Probate is a long and costly process that places an unnecessary burden on your loved ones. If you want to avoid probate in Arizona, you’ll need more than just a will in your estate plan. Wills are always subject to probate, and that is why...
There’s one crucial step that many people skip after signing their trust document—actually funding the trust. If you forget to complete this step, your assets will remain subject to probate and be vulnerable to creditors after you’re gone. No matter how detailed the instructions you...
Choosing a beneficiary for your 401K is an important decision. Even though retirement accounts do not have to go through probate, they can still be subject to taxes and fees. And when it comes to inheriting a 401K account, different rules apply for charities, spouses,...
You don’t have to be rich to set up a trust fund for your child. In fact, it’s a move every parent should make. Setting up a trust fund can help secure your child’s financial future by protecting their inheritance from taxes, probate, and creditors....
Your home, vehicles, and investments aren’t the only things you need to include in your estate plan. You should also name beneficiaries for your personal property. Treasured items like a hope chest or a grandfather clock tell the tales of your family’s history. But passing down...
It doesn’t matter how old you are or how much money you make; if you’re a parent, you need an estate plan. Legal documents like wills and trusts help you plan ahead so that your children are always cared for, no matter what the future...
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: estate planning is for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you’re married or single, or whether you have children or don’t. Every adult needs to fill out a few important legal documents that explain...
Not every family story is the same. Many people face complicated or strained relationships with children, siblings, or other relatives that lead to estranged relationships. If this describes your situation, it’s important to recognize how estrangement can impact what happens to your assets after you’re...
Brown. Dry. Heat waves gleaming off the rocks. Cacti surrounding you. Thirst that seems unquenchable, and only sand in sight. Is this the picture you get when you think of the desert? Most people think of the desert as a wasteland that has nothing to...
When it’s time to retire and you’re a business owner, leaving isn’t as simple as just picking a day on the calendar. It requires thought, communication, and legal action. If you intend to pass your business on to your children, grandchildren, or other family members,...