear difficult, or there are creditors, taxes, or real estate at play, then an attorney can steer you. A lot of [...]
Probate in Arizona costs between $2,000 and $5,000 on average, but fees can escalate for large or complex estates. You pay court filing fees and legal fees, as well as other costs like appraisals and notices. The bulk of probate costs comes from attorney fees, which can be hourly or a flat fee. Court [...]
How do you probate an estate without a will in Arizona? No will, no problem. If someone dies without a will, the court will select a personal representative, usually a close family member, to handle the estate. The property then passes to heirs according to a priority order established by Arizona statute. You might [...]
If you’re named in a will in Arizona, you deserve to understand your position and what actions might come next. The law provides you with an opportunity to be informed about the estate, obtain a copy of the will, and inquire. You might have to wait for the probate court to contact you or [...]
Key Takeaways To satisfy Arizona’s legal requirements, you must write your will, which is signed by you and at least two competent witnesses. Choose your witnesses wisely and have them sign where required — improper witnessing can invalidate your will! Avoid ambiguity, confusion, and legal squabbles by using clear, precise language and full legal [...]
Key TakeawaysA successor trustee is essential in overseeing a trust post the original trustee’s tenure, with an obligation to act with fiduciary duty, diligence, and integrity in Arizona.We explain what triggers the successor trustee’s activation, the importance of successor trustees, how to choose a successor trustee, and common mistakes people make when assigning successor trustees.Successor [...]