Author Archives: Jeffrey P. Hall
Cautions to Observe in Using Powers of Attorney in Estate Planning
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person to authorize another to act in their behalf in specified circumstances. There are several different types of POAs and the scope of authority granted can vary. While a POA can be a fundamental part of a comprehensive estate plan one must be […]
Should You Have Both a Living Trust and a Will?
Two of the most common estate planning devices are the last will and testament and the living trust. Both documents are meant to ensure that the decedent’s wealth is distributed in accordance with his or her wishes. However, there are differences between the two, and they can in fact work together. The most notable characteristics […]
How Does Arizona’s Community Property Law Affect Your Estate Planning?
People make wills with the intent of controlling who will be beneficiaries of their estates and how much each beneficiary will receive. However, there are state laws that can take precedence over certain provisions of a will. Arizona’s community property law in particular can have a major impact on how estate assets are distributed. Understanding […]
Problems That Can Come Up During Probate of an Estate
Probate is the court process that controls distribution of the assets owned by an individual who has passed away. Although the probate process is often straightforward, particularly for simple estates, problems can arise for numerous reasons. One type of difficulty in probate cases concerns time and distance. The reality of our modern world is that […]
Key Steps in Creating an Estate Plan
Making out a will and other estate planning documents may seem intimidating. The process reminds us of our own mortality. Good estate plans, however, are not merely about disposing of your property after death but also about protecting you and your property in case of a serious disability. Even if you don’t have significant assets, […]
How Long Does Probate Take in Arizona?
Despite what you see in movies, after someone dies, distributing their assets isn’t a matter of the heirs gathering for a lawyer’s formal reading of the will. Estates often have to go through a court process known as probate. Depending on the size and complexity of an estate, probate can take months and even years. […]
Estate Planning Tips for Newlyweds
As you and your spouse embark on married life, you have a whole future to plan for. However, most newlyweds are not focused on the advisability of estate planning. Regardless of your state of financial health, estate planning early in your marriage can help you deal with future changes and protect your assets. Marriage involves […]
Single People Have Special Estate Planning Needs
According to U.S. census data, nearly half of American adults are single, but you would never know it from reading estate planning information on the internet. Websites giving estate planning advice seem to assume that virtually everyone is married with children. But single people can and should prepare financially for their retirement, both to foster […]
Arizona Probate Services for Out-of-State Clients
If you’ve been named as an executor by someone in Arizona and you live out of state, you will be faced with probating the estate when that person passes away. You may rightly wonder how you will shoulder that responsibility and whether you will need to spend considerable time here to do so. Fortunately, with […]
Using a Pour-Over Will as a Safety Net in Estate Planning
The principal goal of estate planning is making sure that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes once you’re deceased. Your last will and testament is one method of issuing directions for the handling of your estate. However, many people choose to create a living trust, which appoints a trustee to carry […]
