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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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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…
Final Disposition Instructions for Digital Assets: Protecting Your Online Presence
Most of our lives are lived online, from social profiles to email accounts and cloud storage. Digital assets are a part of our estate, yet many people overlook them when creating a trust or will. Adding final disposition instructions for digital assets is crucial in the modern world. Including digital assets in your estate plan…
Why a Special Needs Trust for Adults Is Critical for Lifelong Care
Few tools are as powerful and profitable as a special needs trust for adults when protecting the future of a loved one with disabilities. These contracts are a cornerstone of lifelong care planning with a trust, offering peace of mind, financial protection, and long-term stability for individuals who may never be fully independent. What Is…
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…
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…
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…
ESTATE PLANNING RESOURCE ARTICLES
What is an Executor?
An executor is the person named in a will and appointed by the court to oversee the administration of an estate and carry out the terms of the will. In Phoenix, the executor is called the personal representative. What are the Responsibilities of an Executor in Phoenix? If you are named as the executor of…
Do I Have a Right to Inherit in Arizona?
In Arizona, spouses and minor children have a certain limited right to inherit regardless of what is written in the will. Read below to learn more about inheritance rights in Phoenix, Arizona. Right to Inherit Laws for Spouses in Arizona Although most couples decide to leave the majority, if not all, of their estate to…
Estate Planning After a Divorce
The divorce process is incredibly stressful and overwhelming. With so much on your plate, it is easy to overlook your estate plan. However, revising your estate plan after a divorce is a critical step and involves more than just updating your will. Below are six areas you must address when updating your estate plan after…
What is Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship (“JTWROS”)?
What is Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship (“JTWROS”)? Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWROS) is a type of property ownership where two or more people hold property together with equal rights and responsibilities. In Phoenix, joint tenancy is most commonly seen in real estate, but JTWROS can also be used with personal property…
Basic Parts of a Last Will and Testament
What are the Essential Components of a Will? A will is an essential document in a comprehensive Phoenix estate plan. In general, it lays out your final wishes. Below is a list of the basic components of a last will and testament. Your will should include a statement that all prior wills are being revoked.…
What is Parental Power of Attorney
In general terms, the power of attorney is a legal document created to allow you to name a trusted person to temporarily act on your behalf. It empowers that one individual to act as your “agent” to take care of things when you are unable to do so. It is a common and recommended part…
A Residuary Clause for Last Will and Testament
When it comes to estate planning, it is important to have a last will and testament that has all the necessary parts. Under Arizona law, a well prepared will usually needs something called a residuary clause. A residuary clause is a part of that last will and testament to pass all other items that a…
Estate Planning and Succession Planning
Know the Difference and Plan As Needed In very general terms, estate planning refers to personal assets and succession planning lays out the terms for a business. And while both terms refer to plans intended by the creator once they’ve passed, it’s very important not to equate the two terms. A person does not need…
Revocable Trust and Irrevocable Trust
What To Consider With Trust Options When it comes to your estate plan, the trust provides solid options to protect your assets and ensure your beneficiaries receive those assets with limited difficulties. Revocable Trust Revocable trusts work best for people who want to adapt their estate plans in the face of new information and/or situations.…
BUSINESS PLANNING RESOURCE ARTICLES
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…
Independent Contractor Agreements: What to Include to Protect Your Business
Independent contractor agreements are pivotal in helping companies scale and meet unique needs without hiring full-time employees. However, using independent contractors comes with legal complexities that require careful attention. Understanding independent contractor agreement essentials helps clarify the relationship and minimize potential risks like misclassification or dispute. Using Independent Contractor Agreements to Define the Relationship One…
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