A last will and testament provides important direction for asset distribution, but a property deed often possesses superior legal authority. Many people assume a will governs all property, yet the specific vesting—the legal manner in which title to real estate is...
Sun City Estate Planning Blog
Can you assign a non-family party as a will executor?
Naming the person who will manage your estate is a critical part of planning your estate. This role comes with significant responsibilities that require commitment to delivering your wishes. Family members are often the choice for these roles. However, if you are not...
Preparing for probate: A checklist for executors
Being named the executor of an estate is both an honor and a responsibility. Executors are tasked with helping to ensure that a loved one’s wishes are carried out and that their estate is handled according to the law. Unfortunately, estate administration is rarely a...
How an estate plan can minimize estate tax obligations
The assets that become a person's estate generally represent a lifetime of hard work and careful financial management. Testators often have clear preferences regarding who inherits specific assets. Frequently, the most important goal for many testators is to ensure...
Holistic estate planning for high net worth Arizona families
You've worked hard to build substantial wealth, but creating a comprehensive estate plan requires more than basic wills and trusts. Your complex financial situation demands an integrated approach that considers all aspects of your legacy. Without proper coordination...
Protecting minor children with a robust estate plan
Some people establish estate plans to protect their resources as they age. For others, the main incentive is a desire to protect their closest loved ones. People who may have previously avoided estate planning may start thinking about the distant future and...
Understanding reciprocal or “mirror” wills
Married couples who have been together for many years and who share nearly all of their assets often want to put a joint will in place. They know it’s important to have a will, but they don’t see the point of having two. There are a number of issues with a joint will,...
Utilizing life insurance in your estate planning process
Estate planning allows people to establish a very specific kind of legacy. They work with a lawyer to draft documents that allow them to allocate their resources to specific beneficiaries after their passing. What other people inherit from the estate may influence how...
3 requirements for a valid Arizona will
Estate planning can give a testator peace of mind and allows them to craft a legacy. They can protect their loved ones and arrange for their own support in the event of a medical emergency. For many testators, a will is the most important legal instrument included in...
Pet trusts: Ensuring your pets are cared for after you’re gone
Even people who give estate planning necessary time and thought too often neglect to include their pets in their plans. Oftentimes, they assume they’ll outlive them or that someone in their family will take them. Even if a relative or friend promises to take care of...

