At Kamper Estrada, LLP, we’re proud to give our clients an estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ residents trust. We understand that making plans for the future — a future that you will not be here for — is not a topic that many people enjoy discussing. However, making sure that your wishes are carried out when you pass away is one of the many reasons why you may wish to meet with a Phoenix estate planning lawyer from our firm.
Who Needs an Estate Planning Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ?
An estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ offers realizes that when some people hear the phrase “estate planning,” they believe that only people who are very wealthy make estate plans. Just the word “estate” can leave a person imagining a vision of mansions and very wealthy homes.
As surprising as it may sound, almost anyone can have factors in their life for which having a legal plan in place would be beneficial for their loved ones. Without some type of estate plan set up, the state steps in and determines how your assets will be distributed.
For example, say you have a valuable antique collection that you would like a nephew to inherit when you die. If you pass away without a will or another legal estate planning tool specifying who will get that collection, it is not likely the state of Arizona will see to it that your nephew receives that collection. Instead, the collection might be divided up between all of your heirs or disbursed as the state sees fit.
What Can an Estate Planning Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ Do for Me?
Depending on your financial situation and what type of assets you own, an estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ clients depend on can assist in drawing up many different legal documents. These may include:
- Wills
- Living wills
- Living trusts
- Irrevocable trusts
- Special needs trusts
- Guardianship for minor children
- Financial power of attorney
- Health care power of attorney
- Estate tax planning
In addition to whatever assets or real estate property you own, there are many other items that are also considered part of your estate, such as vehicles, furniture, and household items. Even a digital library could be considered an asset and may become part of your estate.
Considering an Estate Planning Lawyer Phoenix, AZ
At this point you might be considering whether or not you really need an estate planning lawyer in Phoenix, AZ. Estate planning is serious; one wrong or misleading word, or one missing signature could essentially change the intent of the trust or will. It could also provoke a judge to misinterpret what it is you intended or leave you open to a broad range of disputes. Apart from this, you should consider factors such as the following:
State Laws Rule Estate Plans
Laws encompassing estates, wills, and trusts vary by state. These are generally very specific laws and lay out what can or cannot be included in a trust, will, or power of attorney. The laws also state who can act as a trustee, personal representative, surrogate, or attorney. Who can or cannot act as a witness to these legal documents, and what formalities need to be observed when creating and signing a will, trust, or power of attorney are also strictly enforced in state laws. There are many reasons why it’s important to have an estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ trusts on your side.
The “Buyer Beware” Philosophy Applies
You might be familiar with “buyer beware” which most certainly applies to estate planning. If you are thinking you will save money by using do-it-yourself (DIY) forms on the internet, or a software program to prepare your estate documents, you might want to think again. These DIY programs are generally meant to act as a basic example or standard model. You should always consider having an estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ respects review these documents before signing them. Otherwise, your family might discover that all or part of the will, trust, or power of attorney is not valid. If this should happen, your next of kin may have to spend thousands of dollars on hiring an estate planning lawyer in Phoenix, AZ to correct your mistakes.
A Phoenix Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help Resolve Financial and Family Issues
An estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ relies on may be able to review your financial and family history in conjunction with speaking to you to decide whether or not there are any direct issues that could pose a problem in the future. If so, a lawyer can help you to resolve these problems; thereby protecting and securing the rights of all parties. If any of the following applies to you, be sure to consult with an estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ respects:
- You have divorced and remarried
- You own at least one business
- You own more real estate in multiple locations
- You have a disabled family member
- You have minor children
- You wish to leave some of your estate to a charity
- You have substantial assets in IRAs or 401ks
- You have a taxable estate
- Your assets total over $1 million
For any of the above scenarios, an estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ has to offer can help prepare the essential documents. If these criteria don’t apply, you risk nothing by contacting a lawyer to discuss the potential avenues that you can take.
Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer Phoenix, AZ Clients Rely On
Whether this will be the first time you legally put your estate plans in writing, or whether you would like to make modifications to your existing plans, a Phoenix estate planning lawyer may guide you through the process and help you decide what will work best for your family.
Our firm is ready to help you navigate this process. The attorneys at Kamper Estrada, LLP are available to discuss your situation during a complimentary case evaluation. For more information about estate planning, or to schedule an appointment with a skilled estate planning lawyer Phoenix, AZ has to offer, contact our law firm at 602-230-1234 or fill out a contact form from our website.