Set Up Your Living Trust

Two Easy Ways to Get Started

Schedule a Free Consultation

Sit down with one of our estate planners for a one-on-one conversation about your family, your goals, and how a living trust can protect what matters most.

Start with a Consultation

Attend a Free Local Seminar

We host free estate planning workshops across Arizona where we explain how living trusts work and why they matter for your family.

Find a Seminar Near You

Decades of Experience in Living Trusts

Whether you’re looking to establish a new living trust or seeking to review and optimize your current documents, we offer the most comprehensive and complete way to protect your assets and loved ones. Avoid probate court and allow your assets to pass seamlessly to your beneficiaries with our Trust-Based Estate Plans.

(480) 346-3570

What Is Probate?

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. Here are the situations where a trust makes the biggest difference:

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 in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson are well above this threshold. A trust keeps your home transfer private, fast, and out of court.

Parents with Minor 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 who raises your kids and your children could receive a lump sum at 18 with no restrictions.

Business Owners

If you own a business, probate can freeze operations, delay decisions, and expose your financials publicly. A trust ensures your business transfers smoothly to the right person without disruption or court oversight.

Blended Families

Remarried with children from a previous relationship? Without a trust, your assets could end up going entirely to your current spouse with no guarantee your children from a prior marriage receive anything. 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 and investments. A trust protects those assets from probate, reduces the chance of family disputes, and gives you control over how your estate is distributed, even after you're gone.

Anyone Who Values Privacy

Probate is a public process. A trust keeps your financial affairs, family details, and asset distribution completely private. No one outside your family needs to know what you own or who gets what.

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.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

What's Included in Your Estate Plan

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.

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.

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.

Medical Power of Attorney

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

Swipe to see all documents →

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

✓ Asset protection

✓ Successor trustee support with personal guidance at no extra cost

Schedule Your Free Consultation

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.”

Meet Our Team

Our Mission

Standing by You Through Life's Hardest Moments

Empathy and expertise to guide your family through life's most difficult times.

There is the pain of losing someone you love. It's profound and life-altering. But even deeper is the anguish of witnessing someone dear suffer, whether from the slow decline of ALS, cancer, or Alzheimer's.

And then, there's the pain that feels utterly unbearable. The loss caused by something preventable: reckless behavior, addiction, or a tragic accident.

At RJP Estate Planning, we understand that grief, no matter its cause, is excruciating. We've learned, through our own experiences and those of the families we serve, that there's one thing that can help ease the burden: helping others.

“Healing begins with action, and at RJP Estate Planning, helping others is at the heart of everything we do.”

What Drives Us

Protect Your Family's Financial Future

We provide thoughtful, personalized strategies to ensure your loved ones are financially secure, no matter what life brings.

Simplify the Estate Planning Process

Our mission is to make estate planning straightforward, so you can focus on what matters most: your family.

Prevent Avoidable Hardships

We are dedicated to helping you minimize risks and protect your legacy from unnecessary complications.

Our Commitment to Helping Families

For over 30 years, we've stood alongside families during their most challenging moments, helping them navigate grief, protect their legacies, and avoid financial hardship.

Understanding Your Needs

We take the time to listen and learn about your family's unique situation, ensuring that every plan is tailored to your goals.

Developing Comprehensive Plans

From trusts to wills, our estate plans are designed to protect your loved ones and provide peace of mind for generations.

Minimizing Risks

Our team identifies potential risks and develops strategies to safeguard your assets from unnecessary complications.

Standing by You Every Step

We are here to guide you through the estate planning process and provide ongoing support when you need it most.

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.

Schedule a Consultation

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.

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!

Arizona's Oldest & Largest Estate Planning Company

I had all of my estate planning done with RJP a little 5 years ago, a very easy process. Since then I have reached out with questions and advice in a variety of areas, Chris Cohan and Caroline have gone over and above to help with anything I have needed. I can not recommend them more highly!

Andrea

9 months ago

Very friendly

Annie Tenney

10 months ago

I am so grateful that my father chose RJP Estates to handle all of his estate planning. I really didn't know too much about this process and what it entails, unfortunately, until recently. The people here are extraordinary ✨️!!! Brett, Susan, Melanie, Jon, I really can't thank you enough ❤️!!! These people will make sure that you and your family are very well taken care of. They will assist you through every step of the process, they really handle it all. If you don't have an estate plan, do yourself and your family a favor, and talk to the caring team at RJP!!! Thank you so very much🙏💯!!!

Erika J

10 months ago

What You'll Learn at Our Complimentary Estate Planning Seminar

Join one of our free estate planning workshops in Phoenix or Tucson and learn how to protect your assets, avoid probate, reduce taxes, and secure your family's future with legally sound strategies. We'll cover wills, trusts, inheritance protection, and key documents every Arizona family needs.

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'll show you straightforward steps to ensure your estate bypasses probate.

Understanding Wills vs. Trusts: What's Best for You?

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 and How to Avoid Them

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 Clearly

Demystify the roles of essential estate documents including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives. We'll 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, creditors, and lawsuits. Discover how careful estate planning safeguards their financial future.

Making Sure Your Wishes Are Legally Binding

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

Our Offices

Scottsdale Office

Main Office

4110 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Mon-Thu 9am-5pm | Fri 8:30am-5pm

(480) 947-7447 Directions

Tucson Office

Southern Arizona

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

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

(520) 622-3700 Directions

The Planning Consultants at RJP Estate Planning provide services in the areas of estate planning, planning with wills and trusts, asset protection, probate avoidance, probate & estate administration, long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, asset protection from Medicaid, veterans benefits, charitable planning, special needs, estate tax planning, and business succession planning. They serve clients and their families throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Sun City, Arizona, and the surrounding cities and towns.

RJP Estate Planning is not a law firm, cannot give legal advice, and does not prepare legal documents. For legal services, clients separately consult with an estate planning attorney or law firm.

RJP-AZ, LLC (RJP Estate Planning) is licensed to offer insurance products and receive commissions for those products. Its representatives who discuss these products with you hold individual licenses.

Securities are offered through CoreCap Investments, LLC, a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through CoreCap Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. RJP Estate Planning and RJP-AZ, LLC are separate and unaffiliated entities and are not affiliated with CoreCap Investments or CoreCap Advisors. Representatives that offer these services hold the required licenses.

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