Essential Tips from a Living Trust Lawyer Phoenix, AZ Offers
Things to Consider When Creating a Living Trust
If you are thinking about creating a living trust, you can rely on our living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ from Kamper & Estrada, PLLC for guidance. Our law firm is dedicated to helping our clients prepare for their loved ones’ futures. We understand that simply thinking about what you want to happen in the event of your death can be an emotional task. However, creating a living trust is a reliable method for preserving your legacy.
Below we go into detail about things to consider in advance of creating a living trust. Every person’s circumstances are unique, so your needs may be somewhat different. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you create a living trust with the assistance of your living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ.
Make a List of Your Loved Ones
To start, you may want to make a list of the people who you would like to inherit some or all of your assets. You can leave them a portion of your savings, or property such as jewelry, vehicles, house, etc. If you would prefer that some or all of your property is sold and the proceeds passed on to your designated heirs, your living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can provide guidance as to how this can be arranged.
Appoint a Successor Trustee
When establishing a living trust, in order to maintain control over your assets you must name yourself as the trustee. The successor trustee is a backup person you assign to handle your finances and carry out your final wishes after you pass on. The person you choose for this crucial task should be detail-oriented, responsible, and will be capable of fulfilling your final wishes. Your living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ may suggest that you have a discussion with this person to make sure they are comfortable with being the successor trustee.
Organize Your Assets
After making your list of loved ones and choosing your successor trustee, gather the documentation related to your assets. This should include the locations of those assets, addresses, account numbers, etc. Your living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can clarify which of your possessions you may wish to include. Examples of assets include the following:
- Artwork
- Land
- House
- Jewelry
- Stocks
- Life insurance
- Bonds
- Vehicles
- Boats
- Cash
Choose a Guardian for Your Minor Children and Pets
If you were to pass away suddenly and your children are underage, you should think about who you want to act as guardian in your place. Additionally, you may wish to consider naming a guardian or guardians for your pets as well. Choose someone you believe will provide love and care for your dog, cat, bird, or other animal companion. Though you cannot do this with your living trust, you can write a will which includes guardian designations. A living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can help you with your will in addition to your living trust.
Talk with Your Designated Guardians
Before naming someone as a guardian, it’s usually beneficial to speak with them beforehand. You want to make sure they are willing and able to fulfill their roles after your passing.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation regarding your living trust with our living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ from Kamper & Estrada, PLLC.
Kamper & Estrada, PLLC
If you have decided to have a living trust, you may want to speak to a living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ . At Kamper & Estrada, PLLC, we understand how important estate planning is and are ready to help you prepare a living trust. We take the time to get to know our clients and learn about their goals and wishes.
Benefits of a Living Trust
Many individuals today are choosing living trusts over wills. If you prepare a living trust with the help of an experienced living trust lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, you may find several benefits, including:
- Avoid Probate: A probate involves distributing a deceased person’s estate to beneficiaries in court. The process can take months and may even cut down on what the beneficiaries inherit. With a living trust, a trustee can distribute assets without court intervention, saving time and money.
- Protects Privacy: Unlike a will, a living trust is not a public record. This means no one will be allowed to search public records to obtain more information about your estate. A living trust can protect your privacy and ensure your information doesn’t get into unwanted hands.
- Assists in the Event of Illness: If you have a living trust lawyer Phoenix, AZ respects help you prepare a living trust, you may avoid having a court-appointed conservatorship if you fall ill. The person you appoint as trustee can take care of your affairs without getting the court involved.
- Protects Against Court Challenges: It can be very difficult for someone to successfully challenge a living trust in court. If a person wants to challenge the validity of your living trust and bring a lawsuit, he or she would have to prove that you were mentally incompetent when you created the trust or that the trust document is flawed in some way.
