Blog Posts: Estate Planning

Arizona’s recent creation of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) law has transformed opportunities for student-athletes. For the first time, state universities can directly compensate athletes for the use of their NIL and collaborate with approved partners to create new revenue streams. While these changes open exciting doors, they also introduce legal and long-ter...

Every August, National Make-A-Will Month serves as a reminder of something most people would like to avoid. Planning for the end of life. Creating a will isn’t about dwelling on death. It is about taking control, protecting loved ones, and easing the burden on family members during a difficult and stressful time. Why Wills Matter in Arizona No matter what stage...

In Arizona a party can collect assets in a small estate without having to open a probate through a form commonly known as a “small estate affidavit.” The purpose of Arizona’s small estate affidavit is to provide a simplified, low-cost alternative to probate for transferring a deceased person’s assets when the estate is small in value. What qualifies as a �...

Planning for Generations As an estate planning attorney, a question I am frequently asked is, “How can we make sure the family cabin, ranch, or rental property stays in the family?” Real property carries deep sentimental and financial value—but without a solid plan, it can just as easily become a source of conflict or be lost altogether. What are the Challe...

In Arizona, spring is when the sun shines brightly, and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. As much as we love the spring warmth, it is important to remember that with all that sunshine comes the need to protect your skin. Sunscreen shields and protects you from harmful UV rays, just as an estate plan protects your loved ones and assets. B...

When it comes to estate planning, ensuring your assets are well-protected should be a top priority. Insurance is a crucial component that many overlook, but it can be the key to securing your legacy. Here’s why sufficient insurance matters:Protects Your Wealth: Adequate insurance coverage shields your assets from unexpected events like accidents, lawsuits, ...

Blending families often introduce unique dynamics.  In addition to the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that blended families create, there is also careful planning to consider when creating or updating an estate plan.  There are five key factors to keep in mind when creating an estate plan for a mixed family.Clarify Beneficiaries: In a blended family...

A component of creating a trust, is naming trustees for the trust.  They are given powers which include managing the trust and its assets.  Trust can have a single trustee or co-trustees named.  Additionally, a successor trustee is usually named.  While the thought of having co-trustees may seem the fair and correct choice, there are important points to conside...

Divorce is an emotional and complex process, but one important aspect that often gets overlooked is your estate plan. If you don’t update it, your estranged spouse could still inherit your assets or make crucial financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf. In Arizona, unless you specify otherwise, your spouse remains a beneficiary until your divorce is fina...

As we enter 2025, it's important to stay informed about the current federal estate and gift tax laws, including annual exclusion limits and significant changes anticipated by the end of this year. Annual Exclusion Amount The annual exclusion amount for gifts in 2025 allows individuals to give up to $19,000 per recipient without incurring gift tax or needing to fi...