Estate Planning

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Estate Planning Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ

Estate Planning Lawyer in Phoenix

Making decisions about what will happen to your property after you die is crucial. Estate planning allows you to control how your assets will be distributed and ensure they go to the people or causes you are passionate about.

There are practical reasons to make an estate plan in Arizona. A well-crafted estate plan can make sure your final wishes are carried out, lower the taxes on your estate, and potentially keep your affairs out of probate court. A clear plan can also prevent disputes over your assets, saving your beneficiaries from unnecessary heartache. Otherwise, they may argue over your assets for years.

The best way to accomplish these goals is by getting help from a dedicated Phoenix estate planning lawyer. At Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC, we have more than 20 years of experience helping Arizonans with their estate planning needs.

You’ll benefit from one-on-one attention from a skilled estate planning attorney, not a legal assistant or paralegal, when you work with us. We want to get to know you. That way, we can tailor your estate plan to meet your needs. Learn more by contacting our office for a free initial consultation.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is a broad term. It refers to making a plan for your accumulated real property and financial assets when you pass away or if you become physically or mentally incapacitated. It includes everything from drafting an advanced healthcare directive outlining decisions about end-of-life care to creating a will or trust for distributing your assets after your death.

Many people think that estate planning is only for the wealthy. Not so. Almost everyone has an estate. Unless you make your wishes clear through a legally enforceable estate plan, the government will determine what happens to your assets — and a court’s decision may not align with your wishes.

How Can an Estate Planning Lawyer in Phoenix Help?

An estate planning lawyer provides a wide range of services that can bring you peace of mind and help you prepare for all contingencies. Here’s how Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC can help:

  • Creating your will: The bedrock of any estate plan is a will. Without a properly drafted will, the assets from your estate will be distributed according to Arizona’s inheritance laws upon your death. Your family will have to go through the probate process before any assets are distributed, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
  • Establishing trusts: One method to control your estate with more flexibility is by creating a trust. A trust is a legal tool that gives a third party, known as a trustee, the power to manage the assets from your estate on behalf of your beneficiaries. If your assets are placed in a legally valid trust, either before or upon your death, your family can avoid the probate process altogether.
  • Lowering estate taxes: Arizona doesn’t impose state-level inheritance or estate taxes, but there’s still the federal estate tax to consider, along with the costs associated with probate. These taxes and court costs can take a significant bite out of your estate. Our estate planning lawyers can develop a strategy to minimize these taxes and provide more for your beneficiaries.
  • Administering your estate: Depending on the size and complexity of your estate, carrying out your last wishes may be challenging for someone without the proper training and knowledge. If you wish, an estate planning attorney can serve as the executor of your estate.

How Much Does an Estate Plan Cost?

The cost of creating and maintaining an estate plan depends on a variety of factors, such as:

  • What you want your estate planning lawyer to do (e.g., draft a will, set up a trust, administer the estate, etc.)
  • The size and complexity of the estate
  • The amount of time involved

These costs can vary significantly based on your needs, but keep in mind that failing to create an estate plan can also take a financial toll. Probate is not free in Arizona. Court fees, attorney’s fees, federal estate taxes, and other expenses can easily dwarf the cost of setting up an estate plan.

How Do I Know If I Need an Estate Planning Lawyer?

We recommend that every person speaks to an estate planning lawyer if only to understand their options. Those with smaller, uncomplicated estates may only need an attorney to draft a will or advance directive. Arizona’s small estate court rules allow individuals owning real property less than $100,000 or personal property under $75,000 to avoid probate court by having a beneficiary complete a small estate affidavit. An attorney can explain the process so that your heirs are prepared upon your death.

If you have a large estate or other concerns, more detailed estate planning services may be necessary.

How to Pick the Right Estate Planning Attorney

Here are a few things to consider when you’re looking for an estate planning attorney:

Experience: Arizona laws surrounding wills, trusts, and estate planning change frequently. You want an attorney who keeps current with the laws and can help adjust your estate plan as needed. Over time, your wishes may change or an heir could die, making changes necessary.

  • Personality: Some estate planning attorneys take a template approach with their clients, using the same strategies or plans without regard to the nuances of each client’s individual needs. This is a poor approach, as every estate is unique. You want a lawyer who will take the time to get to know you so that they can help you create the right estate plan, not just the easiest or cheapest one.
  • Cost: Does the attorney offer a free consultation* so that you can determine if they’re the right fit? Do they outline their fees in a clear, straightforward manner? Make sure you have a complete understanding of an attorney’s cost before you hire them.

Talk to an Estate Planning Attorney in Phoenix Today

Estate Planning Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ - Brown & Hobkirk, PLLCEstate planning is about more than protecting your assets. It’s about your life and legacy. Get the peace of mind you need by working with a Phoenix estate planning lawyer at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC. Get started today by calling our office or visiting our contact page for a free consultation*.