Creating a basic estate plan to establish a legacy and protect family members can be a smart choice. Many people also need to consider establishing documents that take effect while they are still alive. Paperwork addressing the very real possibility of incapacity due...
Beth Kruchek Legal Blog
3 reasons a pet’s needs may warrant the benefits of a trust
Pets can become an important part of a family. They can provide companionship and an incentive to exercise. They can teach children about personal responsibility and the needs of others. In some cases, the pets that people love also require consideration in their...
2 specialty trusts to consider in Arizona
People who are creating an estate plan often have personalized goals they want to achieve via their plan. One way to move forward involves trusts, which serve as legal tools to manage assets and then distribute them according to the creator’s instructions. Certain...
Do stepchildren have the right to inherit from an estate?
One of the fastest ways to grow a family is to marry someone who already has children. Stepparents gain not just a spouse but also dependents when they marry someone who already has children. It is common for stepparents to have a close bond with their stepchildren...
The risk of naming a minor child as a beneficiary in a will
Those with children or grandchildren often want to ensure their comfort regardless of what the future holds. Naming a young adult or child as a beneficiary in an Arizona estate plan is one way to achieve that goal. Parents, grandparents and other concerned adults can...
What should you know about trusts as part of an estate plan?
Creating an estate plan is a critical task for adults. Once a plan is made, it provides a testator’s loved ones – and the state – with specific instructions related to the end of that person’s life and what should happen to their assets after they pass away. There are...
Why creating a digital will with a downloaded form is risky
The internet has made life infinitely more convenient in many ways. Unfortunately, online resources also add a layer of complication to many aspects of life. People can fall victim to misinformation and even scams that put them at legal or financial risk. For example,...
How can an Arizona testator include a pet in their estate plan?
Families in Arizona may include multiple generations of humans and people not related to one another by blood but instead by marriage or adoption. Sometimes, families even include non-human members. Pets and companion animals can be a very important part of modern...
New parents need to choose a guardian for their children
Discussions about estate planning often focus on those preparing for the end of their lives. Those nearing retirement or preparing to move to nursing homes often need to create or review estate plans to protect themselves financially and legally. However, people in...
How trusts can benefit your estate plan
Creating trusts is one of the most valuable tools in the estate planning process for Arizona residents. These legal documents can offer you and your heirs several advantages during your lifetime and after your passing. Consider these advantages when determining what...