Many couples opt for joint bank accounts as a convenient way to manage their finances. When set up correctly, a joint bank account can ensure seamless access for your loved one after you pass away. Because, in most cases, joint bank accounts are not subject...
If you live in Arizona and you’ve been thinking about protecting your financial assets for the future, it’s wise to understand the state’s legal processes concerning wills and trusts. James Phelps is a second generation estate planning attorney at Phelps LaClair, serving Chandler, Mesa, and...
The death of a loved one is a challenging time. Unfamiliar legal terms, documents, and processes can make this time even more overwhelming. If you've received a notice of probate of will, or have to send them out as the executor, you may be wondering...
One of the top 10 estate planning mistakes that many people make is having an inadequate plan that will necessitate probate court. Why is probate so negative? It devours time and money that is better invested in the inheritance you leave to your beneficiaries. At...
If you have a large estate or die without a will, your estate will go through probate after you pass. This court process can be overwhelming for your loved ones and create conflict regarding distribution. Whether you’re administering a loved one’s estate or getting your...
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...
Discovering that you have been named in someone's will can be surprising. Whether you're a close family member or a distant relative, understanding your status as a beneficiary can help you prepare for the future. However, it's not always straightforward to determine whether you've been...
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....
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...