Experienced Arizona Probate Attorney
Losing someone you love is hard enough.
To make it less difficult, we help streamline the probate and trust administration process, protecting you and your family from unecessary stress.
Honor and protect your loved one’s interests while helping you settle their estate quickly and fairly.
There’s no question that probate or trust administration prolongs the pain of losing a loved one. It’s complex, challenging, and stressful for your family.
That’s why we work tirelessly to guide and protect you as you administer the trust or probate estate while helping you move through the process efficiently. Whether you need a proven probate attorney or someone to help you administer your trust, we will guide you through the entire process so you and your family can settle your estate quickly with less conflict or stress.
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Schedule a Consultation
Request a consultation to review and discuss your estate settlement.
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Settle the Estate
Get the guidance and protection you need to quickly and fairly settle your estate while avoiding family conflict.
Find Peace
Feel at peace knowing your loved one’s wishes have been honored.
Meet Whitney Sorrell, your Arizona Probate Attorney.
As a nationally-recognized estate planning attorney, Whitney Sorrell leverages his understanding of trusts to help his clients navigate the complexities of probate and trust administration. His ability to maintain harmony among everyone involved while fighting to honor your loved one’s wishes makes him an invaluable asset to have on your side, even in the most complex family or legal situations.
Whether you need clear, step-by-step guidance or someone to protect your assets from aggressive creditors, partnering with Whitney Sorrell means that your loved one’s estate is in good hands.
JD, MBA, LLM (Tax)
Certified Public Accountant
Former IRS Agent
30+ Years of Experience
Disclaimer: Photographs contain actors to protect client confidentiality.
Be advised that every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee a favorable outcome.
“ASSETS WERE IMMEDIATELY PROTECTED”
Whitney and his team did an outstanding job helping me quickly settle my late father’s estate and make sure the assets were immediately protected after changing hands.”
“THE BEST CHOICE”
“I needed to be legally protected while settling my mother’s estate & Whitney Sorrell was the BEST choice. I interviewed 6-8 attorneys and I am very satisfied with my choice to work with Mr. Sorrell. He knows his stuff, does his homework, and fights for you. He is not intimidated by the opposing team. He negotiates with finesse. I would hire Whitney Sorrell every single time.”
“WORKED SEAMLESSLY”
“I can’t thank Whitney, Ben, and the staff enough. They solved what was a very complicated estate matter involving the transfer of inherited interests in several LLCs, worked seamlessly with an attorney in another state, and did so expeditiously and at a reasonable cost.”
Common Questions
How much do you charge?
The cost and fees associated with probate or trust administration vary depending on the complexity and length of the case. But we offer affordable flat-rate fees for uncontested probate and competitive hourly rates for probate and trust administration.
How long does this process take?
Every case is different, but we are usually able to help clients settle their estate in less than a year — in some cases as little as 7-9 months. Our goal is to work efficiently and help you settle both quickly and fairly. While other attorneys might allow your case to drag out as they continue to charge you, we want to help you and your family close this chapter as soon as possible.
Must I pay my loved one's debts and expenses if I am appointed as the PR?
No, you are not personally liable for the debts and expenses of the estate. The decedent’s assets will be used to pay valid debts and expenses, but not all claims are valid. We determine which debts and expenses must be paid and when to pay them.
Am I the one that has to tell family members what they do or don't get?
If you prefer, we can handle all uncomfortable communications with family members or involved parties during the trust or estate administration, informing or explaining what they will or will not receive from the estate.
Arizona Probate FAQs
How do I avoid Probate?
Avoiding probate in Arizona might be an option for those planning for the future, but it’s important to recognize that it may not be an option if you’re dealing with a recent loss.
For those looking ahead, creating a living trust, designating beneficiaries on accounts, and utilizing joint ownership can bypass the probate process, ensuring a smoother transition of assets. If you’re currently facing the probate process, our experienced team is here to guide you through each step, providing support and expertise to make the journey as straightforward as possible.
What is the purpose of probate?
The purpose of probate is to settle a deceased individual’s estate through the probate court. It involves validating the decedent’s will, appointing someone to manage the estate (the personal representative), paying the estate’s debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs. The process also includes handling legal matters such as settling liabilities, transferring ownership of assets, and formally closing the estate, making it essential for the proper administration of a decedent’s affairs.
How much is a probate lawyer in Arizona?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer in Arizona can vary widely based on the complexity of the estate, the lawyer’s experience, and the specific services required. Generally, fees range from $1,000 for simple cases to thousands of dollars for more intricate situations.
At Sorrell Estate and Probate, we understand that dealing with probate is often an emotional and challenging time, so we strive to offer transparent and fair pricing tailored to your unique needs.
Do you need a probate lawyer for probate in Arizona?
In Arizona, hiring a lawyer for probate isn’t always required, but it can be incredibly helpful, especially if the estate is complex or if disputes arise. Navigating the legal intricacies of probate can be overwhelming, and a skilled probate lawyer can guide you through the process with expertise and compassion.
Do you need a probate lawyer for probate in Arizona?
Whether or not the estate needs to go through probate depends on what the decedent’s (the person who passed away’s) estate planning documents say (if there are any.) If there is no will, then…
If the person left behind personal things (like money, jewelry, or cars) worth more than $75,000, probate might be needed.
If the person left behind real estate (houses or land) worth more than $100,000, probate might be needed.
Of course, if these assets were titled in the name of the decedent’s living trust prior to death, probate is likely not needed.
What are the different types of probate in Arizona?
Informal Probate
This is the less complicated route, ideal when everything is in order and there are no disputes. While it’s more straightforward, it can still take 12 months or more. Patience is key here.
Formal Probate
Formal probate is often necessary when there are questions about the will or if a Personal Representative (PR) needs to be appointed by a judge. Once the PR is appointed, the process may become relatively unsupervised, allowing for more flexibility. It’s a blend of structure and autonomy that can suit various situations.
Supervised Probate
For complex or contentious situations, the court oversees everything. It’s thorough and ensures that everything is done by the book, but it can be quite involved.
Estate Administration with Small Estate Affidavits
If the estate’s value is below certain limits, you might qualify for this more streamlined process. It’s a helpful option for smaller estates but still requires careful attention to detail.
Property Title Transfer
This specialized path is used when the only thing left behind is real property, like a house, and there are no other debts. It’s a focused way to transfer the property title.
Hiring the right legal team can be the difference between painlessly settling the estate as quickly as possible or spending years battling with creditors and family members.
Sorrell Estate and Probate will guide you step-by-step through this daunting process so you and your family can move forward with dignity and confidence.