Planning Documents
Planning ahead lets you decide who receives your property and who makes decisions for you if you cannot. We prepare:
- Wills, which name who receives your property and who manages your estate
- Living wills, which state your wishes about end-of-life medical treatment
- Financial (durable) powers of attorney, which name someone to handle your finances if you cannot
- Health care powers of attorney, which name someone to make medical decisions if you cannot
- Beneficiary deeds, which transfer Arizona real estate to a named person at your death without probate
Home and hospital visits are available for clients who cannot come to the office.
Settling the estate of someone who has died? See probate.
Documents for Your Appointment
What to Bring
- A list of property and how it is titled
- Beneficiary designations for accounts and insurance
- Names of the people you want to receive property or make decisions for you
Common Questions
What is a financial power of attorney?
It names someone you trust to manage your bank accounts, bills, and property if you become unable to. A durable power of attorney stays in effect if you become incapacitated, which can avoid the need for a court-appointed conservator.
Does a will avoid probate?
No. A will says who receives your property, but property in your name alone usually still goes through probate. Beneficiary deeds, beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and trusts can pass property outside probate.
Is a handwritten will valid in Arizona?
It can be. Arizona recognizes a handwritten will if the signature and the important provisions are in the person’s own handwriting. A typed will must be signed and witnessed by two people.
Arizona health care power of attorney statute
Arizona beneficiary deed statute