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Welcome to Nicole Pavlik Law Firm, I'm Nicole.
I had always wanted to be an attorney, but it wasn’t until I worked as a paralegal while in law school that I found my niche. I knew I didn’t like the adversarial side of law. I wanted to help people, so in 2013, I started the Nicole Pavlik Law Firm.
I’ve seen what happens to families when their loved ones haven’t planned their estates properly: anger, distrust, and hurt feelings among those left behind. My goal is to help you prepare the legal documents you need to plan for your family’s future after you’re no longer around to care for them.
As a small business owner, I also understand how much jargon and paperwork are involved in running a successful business. I help business owners set up a solid legal foundation so they can focus on running their business instead of wasting their valuable time dotting i’s and crossing t’s.
My success as an attorney stems from my focus on client relations and problem-solving. I meet with each client personally and communicate with them directly, and I don’t nickel-and-dime them with phone calls and emails.
I look forward to becoming your trusted advisor and helping you with all your legal affairs!
MOST RECENT BLOG ARTICLES
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Is Estate Planning the Same as Making a Will?
Thinking about your future and how to protect the people and things you care about? Then you’ve probably considered the difference between a will and estate planning. Is Estate Planning the Same as Making a Will? It’s a great question, and the short answer is: not exactly. A will is an essential legal document that…
Do Estate Planners Go to Court?
Do estate planners go to court? That’s a fair question. And the answer is, sometimes. Most estate planning is designed to keep you and your family out of court. But there are cases where a courtroom becomes part of the journey. Our job at Nicole Pavlik Law Firm is to help you plan, so your…
Is It a Good Idea to Do Estate Planning?
Is it a good idea to do estate planning? Many people delay thinking about what will happen to their assets, loved ones, and responsibilities after they pass away or become incapacitated. Yet, one of the most empowering steps you can take is to create a comprehensive estate plan. Regardless of your age, income, or family…
The Importance of a Domestic Partnership Agreement in Estate Planning
In Arizona, unmarried couples who live together often share many aspects of life, including property, finances, and long-term goals. But without the legal recognition of marriage, domestic partners do not receive the same automatic protection under state estate laws. That’s why creating a Domestic Partnership Agreement is a smart and essential step. Understanding the legal…
What Is the Difference Between a Will and an Estate Plan?
Many are often confused about what is the difference between a will and an estate plan. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve very different purposes. Understanding how they work can help you make informed decisions about your legacy. Differences Between Wills and Trusts: Defining the Terms A last will and testament is…
Choosing the Right Durable Power of Attorney for Your Estate
What is a legal durable power of attorney (DPOA)? It’s one of the most critical decisions when planning for the future of your estate and personal affairs. Let’s explore what it entails and how to choose the right agent to protect your interests. Durable Power of Attorney 101 A durable power of attorney is a…
Special Needs Trust vs. ABLE Account: Which One Works Best?
Do you know how to provide financial security for a loved one without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits? The two most common tools for achieving this are special needs trusts (SNTs) and ABLE accounts. How do you decide which option works best? Special Needs Trusts vs. ABLE Accounts A special needs trust is a…
Are Your Company’s Corporate Bylaws Up to Date?
Are your corporate bylaws up to date? When you first formed your corporation, you probably drafted and adopted internal rules that outline how your company will operate. But when was the last time you looked at them? Bylaws are filed away and forgotten by many business owners, but as your company grows, laws can change…
How to Enforce a Confidentiality Agreement
A confidentiality agreement protects sensitive information for individuals and businesses while forming the backbone that safeguards trade secrets, client data, proprietary ideas, and personal information. These legal tools are not merely standard formalities, but rather proactive strategies designed to help minimize risk, deter misconduct, and foster trust and professional relationships. They’re your first line of…
ESTATE PLANNING RESOURCE ARTICLES
Can a Living Will Cover Dementia Care Preferences?
We often associate living wills with emergencies like life support and feeding tubes. But what about something more gradual and deeply personal, like dementia? Can a living will cover dementia care preferences? This blog lays it out. Dementia Care in Advance Directives A living will is a type of advance directive, which is a legal…
What to Include in a Final Disposition Instructions Letter
One of the most personal and often overlooked pieces of an estate plan is the Final Disposition Instructions Letter. This simple document tells your loved ones and your estate planning attorney how you want your body and remains handled after death. What Is a Final Disposition Letter? Many people assume their loved ones will know…
Is A Power of Attorney Better Than An Executor?
