Arizona's Oldest and Largest Estate Planning Firm

Living Trusts

Protect your family, skip probate, and keep control of your assets while you're still here.

Whether you need a new living trust or want to review your current documents, we offer the most comprehensive way to protect your assets and loved ones. Attorney-drafted documents, full funding guidance, and lifetime support at roughly half the cost of a traditional law firm.

Schedule a Free Consultation Free Consultation Call (480) 346-3570

Attend a Free Workshop

Free living trust workshops across Arizona. Pick a city to see available dates.

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Avoid Probate Completely

Your assets pass directly to your beneficiaries without court delays, public records, or unnecessary legal fees.

Attorney-Drafted Documents

Every trust is prepared by a licensed Arizona attorney with decades of estate planning experience.

Lifetime Support Included

Complimentary reviews every three to five years, automatic updates when laws change, and successor trustee guidance at no extra cost.

Complete Funding Guidance

We walk you through transferring every asset into your trust so nothing is left unprotected.

30+

Years Experience

40,000+

Satisfied Clients

2

Office Locations

What Changes With a Living Trust

The difference between having a living trust and relying on a will alone is significant. Here is what your family's experience looks like in each scenario.

Without a Living Trust

Your estate goes through probate, a public court process that can take 6 to 18 months
Asset details, debts, and beneficiary names become public record for anyone to see
Attorney fees and court costs can consume 3% to 5% of the estate's total value
Inheritances are distributed outright with no protection from divorce or creditors
If you become incapacitated, your family may need court approval to manage your affairs

With a Living Trust

Assets transfer to your beneficiaries privately, typically within weeks instead of months
Your financial information stays completely private and out of public records
No probate fees, no court costs, and no drawn-out legal proceedings
Built-in protections can shield each beneficiary's inheritance from outside threats
Your chosen successor trustee steps in instantly if you are unable to manage your own affairs

Without With

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Control Over Distributions

You decide exactly when and how beneficiaries receive their inheritance, whether as a lump sum, at certain ages, or tied to specific milestones.

Multi-State Coverage

Own property in more than one state? A trust avoids probate in every state where you hold real estate.

Immediate Effectiveness

Unlike a will, which only takes effect after death, your trust works for you today and adapts as your life changes.

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How the Process Works

Creating a living trust with RJP is straightforward. We handle the complex legal work so you can focus on what matters most: protecting your family.

01

Free Initial Consultation

We start by learning about your family, your assets, and your goals. This conversation helps us understand exactly what your trust needs to accomplish and whether a living trust is the right fit for your situation.

02

Custom Trust Design

A licensed Arizona attorney drafts your trust documents based on your specific needs. Every trust is unique, and we tailor the language, provisions, and protections to match your family's circumstances.

03

Signing and Notarization

Once your documents are finalized, we schedule a signing appointment at one of our Arizona offices. Everything is reviewed in detail so you understand every provision before signing.

04

Trust Funding Guidance

A trust only works if your assets are properly transferred into it. We provide step-by-step guidance on retitling your home, bank accounts, investments, and other property into the trust's name.

05

Lifetime Support and Updates

Your trust is a living document that should evolve with your life. We include complimentary reviews every three to five years, automatic updates when Arizona laws change, and ongoing successor trustee guidance at no additional cost.

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Learn More About Living Trusts at One of Our Free Workshops

Join us in Phoenix or Tucson to learn how a living trust protects your family, keeps your affairs private, and helps you avoid probate entirely. We walk through real examples, answer your questions, and explain exactly what a trust can do for your specific situation.

See Upcoming Workshops

How to Protect Your Assets

Understand exactly how estate planning can protect your assets from probate, creditors, and unintended heirs. Discover the steps to ensure your hard-earned money benefits your loved ones, not the courts.

What Happens if You Don't Avoid Probate?

Discover exactly what probate is and the potential risks it poses to your estate, such as unexpected costs, delays, and loss of privacy. We show you straightforward steps to ensure your estate bypasses probate.

