Probate is a long and costly process that can take a year or more, and it’s best to avoid it if you can. For a small estate with property valued below a certain threshold, the best way to skip the probate process is to use...
Many people believe that listing their assets and naming beneficiaries in a will is enough for their estate to avoid probate. However, wills are always required to go through probate, because the court needs to validate them. Probate is the legal process of distributing the assets...
A properly drafted will can help ensure your assets are properly distributed after you’re gone. Your will should include your appointed executor, named guardians for minors, as well as a list of your assets and beneficiaries. But there are many things that are either unnecessary,...
With a total of ten zoos and wildlife parks, Arizona is the perfect place for animal lovers. You can encounter thousands of beautiful, exotic animals and learn all about them up close. Arizona’s zoos and parks also host many fun and educational events throughout the...
Revocable trusts offer many benefits, protecting your assets and keeping them out of probate. They also allow you to control and access the assets in the trust at any point during your lifetime. But in spite of its name, the time when you can amend (or...
Have you started working on your estate plan yet? There are many common myths and misconceptions about estate planning that can cause people to make mistakes with their plans, or prevent them from making one at all. If you’ve heard and believed any of these...
Luckily, you’re never too old or too young to contribute to your individual retirement account (IRA). Whether you’re thinking about getting an early start on setting up an IRA or you’re a few years away from retirement, it’s never too late or too early to...
If you have set up a living trust or are considering one, you may need a pour-over will. This failsafe will protect any assets you neglected to add to your living trust. Whether you intentionally left some assets out, or simply forget about them, you...
From enjoying parades to running 5ks, there’s so much to do on St. Patrick’s day in and around Phoenix. So gather up your green garments and mark your calendar—here are the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Arizona. Four Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s...
Have you ever wondered exactly what it means to be named as the executor of an estate? An executor has many important duties to carry out, and understanding what the executor of an estate has to do can help you make better choices. We put...