Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation instantly using the calendar link button or give us a call to schedule a time. Our initial consultation is by phone or Zoom and follow-up meetings are available in-person at our Scottsdale, Peoria, or Mesa locations.
What to Expect
Your Estate Planning Process
Creating an estate plan does not have to feel complicated. We will guide you through each step, explain your options in plain language, and help you create a plan that reflects your wishes and protects the people you love.
Initial Consultation
Your first appointment will take place by phone or Zoom. We will learn about your family, assets, concerns, and estate planning goals. We will also discuss the type of estate plan that may be appropriate for you, answer your initial questions, and explain the cost and next steps.
Estate Plan Design
After you decide to move forward, we will gather the information needed to design your estate plan. You will identify the people you want to make decisions for you, the people or organizations you want to receive your assets, and any special instructions or concerns you would like addressed.
Draft Review Meeting
Once your draft documents are prepared, we will meet to review your estate plan together. We will explain how the documents work, confirm that they accurately reflect your wishes, answer your questions, and identify any revisions that should be made before signing.
Signing and Next Steps
After your documents are finalized, you will attend an in-person signing appointment at one of our office locations. We will guide you through the signing process and explain any important next steps, including transferring assets into your trust when applicable.
What Should I Bring?
You do not need to gather every financial statement before your first consultation. It is helpful to have a general understanding of:
- Your family and the people you may want to name as decision-makers
- Your approximate assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, businesses, and life insurance
- Any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or health care directives
- Any special concerns involving children, beneficiaries, or family circumstances
- Questions you would like addressed during the meeting
Meeting Locations
Initial consultations are held by phone or Zoom. Draft review meetings may be held by Zoom or in person, depending on your needs. Final signing appointments are generally held in person at one of our office locations.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Peoria, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona 85202
Questions to Consider Before Your Consultation
You do not need to have every answer figured out before we meet. However, it may be helpful to begin thinking about the following questions:
-
Who would make financial decisions for you if you became unable to
make them yourself?
- Some people choose a first choice and a backup.
- Some people choose two people to serve together.
- There are many other options, so consider what arrangement makes the most sense for you.
-
Who would make health care decisions for you if you became unable to
make them yourself?
- Your health care decision-maker may be the same person as your financial decision-maker, but does not have to be.
- Who would receive your assets if you died?
-
What assets do you own?
- Real estate
- Brokerage and investment accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance
- Bank accounts
- Businesses or business interests
- What other questions or concerns would you like to discuss?
A Comfortable, Judgment-Free Conversation
You are not expected to know exactly which documents you need or to have every decision made before your consultation. Our job is to ask the right questions, identify potential concerns, and explain your choices so that you can make informed decisions with confidence.
What to Expect
The Arizona Probate Process
Probate can feel overwhelming, especially while your family is grieving. We will help you understand the court process, identify the next steps, and guide you through the administration of your loved one’s estate.
Initial Consultation
Your first appointment will generally take place by phone or Zoom. We will discuss your loved one’s estate, review whether probate appears to be necessary, identify any immediate concerns, and explain the likely process, timing, and legal fees.
Open the Probate Estate
When probate is required, we will prepare and file the documents needed to ask the court to appoint a personal representative. The personal representative is the person authorized to act on behalf of the estate.
Identify Assets and Creditors
The personal representative will identify estate assets, determine values, secure property, address creditor claims, and complete required notices and court filings. We will provide guidance throughout these responsibilities.
Resolve Expenses and Claims
Before assets are distributed, the estate may need to pay valid debts, administrative expenses, taxes, and other obligations. Some estates require additional steps if there are disputes, unusual assets, or creditor issues.
Distribute the Estate
After the required waiting periods have passed and the estate’s obligations have been addressed, the remaining assets may be distributed according to the will or, when there is no will, Arizona law.
Close the Probate
Once the estate has been fully administered, final documents are prepared to close the probate and formally conclude the personal representative’s responsibilities.
What Should I Have Available?
You do not need to have every document before scheduling a consultation. When available, the following information can be helpful:
- The original will and any amendments
- The death certificate, if it has been issued
- Any trust documents you have located
- A general list of real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, investments, and other assets
- Information about debts, bills, mortgages, or possible creditors
- Names and contact information for family members and beneficiaries
- Any court papers, creditor notices, or time-sensitive correspondence
Meeting Locations
Initial consultations are generally held by phone or Zoom. In-person meetings are available when needed at our Scottsdale, Peoria, or Mesa office.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Peoria, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona 85202
Questions to Consider Before Your Consultation
It may be helpful to begin thinking about the following:
- Did your loved one leave a will or trust?
- Who is named as personal representative or executor?
- Did your loved one own real estate in Arizona or another state?
- Are any assets jointly owned or payable directly to a named beneficiary?
- Are there known debts, creditor claims, lawsuits, or tax concerns?
- Are there family disagreements or concerns about the estate?
- Is anyone currently living in or maintaining the decedent’s home?
- Are there urgent issues involving property, bills, vehicles, pets, or a business?
You Do Not Have to Navigate Probate Alone
Every estate is different. Some probates are relatively straightforward, while others involve creditor claims, property sales, family disputes, or complex assets. We will help you understand your responsibilities, avoid common mistakes, and move the estate toward resolution one step at a time.