Arizona's Oldest and Largest Estate Planning Firm
Will Preparation
Control, clarity, and peace of mind for you and the people who matter most.
A well-written will gives you control over what happens to your property, your accounts, and the people you care about. Our team walks you through every step, helping you create a will that protects your loved ones and ensures your wishes are clearly documented and easy to follow.
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Three decades helping Arizona families protect what matters most.
Trusted by tens of thousands of individuals and families statewide.
Scottsdale and Tucson offices serving all of Arizona.
Understanding the Different Types of Wills
Wills are not one-size-fits-all. A Last Will and Testament covers your wishes and heirs, while a Pour-Over Will directs any missed assets into your trust. We help you choose the right documents for your goals.
Last Will and Testament
Your written direction for who should receive your property after you are gone. You can also name a guardian for minor children and an executor to handle your affairs. Without a will, state law decides who gets what, and your wishes might not be followed.
Pour-Over Will
Acts as a safety net for your trust. If you forget to move an asset into your trust while you are alive, this will directs those leftover assets to your trust after you pass. It does not avoid probate, but it makes sure your trust instructions still control everything.
Living Will
A written guide for your medical care if you cannot speak for yourself. It outlines your wishes for life support and critical care decisions. Works best when paired with a Medical Power of Attorney so someone you trust can make other medical decisions for you.
Without a Valid Will
Arizona's intestacy laws dictate how your property is divided, often contradicting your true intentions. This process can also delay access to assets and increase stress for your family during an already difficult time.
State Law Decides for You
Without a will, Arizona's default rules determine who inherits your property based solely on family relationships. This may not match your wishes, and people you intended to include could be left out entirely.
Family Disputes
Unclear directions often lead to disagreements among loved ones during an already emotional time. These conflicts can damage relationships and result in costly legal battles.
Delayed Access to Assets
Without proper documentation, your family may face extended court processes before they can access bank accounts, property, or other assets they need.
No Guardian Named for Children
If you have minor children, the court will choose their guardian without your input. This decision may not reflect who you would have wanted to raise your kids.
Learn More About Wills at One of Our Free Workshops
Join us in Phoenix or Tucson to learn how a will works alongside other estate planning documents, what happens without one, and how to make sure your family is protected. We walk through real examples and answer your questions.
See Upcoming WorkshopsWhat is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect after you pass and goes through probate, which is a public court process. A trust can take effect while you are alive, avoids probate, and keeps your affairs private. Many people use both together for complete protection.
Do I need a will if I already have a trust?
Yes. A Pour-Over Will acts as a safety net, catching any assets that were not transferred into your trust during your lifetime and directing them into the trust after you pass.
What happens if I die without a will in Arizona?
Arizona's intestacy laws determine who receives your property based on family relationships. This may not align with your actual wishes, and the process can be slower and more stressful for your family.
Is a Living Will the same as a Last Will and Testament?
No. A Living Will covers your healthcare wishes if you cannot speak for yourself, such as decisions about life support. A Last Will and Testament covers what happens to your property and who cares for your children after you pass.
What does a will cover that a trust does not?
A will lets you name a guardian for minor children, which a trust cannot do. It also serves as a backup for any assets that were not placed into your trust during your lifetime.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will after any major life change, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets. We recommend reviewing your documents every three to five years at minimum.
Does a will avoid probate in Arizona?
No. A will must go through probate, which is a public court process. If you want to avoid probate entirely, a living trust is the better option. Many of our clients use both a will and a trust together for full coverage.
Decades of Experience in Wills & Trusts
With 30+ years of experience and 40,000+ clients served, RJP Estate Planning helps Arizona families create wills, establish living trusts, and protect their legacy.
Brett was patient and answered all of our questions. The process couldn't be better. Even marking the pages that we had to fill in when we got home.
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Emery Palmer
11 months ago
I came to RJP Estate Planning in both May and June this year to make some necessary changes to a Last Will and Testament. For both visits I dealt with Amy Klein. I wasn't completely certain about the finer details within the existing documents contained in the will. In fact, I wasn't even sure about what it was that I was looking to do. Amy's warmth and professionalism put me at ease right away. She took the time to listen to my personal situation, and to what I was looking to accomplish. She thoroughly reviewed all the documents to have a better understanding of my concerns. She went over the details with me and made sure I understood what everything meant, which I greatly appreciated. We ended up making a couple of necessary changes to the will, and within two weeks the new documents were ready for me to pick-up and sign. With Amy's guidance, thoughtfulness and expertise, I felt confident I had made the correct decision. Truth is, Amy was all ready to mail me the new and updated documents, but I preferred to go back to their lovely offices to collect it myself, as well as to enjoy a little visit and to thank Amy in person for her work. I would highly recommend Amy Klein and all of the RJP Estate Planning team for being so welcoming, accommodating, and informative. It's always a little unnerving when attempting to make estate planning decisions, but Amy made it a lot less complicated, and it turned out to be a rather enjoyable experience. Rodney Baer Scottsdale, Arizona
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Rodney Baer
2 years ago
I was in today to work with Lenny Trujillo, and he was an absolutely wonderful help! Grandma got him talking about his recent trip to Europe between the details of the paperwork, and before we knew it everything was signed. He made us feel welcome and comfortable, and though I didn't get her name, the Notary had everything copied over in a jiffy. They helped improve our investments and made us feel welcome all at the same time, fast as lightning. I recommend RJP's services to everybody, definitely!
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J
1 year ago
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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