Wills and trusts are the principal legal instruments attorneys use to help clients transfer assets to their heirs. I can advise you on the best means for you to address your legacy concerns, including the transfer of financial and real property assets, estate tax avoidance, guardianships for minor children, and support for charitable causes. I draft precise wills that reflect your desires and establish various types of trusts that serve your estate planning needs.
I also provide a full range of services for wills: drafting, review, amendment, revocation, execution, and probate. Moreover, I provide reliable guidance for testators and executors. My experience in the probate court, resolving issues related to the validity of wills, enables me to provide practical advice for testators from all walks of life. Similarly, my work in the formation of wills gives me keen insight into how executors should interpret various aspects of a will that may initially seem unclear. Whether you are a testator formulating an estate plan or an executor implementing a decedent’s wishes, I can simplify many complex aspects of the tasks before you. Finally, I offer pertinent and personal legal advice to obtain the results you need in a timely manner with the least stress possible.
Executing a valid will is rather simple; executing an effective will takes a bit more work. The probate court approves a will if it finds the document was executed intentionally and freely by a person of sound mind, is written in clear, unambiguous language, and is signed and witnessed. That’s really the easy part. To be effective, your will must be comprehensive, covering all of your worldly possessions and your deepest concerns, and contemplating various contingencies. I work closely with you to memorialize your intentions completely to make sure that they will be carried out in the most efficient manner possible.
Once executed, your will remains your final statement of your intentions until you amend or revoke it. I recommend reviewing your will every three to five years and updating it at these intervals to reflect your current wishes.
A will is essential at every stage of your life. A living will or pro-life health care directive sets the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated. This assures that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored.
Your last will and testament provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children, and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is the primary means by which you can leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative, such as your friend or a charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your pet – making decisions that might not reflect your desires. We draft valid wills that clearly convey your intentions.
It is a good idea to review your will with your attorney every three to five years and to update your will to reflect changes in your circumstances and priorities at these intervals. I draft valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, number of children, charitable interests, and general lifestyle decisions.
John Even provides will and probate services in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. Call me at 602-663-9263 or contact my office online to schedule a consultation.