12 Mar Estate Planning Advice: Five Real Life Examples

Everyone has different priorities when it comes to their estate plan. For some, it’s all about protecting their families. Others want to leave a legacy by funding a trust or supporting a charity. We asked our clients what they felt was the most important part of the estate planning process. Here’s what they said. 

1: Make sure all your accounts have beneficiaries.

“Setting up beneficiaries for my life insurance, retirement funds, and bank accounts took care of most of the work for me.”

– Paul in Goodyear

When the majority of your assets are titled assets, bank accounts, or brokerage funds, you can usually avoid probate by filling out a few simple forms. You can fill out beneficiary deeds (or “Transfer-on-Death” deeds) for assets like your family home, vehicles, and checking accounts. This is the best way to make sure your loved ones retain access and can avoid the delays and fees involved with probate.

2: State your wishes for end-of-life care.

“The thing I was most worried about was getting the end-of-life care I wanted. Setting up an advance directive set my mind at ease.”

– Carol in Sedona

If you have strong opinions about medical care, or you’re worried that your family won’t respect your wishes, there are ways to protect yourself. Setting up an advance directive for end of life care means you won’t be resuscitated or kept on life support if you don’t wish it. And drafting a healthcare power of attorney gives your agent the right to make medical decisions for you if you’re ever incapacitated. 

3: Appoint a guardian for your children.

“If you have kids, this is the most important step you can take. As a single parent, naming a guardian that I trust was my main priority.”

– Vanessa in Glendale

As a parent of young children, writing a will that names a legal guardian is one of the most responsible things you can do. It may not be necessary, but just in case, it’s good to know that your children will be loved and cared for if anything happens to you. And since minor children can’t legally inherit any property, you might also want to set up a trust to protect them financially.

4: Set up a pet trust.

“Leave your pet some money! I volunteer at an animal shelter, and it’s really sad how many pets end up homeless when their owners pass away.” 

– Sarah in Scottsdale

Pets are part of the family, too. In Arizona, you can set up a trust that names a caregiver for your pets and funds their expenses. The money that you put in a pet trust can only be used for pet care, like buying food or paying for veterinary visits.  

5: Support a good cause.

“As a first-generation college graduate, my main goal is supporting higher education. I set up a charitable trust that will benefit underprivileged students after I pass away.”

– Marc in Chandler

Funding a charitable trust is a great way to create a lasting legacy and support a cause you care about. You can set up a trust that benefits the nonprofit organization of your choice. Plus, you also get a tax break on any charitable donations you make during your lifetime. 

Estate Planning Advice for Everyone

Need some personalized estate planning advice? At Phelps LaClair, estate planning is all we do, and we’ve been doing it for over 40 years. With nine locations throughout the Phoenix Valley, we’re sure to have an office nearby. Make a list of all your questions, and then contact us to set up a free consultation. 

Photo by Leo_Visions on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/28/26.