Estate Planning
Same-Sex Marriage and Estate Planning
After the legalization of same-sex marriage nationally and in Arizona, many same-sex married couples have learned that it is critical for all married couples, including same-sex couples, to have a comprehensive estate plan. An estate plan can provide for your spouse when you pass and while you are living, give your spouse (if you so…
Read MoreWhat Does an Estate Plan Cost?
The price of creating an estate plan in Phoenix varies dramatically depending on the attorney that you use. For instance, the Nicole Pavlik Law Firm provides top-rated services at fair, upfront pricing, so planning for your future can be affordable. Typically, her services are handled on a flat fee basis. Below is an outline of…
Read MoreAdding a Trust to Your Estate Plan
Trusts are valuable estate planning tools that many people should consider adding to their Phoenix estate plans. There are many different types of trusts that may offer unique benefits to you and your family. In the Phoenix area, if you are interested in adding a trust to your estate plan, contact Nicole Pavlik, an experienced…
Read MoreShould I Provide For My Stepchildren As Well As My Biological Children?
Whether or not to include stepchildren in your Phoenix estate plan is a very personal decision. There is no legal obligation to include stepchildren in Arizona, so the choice is entirely your own and should be given a thoughtful consideration. Sometimes couples in second marriages agree that each parent should leave an inheritance to their…
Read MoreCharitable Giving in My Estate Plan
For many individuals, charitable giving is a large part of their lives. Continuing this tradition after your death by including charitable giving in your estate plan is a wonderful way to help cherished organizations. Done properly, charitable giving can also result in substantial tax benefits. There are many different ways that you can include charitable…
Read MorePlanning for Incapacity is Part of Estate Planning
Many people do not realize that estate planning includes more than planning for the distribution of your property after your death. A significant part of estate planning deals with planning for incapacity. This means planning for your healthcare as well as financial decisions if you become incapacitated. An individual is considered incapacitated when they cannot…
Read MoreSecond Marriages and Estate Planning
It is critical to update your estate plan every time you experience a significant life event, such as getting married. Individuals getting remarried face unique estate planning challenges. If you do not plan carefully, you could neglect certain family members or cause family discord. An experienced Phoenix estate planning attorney can ensure that you have…
Read MoreHow Do I Select a Beneficiary?
Selecting your beneficiaries is one of the biggest decisions you make when creating an estate plan. Below is some information that will help you decide who to pick as your beneficiaries in Phoenix, Arizona. What is a Beneficiary? A beneficiary is a person or entity you legally designate to inherit assets from you. Beneficiaries are…
Read MoreWhat If I Die Without a Will?
What is Intestate Succession? When a person dies without a will in Arizona, it is called dying intestate. Arizona has intestate succession laws that dictate who administers your estate and how it is distributed if you die without a will. Because you did not create a will, the state decides how the property is distributed.…
Read MoreWho Should I Choose for Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is an important tool to include in every Phoenix estate plan. It is a document where you appoint someone to act on your behalf regarding legal, financial, or medical matters. There are two main types of powers of attorney that you should include in your Phoenix estate plan: a health care…
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