Living Trust Lawyer Phoenix, AZ
During your initial consultation with a living trust lawyer Phoenix, AZ counts on, it’s beneficial to ask him or her several different questions. Inquiring about a lawyer’s skills and experience can help you determine if he or she is the right person for the job. Here are a few questions you may consider asking a Phoenix living trust lawyer:
- How long have you dealt with trusts and wills? In order to get the best results, it may be in your best interest to hire a lawyer who has at least a few years of experience handling trusts and wills.
- If an unexpected issue arises with my living trust, will you be able to help? Asking this questions can help you determine if a living trust lawyer Phoenix, AZ depends on is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied.
- Do you quote a fixed price? It’s a good idea to work with living trust lawyer who gives you a fixed price for your living trust. A lawyer who charges by the hour might not be acting in your best interest.
If you are searching for a dependable living trust lawyer Phoenix, AZ has to offer, contact Kamper & Estrada, PLLC.
Testimonials
Mary K.
Corrina W.
Elizabeth and Tim Kamper were amazing to work with! They took care of our needs in a timely and efficient manner with zero pressure. We highly recommend Kamper Estrada.
Rameel I.
Kamper Estrada has taken care of my family and I multiple times now and each time we have been treated like family! They explain the process and I never felt rushed throughout everything. I appreciate all the hard work they put in and recommend them in anyone in the Valley!
Neil D.
Attorney Estrada was wonderful to work with. He answered all of my questions thoughtfully and explained the details of my trust in a language easily understood. I have already recommended his law firm and will continue to do so.
Sarah C.
I had a very serious car accident in 2013 in another state. And he had to work with 3 different insurances and out of state accident laws. I worked with Mr. Timothy Kamper who was referred to me by my supervisor at the time. And he was absolutely a miracle worker! He actually found a hidden policy and was HONEST with me about it and all of the money went to me and he did not take any fees out for himself. They are a family business and once you walk in you feel like part of the family! I have referred a few people to their law firm and they got them more money than was expected. I cannot recommend this law firm enough!
Jason M.
I was in an accident over a year ago which resulted in my car being totaled and needed medical care, including an overnight stay in the hospital and about six months of physical therapy. The driver at fault had only the minimal coverage for insurance, which wouldn’t even pay half of the outstanding liens from the hospital and my medical insurance. Elizabeth Kamper explained the process to me and was always willing to answer any questions throughout the lengthy process. In the end, I was able to pay of all the liens and have more than enough to recoup other medical expenses. Kamper and Estrada’s entire staff was extremely helpful and easy to work with.
Lona H.
My husband and I went to Kamper Estrada to do our estate planning. We worked with attorney Estrada and could not be happier with our service. We really had no idea what we needed or how the process worked. Mr. Estrada helped us choose a path that was right for us and walked us through every step. Mr. Estrada and his team made the process so easy for us, it was a great experience. We highly recommend Kamper & Estrada, PLLC. Everyone we dealt with, from the first phone call to the end of the entire process, was warm, caring, and genuinely cared that our needs were being met
Glenda K.
Thank you Elizabeth for always making me feel that you cared and I wasn’t just a client.
Adam S.
Elizabeth did a wonderful job working with the insurance company after my family was involved in a car accident. She negotiated an amount that we could all agree on and even though we had several injuries we felt like Elizabeth got us a fair amount for the damages. Thank you Kamper Estrada!
Pamela M.
Joanna P.
I was completely thrilled with the service I got from Elizabeth! She is incredibly smart and took me through the whole process step by step. It’s not the most simple or comfortable process to go through but Elizabeth made it comfortable and I was done in no time. I have referred 4 people to her and all of them feel the same way. She’s awesome. You will not regret hiring her!
Anna S.
Everyone who retains Elizabeth as their attorney will be very pleased with her work performance and the time she take to help. She is very know legible, professional, caring and very kind person. I highly recommend Elizabeth for anyone who is going through ruff times and feels like the bankruptcy is the only option. After talking with Elizabeth everyone will feel comfortable with having the peace of mind that whatever decision they make it will be based on full knowledge, understanding of the process and knowing that they are not alone and things will get better. I highly recommend Elizabeth and her partners. This is a great law firm.
