In most cases, joint bank accounts are not subject to the long, expensive probate process. When one member of a joint bank account dies, ownership automatically passes to the surviving member(s). However, there are some situations where joint bank accounts may have to go through probate....
Probate is a process in which the state of Arizona administers your assets after your death. The probate process and distribution of your assets can take over a year, and could lead to conflict in your family. Luckily, not all estates have to go through...
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...
If you have a large estate or die without a will, your estate will go through probate after you pass. The process of probate can be overwhelming for your loved ones, and create conflict when it comes to distribution. At Phelps LaClair, we help Arizona...
Probate is the legal process of transferring the ownership of a deceased person’s property to their heirs, and it can take a long time to complete. There are many types of assets that are automatically subject to probate unless you place them in a trust. At...
If you’ve been appointed the executor of an estate or if you’re expecting an inheritance, you may be wondering just how long the probate process can take. Unfortunately, probate is a complex process, and there are many different factors that can delay its completion. There is...
Whether you’re planning your own estate or settling a loved one’s, it’s important to understand how probate works. At Phelps LaClair, we help Arizona families design successful estate plans and smoothly administer their loved ones’ estates. We put together this guide to formal vs. informal...
Every estate planning law firm will advise you to avoid probate when and wherever possible. Phelps LaClair is no exception. We tell our potential clients what having an estate go through probate will entail. There will be court costs, legal fees, and time lost in...
If someone has chosen you to administer their estate after they’re gone, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Being the personal representative of an estate comes with many responsibilities. Luckily, the experienced team at Phelps LaClair is here to help you feel more at...