Understanding Wills vs. Trusts

Gain clarity on the differences between wills and trusts. Understand how a revocable living trust can provide flexibility, privacy, and control compared to a last will and testament.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Uncover the critical mistakes people often make, such as putting property directly in children's names. Learn practical solutions to prevent unintended consequences and costly legal battles.

Essential Estate Documents Explained

Demystify the roles of essential estate documents including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives. We explain clearly why each document matters and how they protect you in different scenarios.

Protecting Your Children's Inheritance

Explore strategies to secure your children's inheritance from outside threats like divorce and creditors. Discover how careful estate planning safeguards their financial future.

Making Sure Your Wishes Are Honored

Learn how medical and financial powers of attorney ensure your decisions are honored if you are ever incapacitated. We guide you on making your directives clear and legally enforceable.

A Complete Estate Plan Includes

A living trust is only one piece of a well-built estate plan. Here are the core documents that work together to protect you and your family.

01

Living Trust

The foundation of your estate plan. Holds your assets, avoids probate, and ensures a smooth transfer to your beneficiaries privately and on your terms.

02

Pour-Over Will

A safety net that captures any assets not already in your trust and directs them into it, ensuring nothing is left out.

03

Financial Power of Attorney

Appoints someone you trust to manage your finances, pay bills, and handle transactions if you become unable to do so yourself.

04

Medical Power of Attorney

Designates a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you can't, ensuring your wishes are honored.

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Our Services Also Include

✓ Lifetime complimentary reviews every 3-5 years

✓ Notification and document updates when laws change

✓ Complete funding assistance by an Estate Planning Specialist

✓ Power of Attorney medical ID cards

✓ E-Vault storage of your documents/USB flash drive

✓ Prepaid settlement support package

✓ Notary services

✓ Successor trustee support with personal guidance at no extra cost

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Meet the Attorney We Partner With

Clint Smith

Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed Arizona attorney since 1985
Author of Estate Planning: A Plain English Guide to Wills and Trusts
ASU Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

“I've been offering peace of mind to Arizona families since 1985. I graduated from ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor law school in Tempe, Arizona in 1985 and have practiced in the East Valley, including Mesa, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gilbert and now Scottsdale, ever since.

I spent decades in courtrooms, helping people with financial difficulties, and in 2010 began my transition into estate planning. Now, I help my clients stay out of legal trouble and give their loved ones a precious gift: an estate plan that will keep their affairs out of court.”

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What Is Probate?

Probate is a court-supervised legal process that happens after someone passes away. Here is what it means for Arizona families.

Probate is a court-supervised legal process that happens after someone passes away. The court validates the will (if one exists), appoints someone to manage the estate, notifies creditors, pays outstanding debts, and distributes what's left to heirs. In Arizona, this process typically takes 8 to 12 months and costs families an average of $10,000 to $15,000 in attorney fees, court costs, and administrative expenses.

During probate, your estate becomes a matter of public record. Anyone can see what you owned, what you owed, and who inherited your assets. Your family can't access accounts, sell property, or distribute anything until the court gives permission at each step.

Arizona recently raised the limits for its Small Estate Affidavit process. If your estate falls below both thresholds, you may be able to skip full probate using a simplified affidavit. If your estate exceeds either threshold, formal probate proceedings are typically required.

Arizona Probate Thresholds Updated September 26, 2025 under HB 2116

Real Estate

$300,000

Properties valued under this amount (net of mortgages and liens) may qualify for a Small Estate Affidavit filed 6 months after death

Personal Property

$200,000

Bank accounts, vehicles, and other assets under this limit (net of liens) may avoid full probate with an affidavit filed 30 days after death

Previous limits were just $100,000 (real estate) and $75,000 (personal property). The new thresholds under A.R.S. § 14-3971 help more Arizona families avoid full probate. However, many homes in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas exceed $300,000 in value, meaning a living trust remains the most reliable way to avoid probate entirely.

What Probate Costs Arizona Families

8-12 months Typical timeline for simple estates

$10K-$15K Average cost in fees, attorney, and court expenses

1-2+ years If the estate is contested or complex

100% public Everything filed becomes public record

A properly funded living trust avoids probate entirely. Your assets transfer privately, immediately, and without court involvement. In over 30 years, RJP has never had a single client with a properly funded trust end up in probate.

