Your legacy is more than the assets you accumulate. It is the security and stability you provide for your loved ones after you are gone. Selecting the attorney to help you structure that legacy is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. A poorly...
Whitney Sorrell
A Successor Trustee’s Guide to Arizona Trust Administration
A checklist brings order to a complex process. Use this as a guide to collect the necessary information and track your progress. Documents to Gather Begin by assembling essential paperwork. Having these documents organized will make every subsequent step easier....
Funding Your Trust in Arizona: What You Need to Know
A revocable living trust is more than a legal document. It’s a promise to your family that you’ve taken steps to protect them. However, a trust that isn't funded is powerless. It cannot shield your assets from probate, nor can it guarantee that your wishes will be...
6 Foundational Documents for Every Estate Plan
These key legal instruments work together to protect your assets, your health, and your family's future. Who will make decisions for you if you cannot? How can you be sure your wishes are honored and your family is protected? A complete estate plan answers these...
Choosing the Right Type of Trust(s) for Your Arizona Estate Plan
This article explains the different types of trusts available in Arizona. You will learn how each one works, who it benefits, and how to select the right structure to protect your family, minimize estate taxes, and ensure your wishes are honored. What is a Trust? A...
Wills vs. Trusts in Arizona: Why Most Families Benefit from a Trust
For most Arizona families, relying on a simple will leaves critical gaps in their estate plan. While a will might seem sufficient, the reality is that it often falls short of providing the privacy, efficiency, control, and protection families need. This guide explains...
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is properly distributed to heirs and designated beneficiaries, and any debt is paid to creditors. In Arizona, the probate court oversees this process to ensure the deceased person's assets are...
The Arizona Probate Process
When a loved one passes away in Arizona, their estate typically goes through probate - the legal process of validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets. As both an attorney and CPA who has guided countless families through probate, I want to help you...
Types of Probate in Arizona
In Arizona, several different types of probate proceedings are available depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Understanding these options can help you navigate the process more effectively and choose the most appropriate path for your situation. Formal...
Guide to Contested Estates in Arizona
When disputes arise during estate administration or probate proceedings in Arizona, the situation becomes a contested estate. These disputes can significantly impact families, delay asset distribution, and increase costs for all parties involved. Common issues...
Choosing the Best Probate Attorney in Arizona
When a loved one passes away, navigating the probate process can feel overwhelming. Understanding how to find and work with the right probate attorney in Arizona is crucial for ensuring the estate is handled properly and efficiently. What Is a Probate Attorney? A...
Guide to Arizona Guardianships and Conservatorships
When a loved one becomes unable to care for themselves or make sound decisions, Arizona law provides two primary legal arrangements to protect them: guardianships and conservatorships. Understanding the differences and requirements for each is crucial for families...
The Ultimate Guide to Arizona Estate Planning in 2025
Introduction This Guide distills over 25 years of experience helping Arizonans with estate planning and administration into a valuable resource to help you understand how to protect your family from the emotional turmoil of probate courts and inheritance disputes....
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial management that many individuals tend to overlook or delay until it is too late. By definition, estate planning refers to the process of arranging for the transfer of your assets and wealth to your chosen beneficiaries...
QPRT Benefits: Understanding Qualified Personal Residence Trusts
Estate planning may feel overwhelming, especially if you have a substantial amount of assets to protect. When it comes to protecting your home, a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT) can be a great choice. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of QPRTs...