Shawna N.
As victims of identity theft and after losing over $2,000 to another legal firm that did nothing to help us with ongoing threats of garnishments from credit card companies, we were on the verge of losing everything. I’d been trying and trying to locate someone who could help us with a bankruptcy because it was finally our only alternative. THANK GOD we found Elizabeth. From Day 1, she stopped garnishment actions and immediately got our case going. It was 5 years of feeling additionally crushed with the ‘stigma’ of bankruptcy and Elizabeth often held our hands with the emotional and financial upheavals. She not only knows her stuff (I’d hate to go up against her in a courtroom), but she is always there, always kept us informed, and guided us through those years with skill, support, and her knowing the ropes with navigating the sometimes craziness of dealing with a Chapter 13. Elizabeth and her firm are the ONLY attorneys I recommend after losing money to a supposed lawyer prior. She truly saved the day – and our sanity.
Maya L.
Elizabeth is knowledgeable, friendly and caring. She continues to assist us even though our case is closed with helping to tie up some loose ends.
Mark S.
Carlene and Elizabeth are excellent attorneys who care about their clients.
Tracy M.
Elizabeth saved us! She graciously took on our case that another attorney had completely messed up. We would highly recommend her firm!
Tom M.
My wife and I personally met with Giancarlo to get in order our affairs. The process was simple, and we truly felt that Giancarlo had our best interests in mind. Having this done is definitely a weight off my shoulders.
Mat B.
I’m currently in the process of working with Giancarlo for my estate planning needs and he has been extremely helpful in the process. I am assured that this process will be painless and Giancarlo has assured me if anything ever needs to change it’s not a big deal at all. I was recently able to refer a good friend whom was unfortunately in an accident to Beth, and I know she was very happy with the interaction throughout the whole case. A big shout out to Kamper, Estrada & Simmons! Do not hesitate to call them with any Personal Injury, Estate Planning or Bankruptcy needs!
Lisa D.
We were in a difficult situation and very personal situation when I met Carlene. I was comfortable sharing private details and she honored that privacy. She was easy to work with, straight forward and took care of every detail professionally. I highly recommend her to anyone in need.
Christine Gale.
Kamper and Simmons are a a great asset to the state of Arizona and to the families that live there. You won’t find a more dedicated and compassionate law firm anywhere. They are REAL PEOPLE!! they speak to you in a caring way that just makes one feel that they made the right choices. Please don’t change anything you do and keep up the GREAT WORK!
Vam.
Carlene has exceeded in meeting all my needs and lifting my spirit during this long procedure when I felt helpless and stupid. God bless you, Carlene.
Bobby.
In my panic. She Looked at my case and provided me with all my options. Kept in touch whenever I had a question. Personal and professional. Very happy to have been recommended to her and would definitely recommend her to anyone. I already have. Thanks Ms. Simmons.
Christine.
Carlene has always been dedicated to those she serves.. She is an excellent attorney and strives to make her clients feel comfortable while attending to those legal matters. She has answers to problems that without a doubt, would boggle someone who isn’t an attorney. She is fast and thorough in getting the job done. There is no one else like Carlene that can get the job done and maintain at all times, her professionalism. She has become a great friend to me and I will always cherish her 110% of her tenacity and eagerness to help people.
Manny Maldonado
Carlene was very understanding, she explained the process thru out the process. I’ve heard horror stories about the trustee that was assigned to me. Thanks to Carlene and her experience, the trustee worked with Carlene and I was able to get a repayment plan that was comfortable to me. It took five years and Carlene was there the whole time. Contacting her was easy. Email or phone, I was always able to get in contact with her. She always returned my calls. I would and have recommended Carlene. She is a good attorney. She will get you through your bankruptcy thru thick and thin. Thank you so much Carlene, Life is much better now.