Is a power of attorney better than an executor, and what’s the difference? Many people assume these terms are interchangeable or that one is more powerful than the other. However, each role has a different purpose in an estate plan. Executor vs Power of Attorney Responsibilities Let’s break down the differences and clarify duties. What…
How a Special Needs Trust Helps Preserve Government Benefits
Families often worry about how to provide long-term support without disqualifying their child or relative from essential government programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. That’s why a special needs trust is crucial. What Is a Special Needs Trust? A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal arrangement to benefit those with physical, mental,…
Why You Need a Mental Health Care Power of Attorney
What happens when you can no longer speak for yourself? In many cases, you need a mental health care power of attorney (MHPOA) to help make health care decisions and leave nothing to chance. What Does a Mental Health Care Power of Attorney (MHPOA) Do? A mental health care power of attorney is a type…
Does Probate Fall Under Estate Planning?
You may hear the term “estate planning” and immediately think of trust funds from ultra-wealthy individuals. However, the truth is much more commonplace. So, does probate fall under estate planning, and if so, how? If you have a bank account, car note, or even a modest mortgage, you have an estate. And unless you plan,…
Living Wills vs. Final Disposition Instructions: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by legal terminology when planning for the unexpected. One common area of confusion is telling the difference between living wills vs. final disposition instructions. Both are crucial to an estate plan, but each serves a different purpose. Let’s explore this distinction. What Is a Living Will? A living will is…
How Do I Hire an Estate Lawyer?
Planning for the future means protecting the people you love. It also means making sure your wishes are honored, even when you’re no longer able to voice them. But how do I hire an estate lawyer who’s qualified and fit for my needs? Let’s discuss. What Is an Estate Lawyer An estate lawyer is a…
Must-Have Legal Documents in Phoenix
Safeguarding assets, ensuring medical decisions align with your wishes, and providing for your loved ones means having the essentials in place. In Phoenix, legal documentation preparation isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about protecting your rights, property, family, and future. The right legal documents in Phoenix can significantly affect life planning and spell the difference between…
BUSINESS PLANNING RESOURCE ARTICLES
Are Your Company’s Corporate Bylaws Up to Date?
Are your corporate bylaws up to date? When you first formed your corporation, you probably drafted and adopted internal rules that outline how your company will operate. But when was the last time you looked at them? Bylaws are filed away and forgotten by many business owners, but as your company grows, laws can change…
How to Enforce a Confidentiality Agreement
A confidentiality agreement protects sensitive information for individuals and businesses while forming the backbone that safeguards trade secrets, client data, proprietary ideas, and personal information. These legal tools are not merely standard formalities, but rather proactive strategies designed to help minimize risk, deter misconduct, and foster trust and professional relationships. They’re your first line of…
Legal Pitfalls in Freelancer Agreements
We live in a gig economy, which means freelancers and independent contractors fuel innovation with flexibility and untethered growth potential. However, there are many pitfalls in freelancer agreements that many contractors fail to notice. Let’s discuss what you should know. Common Freelancer Contract Mistakes Verbal agreements can be comforting and are legally binding, but they’re…
Avoiding Legal Issues in At-Will Employment Contracts
Misunderstandings, wrongful termination claims, and contractual contradictions can expose businesses to serious legal battles. Here’s how employers and employees can navigate at-will employment contracts while minimizing risks. What You Should Know About At-Will Employment Contracts At-will employment is the default rule in many states. It means employers can terminate employees at any time and for…
Key Clauses in Business Partnership Agreements
Understanding business partnership agreements (BPAs) is essential because it ensures all partners are on the same page regarding responsibilities, profits, disputes, and succession. Without one, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise, leading to costly legal battles or even business failure. Let’s learn more. Business Partnership Agreements 101 Partnership contract terms are more than formalities. They dictate…
What If My LLC Doesn’t Have an Operating Agreement?
One of the first and most essential steps you’ll typically take when starting or running an LLC is creating an operating agreement. Many ask, “What if my LLC doesn’t have an operating agreement,” and some use generic templates in an attempt to protect their interests. So, what are the risks, and how can an estate…
How Customized Operating Agreements Benefit Your LLC
Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is an exciting step for any entrepreneur, but ensuring the business operates smoothly requires more than just filing formation documents. One of the most important yet often overlooked components of an LLC is a customized operating agreement. While many business owners opt for generic, one-size-fits-all templates, customized operating agreements…
LLC Operating Agreement Essentials: Protecting Your Business
One of the most critical steps in securing the future of your business is consulting an estate planning attorney for legal help for LLC agreements. LLC operating agreement essentials safeguard your interests by addressing potential disputes and unforeseen circumstances. LLC Operating Agreement Essentials: The Basics An LLC operating agreement is a legally binding document outlining…
Promissory Notes for Loan Security: Protecting Lenders and Borrowers
Clarity and legal protection are essential for lenders and borrowers in financial transactions. Promissory notes for loan security are vital tools to ensure each party is on the same page about repayment terms and obligations. Let’s explore the legal benefits of promissory notes and discover why working with an estate planning attorney is essential to…
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