Probate Lawyer Phoenix, AZ
If you are in charge of probating your deceased loved one’s estate, you may want to speak to a Phoenix, AZ probate lawyer at Kamper & Estrada, PLLC. We have guided many people like yourself through the probate process. We are here to assist you every step of the way. A probate lawyer is a state licensed lawyer who knows how to advise personal representatives, known as executors and beneficiaries of an estate regarding how to settle the final affairs of a deceased person. If you are experiencing challenges for which you need a legal professional to handle your situation, it may be in your best interest to contact us today.
Probate is a type of court system that gives the estate executor the power to act on behalf of the deceased. You can look to a probate lawyer in Phoenix, AZ to provide the proper guidance for your legal probate matters. Our lawyers understand each and every case is unique and requires individualized attention and care. Learn about Can I Contest a Will if the Person Who Died Had a Brain Injury?
What We Can Do For You
Our law firm provides estate planning and related legal services that can make it possible for families to avoid going through the probate process. Avoiding probate is desirable as it can delay the distribution of assets and lessen the value of the estate after court costs and attorney fees are paid. Our team offers valuable guidance to Arizona families in planning their estate as well as assistance with administering estates after a loved one passes. If you would like to know more about our services, give us a call to schedule a brief consultation with our team. You can come into our office or discuss your case on the phone at no charge to you.
After a probate lawyer in Phoenix has a sense of your circumstances, we can suggest ways in which you and your family can avoid the probate process. Here are several common methods:
Create a Living Trust
A living trust is similar in some ways to a will but the two are often used in tangent to ensure that a person’s last wishes can be fully honored. A living trust can also benefit the creator of the trust for the remainder of their lifetime. Here is what you can expect:
- After our probate lawyer helps you to create a living trust, you will transfer the ownership of your assets to the trust.
- The person you designate to manage the trust is known as the trustee, and you can name yourself to take this role.
- This will permit you to retain control of those assets but upon your passing, because they are “owned” by the trust, they will be exempt from probate.
Designate Beneficiaries for Your Financial Accounts
Many types of financial accounts permit the account holder to designate a beneficiary who will inherit the monies upon your passing. Beneficiaries of retirement plans, investments, insurance policies, pension plans, stocks and bonds, bank accounts and much more kinds of financial accounts can inherit those funds without having to go through probate. Check with the bank or brokerage company associated with each of your accounts to learn if your spouse will automatically inherit those assets or if you can designate them or another person.
Choose Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship
Another option that your probate lawyer may suggest is to change the ownership of your property to joint tenancy or ownership. Property that is jointly owned will transfer to the surviving owner and will not have to go through probate. If you already own a house or are planning to purchase one, name the person who you want to inherit full ownership of the property as your joint tenant. Note that the person you designate does not have to be your spouse or related to you in any way.
Benefits of Hiring a Probate Lawyer
While it’s possible to handle the probate process on your own, it may be in your best interest to hire legal help. Here are a few benefits of working with an experienced probate lawyer in Arizona at Kamper & Estrada, PLLC:
- Legal Expertise: The average person doesn’t deal with estates very often and might know what to do if a problem arises. A probate lawyer has dealt with many estates and is prepared to handle any complications that may come up. However, dealing with the court and completing the required paperwork can be a complex and complicated process. For these reasons, many people seek legal assistance from our team who can help them with the administration of the deceased’s estate. When an estate involves a significant amount of assets, questions and tensions can arise.
- Save Time: Administering an estate can be quite time-consuming. This can put a lot of unneeded stress on your back when you are grieving over the loss of a loved one. If you hire us, we can do the legwork for you, saving you time.
- Minimize Taxes: When you administer an estate, you will likely have to pay estate taxes. An AZ probate lawyer in Phoenix may be able to help you reduce these taxes as much as possible. In fact, your tax savings may be significantly higher than any costs associated with hiring a probate lawyer.
- Avoid Family Arguments: If beneficiaries don’t believe they are being treated fairly, heated arguments can arise. Our team can be there to alleviate tension among family members during this difficult time and provide answers to their questions. These questions can be very crucial for you to answer or understand. Our lawyers have worked on simple to the most complex of estates, and as a result are familiar with best practices to resolve legal issues.
- Manage Complex Assets: Simple assets, like bank accounts and vehicles, are normally easy to manage on your own. However, if the estate contains more complex assets, like real estate or businesses, it may be necessary to have a probate lawyer help you manage these assets. When the estate assets are divided, the process of distributing them based on percentage shares and other methods of disbursement can be confusing. This is why for more complex estates, it is not always optimal for the executor to handle alone.
- Assist With Debts: If there are a lot of debts in the estate that the assets can’t cover, it may be advisable to hire a member of our legal team. Creditor laws can be quite complex, and a lawyer may help you determine which debts have priority. In some instances, you may make the mistake of paying the debts in a random fashion and not paying down the one that has a specific deadline or time limit, or not paying down the loan that has been taken with a high rate of interest. To preserve the estate’s maximum value, it’s important to resolve any debt issues as soon as possible.
Setting Up a Consultation With a Probate Lawyer
If you have decided to hire a probate lawyer based in the Arizona area, the first step is to set up an initial consultation with one. During the meeting, we want to find out more background information about the estate you are in charge of any might request to see certain documents, such as tax returns and deeds. These documents can be reviewed and prioritized so that all of the necessary steps are taken to ensure full legal compliance. The legal process can be discussed in detail with the beneficiary or the family members named as heirs in the will. Because every situation is different, after a thorough review of the circumstances, we can explain what may be necessary in order to settle the estate as soon as possible. Learn more about What You Need to Know About the Probate Process.
Do not hesitate to ask your own questions during the consultation. If you are searching for an Arizona probate lawyer from Phoenix, contact Kamper & Estrada, PLLC at 602-730-7988 to learn more.
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!