An estate plan is meant to reflect your life as it is today. As your life changes, your estate plan may need to change too. If they do not, they may no longer carry out your wishes as intended. Many people create a will or trust and leave it unchanged for years....
Estate Planning
Traits to consider when choosing a personal representative
In Arizona, choosing a personal representative is one of the most important parts of estate planning. This person will manage your estate after your death, pay debts and distribute assets. Knowing what qualities to look for can help you choose someone who will protect...
3 mistakes people make in their estate plan and how to avoid them
Estate planning is more than just drafting a will. When you produce a well-thought plan, it can help protect your loved ones’ inheritance, minimize your taxes and upkeep your final wishes. To ensure that your legal documents are valid and free of errors, you must...
Estate planning: How do you pick a pet guardian?
You probably worry about what will happen to your loyal companion when you pass. Many estate plans focus on people and property and leave pets out. However, naming a pet guardian who agrees to care for your animal can give you the peace of mind that someone you trust...
4 ways to pass your business to heirs smoothly
When you own a business in Arizona, planning how it will pass to your heirs is important. Without a clear plan, your company could face disputes, unexpected taxes or operational challenges. Taking the time to organize your succession can protect your business and your...
Should I add my child to my bank account?
Adding your child to your bank account might seem like an easy fix. It helps with bills, avoids confusion and feels like a way to keep things simple. However, the moment you do it, you change who legally owns your money and that decision can reshape your entire estate...
One on the way? 3 estate planning documents for new parents
Becoming a parent is exciting, but it also comes with new responsibilities that go beyond choosing baby names or decorating a nursery. Many new parents find themselves thinking about the future in ways they never have before. A big part of that is ensuring your child...
How can you talk to your parents about estate planning?
Discussing estate planning with parents can feel uncomfortable, but it is an important conversation for the entire family. Having a plan in place can offer peace of mind and ensure that their wishes are respected in the future. Approaching the topic with sensitivity...
How often should adults update their estate plans?
Estate plans can help protect the people who draft them and people with close relationships with the testator. Wills and other testamentary instruments provide insight into how to distribute someone's assets after they pass. The testator can also designate trusted...
How to address digital resources in an estate plan
People thinking about their legacies often focus on their physical property. They want the most valuable assets to end up in the control of their closest loved ones. People often allocate resources with financial value and emotional importance to specific...