Spiders, ghosts, and skeletons abound this time of year. And while most people enjoy scary things like haunted houses and horror movies, they often harbor secret fears. Being afraid to write a will is one of them. But don’t worry—there’s nothing scary about estate planning...
Holidays are a time for joy, laughter, pretty lights, great decorations, and delicious food. We gather with friends and family, we connect with past acquaintances, we enjoy festivities and special events. And in the middle of all the activities that go along with holiday seasons,...
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....
When you’re looking to protect your assets for future generations, calling on the expertise of an estate planning lawyer is a smart idea. At Phelps LaClair Firm we’ve been helping families in the Phoenix Valley choose the right estate planning vehicle for their needs for...
A nursing home is a facility that offers a step up in care from an assisted living facility. Both are on the continuum of long-term care. However, in a nursing home, elderly or disabled residents are provided with accommodations and personal care services, as well...
A living trust keeps your assets out of probate and provides numerous other benefits as well. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of a living trust if you want to ensure that your assets are properly protected. If you’re concerned about the possibility of getting...
If you have grandchildren, you can use a generation-skipping trust to pass some of your assets directly to them. This way, you can leave an inheritance for your grandchildren without burdening their parents’ estates. And not only do generation-skipping trusts avoid probate, they also keep...
Estate planning is crucial for everyone, no matter how wealthy they are. But it’s especially important for veterans and active military members. Being in the military earns you unique government benefits that need protection. A sound estate plan that includes a trust, a will, advance directives,...
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...
Phelps LaClair is an estate planning law firm serving Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix and Scottsdale. We help our clients to protect the wealth they have labored to build, and to pass it on to succeeding generations. With another presidential election on the horizon for 2020, many...