Revocable vs. Irrevocable Living Trusts: Choosing the Right One for Your Needs

Understanding the distinction between revocable and irrevocable living trusts is crucial for effective estate planning. At Nicole Pavlik Law Firm in Phoenix, Arizona, we emphasize the importance of local laws and the specialized guidance an experienced Phoenix estate planning attorney can provide. Here, we’ll explore these two types of trusts in the context of Arizona…

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Easy Estate Planning in 5 Steps

Most people understand that they need to make an estate plan, but they put it off because it seems complicated and time-consuming. Easy estate planning would be a welcome opportunity for so many. Well if this sounds like you, you should call Phoenix’s leading estate planning attorney Nicole Pavlik. Attorney Pavlik has taken estate planning…

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Just Married – Don’t Forget an Estate Plan

Getting married is an exciting life change. If you’ve just married, it is important to think about your legal and financial future as a married couple. Although it may not be the first thing on your mind, creating or updating your estate plan is critical. Making an estate plan can seem daunting, but attorney Nicole…

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What 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.…

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Do I Have to Be Wealthy to Have an Estate Plan?

It is a common misconception that estate plans are only for the wealthy. No matter what your net worth is, you should have an estate plan. What is an Estate Plan? An estate plan is a series of documents that allow you to leave important instructions about what should happen to your property, children, and…

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Can My Will Be Challenged in Arizona

Once you have done your will you may wonder is that enough or can  my will be challenged in Arizona. A will filed with the state of Arizona can be challenged, but certain requirements have to be met before the challenge can be made. Arizona law states a petition for probate can be filed regarding…

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Estate Planning and Charitable Giving in Phoenix

Making charitable giving a part of your estate plan is a great way to carry on your legacy and give back to causes that are important to you. As an additional benefit, charitable giving can minimize income and estate taxes. If you are considering including charitable giving in your Phoenix estate plan, you should reach…

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“Funding Your Trust” in Phoenix Estate Planning? 

If you are in the process of creating a Phoenix estate plan, you have probably heard the term “funding your trust.” You may be confused about what this phrase means, but it is important not to ignore it. Funding your trust is a crucial step in the estate planning process. Not funding your trust correctly…

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Protecting your Inheritance from Medicaid in Phoenix

Medicaid is a needs-based government program that provides health coverage to 69.8 million Americans. In Arizona, it is administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. To qualify for Medicaid, Phoenix residents must meet strict income and asset requirements. Without proper planning, receiving Medicaid could end up depleting your inheritance. How Does Medicaid Deplete…

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Estate Planning for LGBT Couples in Phoenix, AZ

The legal landscape for LGBT couples changed greatly in June 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states. After the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, many married same-sex couples in Phoenix assume that creating an estate plan is no longer a priority. This assumption is far…

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