What Happens if My Partner Isn’t on the House Title?
What matters if your partner isn’t on the House title is whether you’re married. Your spouse may already have legal rights to the property even without their name on the deed. That’s because Arizona is a community property state, and this is what that means for you. The house title isn’t the complete picture even […]
Is Probate Mandatory in Arizona?
Probate isn’t required in Arizona, but it may be necessary depending on how the person acquired and owned their assets. Many Phoenix estates can skip probate entirely, but it’s important to know the criteria and consequences. Do assets pass automatically to someone else, or does the estate qualify for a shortcut? Contact an estate planning […]
Is Estate Planning Worth It?
Is estate planning worth it, even if you don’t have a lot of money? The honest answer is yes, and here’s why. Why Estate Planning Is Worth It You might be putting off estate planning for multiple reasons. Some feel like it’s morbid, something to do for later, or unimportant right now. But the truth […]
What Is the First Step in Estate Planning?
Most people think the first step in estate planning is writing a will. It’s not. The first step in estate planning is knowing what you’re working with. And for a lot of people, that’s the part they’ve been avoiding. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension noted that the inventory step is the foundation of any […]
How to Create an Estate Plan for a Deceased Person
You cannot create an estate plan for someone who has already passed away. Estate planning is a process that must happen during a person’s lifetime. So, once someone dies, that window closes permanently. Estate Planning After Death Navigating legal and financial matters while grieving is genuinely hard. You’re processing loss while simultaneously being asked to […]
What Is the Best Estate Plan?
The best estate plan is customized to your life, goals, and family situation. Often, it includes a customized combination of legal documents to protect your assets, honor your wishes, and spare your loved ones unnecessary stress. But what does that actually look like in practice? And how do you choose the best estate plan for […]
What Is the Most Common Form of Estate Planning?
The most common form of estate planning is a will. However, a complete estate plan includes several other essential documents that work together to protect you and your family. Most people know they need a will, but stop there. The truth is, a basic estate plan consists of key legal documents that cover two distinct […]
What Is Considered High Net Worth for Estate Planning?
The term “high net worth” gets used frequently, but what does it actually mean, and why does it matter in estate planning? High net worth estate planning is relevant to far more people than most realize, and understanding where you fall on the financial spectrum could be one of the most important steps you take […]
Irrevocable Living Trust Tax Implications: What to Know Before Setting One Up
You must understand the irrevocable living trust tax implications involved. Why? Because once you transfer assets into an irrevocable trust, the decision is permanent, and the consequences can affect your estate, your beneficiaries, and your long-term financial strategy. What You Should Know About Irrevocable Living Trust Tax Implications Many people establish irrevocable trusts to reduce […]