Ruben.
In addition to her knowledge about the process of bankruptcy. Carlene became my “emotional rock” during the whole process from beginning to end. I don’t think that bankruptcy is an emotionally easy thing for most people. Carlene provided the emotional support I needed. I shall ever be grateful to her for that. Carlene represented me in a complicated case. She went above and beyond to help me. She even went out of her way to help when I had a death in the family. I give Carlene my highest recommendation. She cares about her clients and does exemplary work.
James.
Carlene Simmons handled a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy on my behalf. Carlene impressed me with her knowledge of what needed to be done from the beginning to end of the process. She answered all of my questions, kept in constant contact when I called or emailed her, always getting back to me in a timely manner, sometimes within the hour.
Jennifer.
During the most difficult and strenuous time in our lives, my husband and I were left with no choice but to file bankruptcy as we could not recover our finances with the loss of my job due to illness. We were referred to Carlene Simmons from a disability attorney I had met with. Carlene has held our hand through the entire process, simplifying it and making sure we were informed and understood every step. There were no surprises. She was extremely knowledgeable and sympathetic to our circumstances. We were very hesitant and nervous that something would go wrong but she took care of everything and our case was discharged without any problems at all, just as she said it would. We now have the fresh start we need to regain our finances and focus on my health. I would highly recommend Carlene as she was professional yet compassionate during this stressful time for us. I appreciate her and you will too if you choose to work with her. Thank you, Carlene!
Angel K.
I became very ill and like so many others saw my life spiral out of control financially. I gave up my career and moved to AZ in an attempt to gain some kind of control over the pain and the mess. Nightmare landlords and my inability to get a job added to an already unbearable situation. When I finally came to terms with the fact that bankruptcy was a part of the solution I went online to shop for a lawyer. I came up with three names from NOLO and called and interviewed all three. Carlene Simmons was the clear choice and I feel so lucky to have had her guidance through the process. That last sentence seems so trite considering all she did for me. I was stunned and devastated that I was going to not pay bills when paying bills had always determined what kind of person you are to me. I was going to lose everything including my self-worth and I could see nothing of my future. This woman was strong for me, a comfort to me and literally took my hand and guided me through the process, the offices, the courtrooms and my own emotional loss. If you are in need of good guidance, strong character and true professionalism please call these women. I am so, so glad I did.
Vicky DeNero.
I was completely thrilled with the service I got from Elizabeth! She is incredibly smart and took me through the whole process step by step. It’s not the most simple or comfortable process to go through but Elizabeth made it comfortable and I was done in no time. I have referred 4 people to her and all of them feel the same way. She’s awesome. You will not regret hiring her!
Marianne B.
When i first came to Elizabeth Kamper in 2009 to file for bankruptcy, i was nervous about what lie ahead of me. Elizabeth was very reassuring and knowledgeable. She answered all my husbands and my questions. We always felt like we were a priority and over the years we never felt forgotten. While the bankruptcy was an unfavorable experience, working with Elizabeth was always a pleasure.
Marlene B.
All I have to say about Elizabeth is Amazing! she is wonderful ..helpful kept me informed and explained everything to me step by step. Love her such a blessing !!! Elizabeth always returned my calls same day and answered all my questions. All I have to say she is amazing made this scary processes very easy for me.
Jackie
Elizabeth was extremely professional and helpful with excellent advice on actions that should be taken. She always gave us options, if there was more than one way to handle a situation, and then allowed us to make the final decision, never pushing one way or another. She always kept us informed with updates and responded quickly to any situations or issues. She went out of her way to accommodate us. I would highly recommend her.
Luna L.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Attorney’s Giancarlo and Beth. Like many other people, I had never been in need of an attorney before. They patiently answered all my questions and made sure I was able to navigate the process with ease. I am grateful to them for their dedication, experience, reassurance, and above all, their honesty! Thank you!