Learn How to Avoid Probate

Who Should Have a Trust?

If you own anything, care about anyone, or want control over what happens when you're gone, a living trust is worth considering.

Arizona Homeowners

If your home is worth more than $300,000, it may go through probate when you pass away. With Arizona home values climbing, most homeowners are well above this threshold.

Parents with Children

A trust lets you name who will care for your children and control exactly how and when they receive their inheritance. Without one, a court decides.

Business Owners

If you own a business, probate can freeze operations and expose your financials publicly. A trust ensures your business transfers smoothly without court oversight.

Blended Families

Remarried with children from a previous relationship? A trust lets you provide for your spouse while protecting your children's inheritance.

Retirees with Assets

You've spent a lifetime building your savings. A trust protects those assets from probate, reduces family disputes, and gives you control over distribution.

Anyone Who Values Privacy

Probate is a public process. A trust keeps your financial affairs, family details, and asset distribution completely private.

Even if your estate falls below Arizona's new probate thresholds, a trust still provides benefits that a will alone cannot: incapacity planning, privacy, and control over distributions. The Small Estate Affidavit only helps after someone passes. A trust protects you while you're alive, too.

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Arizona’s Oldest and Largest Estate Planning Company

Decades of Experience in Living Trusts

With over 30 years of experience and more than 40,000 clients served, RJP Estate Planning has helped Arizona families protect their assets and build a secure future.

Saw Brian Jarvis for a trust consultation. He was friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. He explained the trust procedure and process very throughly. Walked me through all the steps and cost. He made me very comfortable and I felt he totally understood my situation and concerns. I would recommend him without any reservations.

Work with a Firm That Does More Than Draft Documents

We don't just make a promise to you. We make a promise to the loved ones who will settle your estate. When that time comes, RJP Estate Planning walks your successor trustee through the entire process at no extra charge. Because nobody should have to do it alone.

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What Happens After You're Gone?

What is a Successor Trustee?

When you create a living trust, you name a successor trustee. This is usually a spouse, adult child, or trusted friend. This person is responsible for managing and distributing your assets after you pass. It's a big responsibility that most people aren't prepared for.

The Problem Most Families Face

Many people set up an estate plan with an attorney, then that attorney retires, moves, or simply isn't available years later. When the time comes to settle the estate, families are left on their own. This leads to delays, tax problems, and sometimes painful conflicts among loved ones.

Our Promise: We'll Be There

RJP Estate Planning is a multi-generational firm. We don't disappear after your documents are signed. When your successor trustee needs guidance, whether that's next year or decades from now, our team will walk them through settling your estate step by step.

At No Extra Charge

Unlike other firms that charge hourly rates for estate settlement assistance, our successor trustee support is included at no additional cost. We haven't found another estate planning company in Arizona that offers this level of ongoing support. It's what sets us apart.

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Our Locations

Arizona's #1 estate‑planning company!
We're here to assist you with all your estate‑planning and financial needs.

Scottsdale Office

4110 N. Scottsdale Road #170
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

View on Map (480) 346‑3570

Tucson Office

5151 E. Broadway Blvd, #750
Tucson, AZ 85711

View on Map (480) 346‑3570

We also offer virtual consultations for your convenience.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

Living Trusts

Avoid Probate Completely

Attorney-Drafted Documents

Lifetime Support Included

Complete Funding Guidance

What Changes With a Living Trust

Control Over Distributions

Multi-State Coverage

Immediate Effectiveness

How the Process Works

Free Initial Consultation

Custom Trust Design

Signing and Notarization

Trust Funding Guidance

Lifetime Support and Updates

Learn More About Living Trusts at One of Our Free Workshops

Decades of Experience in Living Trusts

Work with a Firm That Does More Than Draft Documents

What Happens After You're Gone?

What is a Successor Trustee?

The Problem Most Families Face

Our Promise: We'll Be There

At No Extra Charge

Our Locations

Scottsdale Office

Tucson Office

Our Offices

Scottsdale Office

Tucson Office