Virtual first, serving families across Arizona.
Mon to Thu 8 to 4, Fri 8 to 12
Virtual first, serving families across Arizona.
Mon to Thu 8 to 4, Fri 8 to 12
Estate Planning
Creating a will is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself and your family. A last will and testament is a legal document that dictates the distribution of your assets and property at death. Below are the reasons why you should take the time now to create a will in Phoenix, Arizona.
The foundational document of any Arizona estate plan, drafted to leave nothing to chance.
A Last Will and Testament is the document that tells the world, in your own voice, who should receive your property when you die and who should care for your minor children. Without one, Arizona’s intestate succession laws decide for you, and the result rarely matches what most people would have chosen for their own family.
We draft wills that are specific, clear, and built to hold up. That includes naming a personal representative who will administer your estate, alternate beneficiaries in case a primary beneficiary predeceases you, and guardianship designations for minor children. For clients with younger children especially, the guardianship clause is often the single most important reason to put a plan in place this year, not someday.
A will alone does not avoid probate in Arizona. It directs probate. For many clients, that is appropriate; for others, pairing a will with a revocable living trust makes more sense. During your consultation, we walk through the trade-offs honestly so you choose the structure that actually fits your assets and your family.
Nicole Pavlik Law drafts your will alongside your durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and a HIPAA waiver, so the entire foundational plan moves together rather than in pieces. Every document is reviewed in plain English, by Nicole, in your meeting.
If you die without a will, your family will have to spend time, money, and emotional energy dealing with your estate. Instead of having a document that clearly states your wishes, your family will be subjected to unnecessary anxiety and confusion as they figure out how to distribute your property. Without a clear plan, families often fight over who gets what property and who has what power. These fights can sometimes lead brothers and sisters estranged for years. By taking the time to create a last will and testament, your family will be able to focus on the grieving process after you pass away.
A will gives you the power to decide who will get your property when you die. Some people believe that if you die without a will, your family gets to decide what happens to your property. This is incorrect. Instead, Arizona has intestacy laws dictating what will happen. Basically, the state created a default will. What will happen depends on whether or not you have a living spouse, children, parents, and other relatives when you die. For example, if you are married with children from that marriage, your spouse will get everything. However, if you are married with children from outside that marriage, the spouse is only entitled to their share of the community share community and half of the separate property; the children are entitled to the remaining property.
The intestacy laws do not always reflect an individual’s wishes. If you have a blended family, estranged children, or children or parents with special needs, creating a will may be particularly important for you. Additionally, through a will, you can designate specific property, like family heirlooms or real estate, to go to particular people. A will also allows you to leave property to charities and other organizations.
When you create a will, you are given the power to name an executor. An executor has many responsibilities, including creating an inventory of all your assets, paying all your debts, filing necessary tax returns, and distributing your assets. You can pick an organized person who you trust to ensure that your wishes are carried out and your affairs are handled correctly. This person can either be a family member or a professional.
If you do not create a will, the court will appoint a personal administrator. This person may differ from who you would have chosen, and fights can break out as family members struggle over who should be selected.
If you have minor children, a will is a necessity. In a will, you can designate who will be the guardian of your children if you pass away. This is one of the most important decisions that you can make, and a decision that you do not want to be left up to the courts.
You can also pick who will be the guardian of your minor child’s property. You can choose how the property will be managed on their behalf and when the child will have unrestricted access to it. If you don’t have a will, the court will make these decisions for you and your children.
Do not wait to create a will, because you think that your life circumstances and wishes will change over time. A will can be easily updated as you go throughout life. There is no reason to leave yourself unprepared because you believe that your life will change. Nobody knows when they will die, and you should prepare for the unexpected now.
Included in the Will Package: $1,350 for individuals, $1,600 for couples. View full pricing.
Begin your plan
Schedule a virtual consultation or telephone call with Nicole Pavlik. Flat-fee pricing, clear timelines, and a process designed around you.
