WILLS

The biggest myth surrounding estate planning involves Wills. We regularly hear this statement (or some variation of it): “I have a Will, so my family won’t have to go through probate.” Sadly, nothing could be farther from the truth. A Will FORCES probate. A Will is merely instructions to the court of what you want after you pass away. If the only planning you’ve done is via a Will, you are almost guaranteeing your loved ones will have to go through probate court, or at least some kind of informal probate process.

A Will typically does four things:

1. Distributes assets to chosen heirs.
2. Names guardians for minor children. In Arizona, the only legal document where you can name a guardian is your will. For many parents, this is the most important decision of their entire estate plan.
3. Names a Personal Representative (also known as an executor in many states) to handle the administration of your probate estate (paying taxes, paying creditors, and distributions to heirs).
4. Forces probate proceedings.

Call us today at (480)420-2900 or email Kristy or Cory to get started developing your Will.