In the world of estate planning, there are similar terms that define very different planning goals. For instance, at Phelps LaClair, we hear this question a lot: “What is the difference between a Living Will and a Living Trust?” As a 2nd generation law firm,...
Hopefully, you’ve already created an estate plan that benefits your spouse or partner as well as any children and grandchildren in your family. But there are some other important family members you may have forgotten to consider when estate planning—your pets. Planning ahead for your...
Nobody gets married planning to divorce down the road. But sadly, nearly half of all marriages do end in divorce. As estate planning lawyers with 40 years of experience, Phelps LaClair knows what happens to a trust in a divorce. Wills Wills and trusts are different, of...
There are definitely important things to include in all estate planning: making sure all of your assets are covered, naming beneficiaries, and reducing tax burdens are a few items among that crucial list. But you also want to be aware of what should not be...
DIY, or do-it-yourself, has become a common phrase in modern language. And while a DIY attitude may work well to foster creativity for daily life, when it comes to estate planning, DIY can cause devastating complications—which is the last thing you want your family to...
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...
Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy, they’re for anyone looking to save their family time and money after they pass away. There are many reasons for creating a trust, from controlling the distribution of your assets to protecting loved ones with disabilities. At Phelps LaClair,...
It can be uncomfortable to talk to your children about their inheritance. While you don’t have to tell your children exactly how much they will inherit, it is a good idea to have a conversation with them about what to do with an inheritance. If...
Mother’s day is coming up, and that means Moms all over the world will be honored for their nurture, training, and love. If you’re a mother, we want you to know we value your role as an influencer more than any other person’s role in...
We know we are a law firm that specializes in all your estate planning needs, but we also want to help you unwind through fun events this summer. Arizona can be seen as too hot to enjoy, but we disagree. There are so many family...