WILL PREPARATION
A well-crafted will is the cornerstone of your estate plan, allowing you to specify how your assets will be distributed and who will care for your minor children after your death. At RJP Estate Planning, we understand the importance of creating a legally sound will that accurately reflects your wishes.
Our will preparation services address various needs and situations:
Specify how and to whom your property will be distributed
Appoint guardians for minor children or dependents
A properly executed will ensures your final wishes are honored and provides clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Simple Will
A Simple Will is appropriate for many individuals with straightforward estates. This essential document allows you to:
- Name your beneficiaries and specify what they will receive
- Designate an executor to handle your estate administration
- Name guardians for your minor children
- Make specific bequests to individuals or organizations
- Include instructions for your funeral or memorial arrangements
Without a valid will, Arizona intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. A proper will ensures your assets go to the people you choose.
Complex Wills & Pour-Over Wills
For more complex situations, we offer sophisticated will solutions that may include:
- Establishing testamentary trusts within your will
- Creating pour-over provisions that work with your living trust
- Setting up special needs provisions for vulnerable beneficiaries
- Addressing blended family considerations
- Including specific conditions or timing for distributions
A complex will or pour-over will helps ensure your larger estate is managed effectively and distributed according to your specific instructions, potentially minimizing estate taxes and avoiding probate for many assets.
Why Choose RJP Estate Planning
At RJP Estate Planning, we offer:
- Arizona-specific expertise: Our wills are drafted according to Arizona law, ensuring they'll be recognized and honored by the courts.
- Customized solutions: We tailor your will to address your unique circumstances, family dynamics, and concerns.
- Comprehensive approach: We ensure your will works seamlessly with your other estate planning documents.
- Clear explanations: We help you understand all the important decisions in your will and their implications.
- Peace of mind: With a properly executed will, you can rest assured that your final wishes will be honored and your loved ones protected.
Looking Beyond a Basic Will
Why a Will Might Not Be Enough
While a will is an essential part of your estate plan, it's important to understand some potential limitations under Arizona law:
- Probate Considerations: In Arizona, estates valued over certain thresholds (generally $75,000 for personal property and $100,000 for real property) may need to go through probate, which can involve court proceedings.
- Potential Public Process: The probate process in Arizona typically makes your estate information part of the public record and may involve court fees and potential processing times that could range from several months to a year in some cases.
- Distribution Flexibility: A will may offer fewer options for controlling exactly when and how your beneficiaries receive their inheritance compared to other estate planning tools.
- Incapacity Planning: A will generally only takes effect after death and may not address who would manage your affairs if you become incapacitated during your lifetime.
For many individuals and families in Arizona, a comprehensive estate plan that includes both a will and other tools like trusts may provide more complete protection and flexibility.
Create a Complete Estate Plan
Our team can help you develop a comprehensive estate plan that includes both a will and appropriate trust options for your situation. A strategic combination of these legal tools may provide additional benefits:
- Potentially minimize probate proceedings for qualifying assets
- Help maintain greater privacy for your family and beneficiaries
- Include provisions for management of your affairs in case of incapacity
- Offer more flexible distribution options for your beneficiaries
- May help with tax planning depending on your specific circumstances