SIERRA VISTA WILL ATTORNEY

A last will and testament (also referred to simply as a will) sets a legal precedence for many things. Most commonly, a will specifies how a person wants their estate distributed upon death.  Estates can go all to one person, be divided equally or disproportionately to multiple people, include charities, or any number of other combinations you choose.  A will also appoints an “executor” of your estate, which is the person authorized to collect your assets and debts together, notify creditors of your passing, and distribute your assets according to your wishes per the instructions in your will.  An executor can be a family member, friend, private fiduciary, or an attorney.

Schedule a (30 min) consultation with us today by calling (520) 335-8037 to get started.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIE WITHOUT A WILL?

When someone passes without a will, that person is deemed to have died “intestate.” This means there is no enforceable will and the estate is governed by the state of Arizona state law concerning intestate succession. This means that the state has the ability determine who may act as executor and who will receive your property. If you do not have relatives who are residents of Arizona, a public administrator may be appointed to administer the estate instead of your family.

IS THERE ANYTHING A WILL DOES NOT COVER?

Establishing a will is necessary, important, and much better than having nothing at all. This can prevent tremendous confusion and disagreement after your passing.  By having a will, you have established your wishes for your family to follow regarding how you want your affairs settled.  However, a will alone is not all-encompassing when it comes to protecting your legal needs and contingencies.  For example, if you are still living, but you are incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself, a power of attorney would be needed in order to grant authorization for someone else to make financial and health care related decisions on your behalf.  In addition, a will alone does not prevent your estate from going through probate, which is a court-involved process of settling your estate. Not only is probate a public process, which many people do not want after their death, but it can be extremely time consuming in some cases. 

HOW TO SET UP A WILL IN SIERRA VISTA AZ

The process of establishing recommended legal precedent and memorializing your wishes in the event of your death or incapacity does not have to be complicated, costly, or time consuming, with the help of our qualified legal team.  Our Sierra Vista will lawyer is happy to assess your needs through a (30 min) initial consultation and provide a clear plan to make sure your needs are protected and your desires are carried out regardless of what unforeseen circumstances arise for you or someone you care about. 

If you or someone you know have not already taken the prudent steps to establish these fundamental legal documents, or if you need to amend or have an established document reviewed, contact us today at (520) 335-8037.  We are ready and happy to help.