Should your vehicle be in your living trust? A living trust gives you more control over the distribution of your assets when you're gone. But sometimes, determining which assets to include in your living trust can be confusing. Fortunately, the Phelps LaClair team can help...
In the past two months, we have spoken with a number of new and former clients concerned about the coronavirus. Phelps LaClair is a premier estate planning law firm in the Phoenix Metro area. We are well acquainted with folks who want a solid estate...
There are many ways to leave money to a charity in your estate plan. For example, you can make charitable donations in your will or name a nonprofit as the beneficiary of your 401K. You could also set up a charitable trust or contribute to...
Each year as the holidays approach, we treasure the joy of celebrating with our extended relatives and our immediate family members. It's a time to reflect on the richness of family as we consider the past and look to the future. In order to assure...
Oftentimes, the key to creating generational wealth lies in protecting the assets you pass down to your children and grandchildren. If you don't want their inheritance to get squandered by an irresponsible spouse, or lost in an unexpected lawsuit, there are steps you can take....
The best places in the world for stargazing are designated “dark sky” locations. Arizona residents are lucky to have more than twenty of these places in the state! We explain what the term “dark sky” means and reveal the three best spots where you can...
A durable power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone you trust the right to make financial and/or medical decisions on your behalf. It's a good safeguard to include in your estate plan, just in case a time comes when you are...
As we age, our medical needs change. That is just a part of life. And depending on your personal medical history, you may want to plan for an event where, if you cannot communicate directly with doctors and nurses, you have someone who knows your...
Being named as successor trustee is a big responsibility that comes with legal and fiduciary duties. It means you’re in charge of managing someone’s trust after they pass away or become incapacitated. While it may seem straightforward at first, there are several dangerous mistakes that...
Setting up a trust is often a crucial step in estate planning. Whether they are revocable or irrevocable, trusts are designed to ensure the smooth transfer of assets to their beneficiaries. But what happens when the trust instructions don’t seem to align with the grantor’s...