Secure Your Legacy: The Importance of Wills and Trusts in Scottsdale, Peoria, and Mesa

Hi, I’m Kristin, founding attorney here at Windrose Law Center. I have been a life long valley of the sun resident and love helping clients in Scottsdale, Peoria, and Mesa as an estate planning lawyer knowing that planning for the future is as essential as enjoying the present. As an attorney, I have unfortunately seen the chaos that occurs when people pass away without creating a comprehensive estate plan, which often includes a will and a trust. Fellow attorney Colton Powell and I are here along with our team to guide you through the process with expertise and care.

Why Scottsdale, Peoria, and Mesa Residents Need a Will or Trust

Creating a will or trust is not just for the wealthy; which is a common misconception. In fact, it’s why I initially had no interest in estate planning when I was in law school. But when I saw how important this was because of what had happened within my own family, I learned that what sounds like a fancy, rich people tool — a trust — is actually a vital tool for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected. Here’s why having a will or trust is crucial:

• Protect Your Loved Ones: A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, preventing potential disputes among family members.
• Avoid Probate: Trusts works alongside your will and can help your family avoid the lengthy and costly probate process, allowing for a smoother transfer of assets, less chaos, confusion, and arguments.
• Plan for Minor Children: A will allows you to designate guardians for your minor children, ensuring they are cared for by someone you trust.
• Healthcare Decisions: Advance directives, often included in estate plans, ensure your healthcare wishes are followed if you become incapacitated.

Understanding Wills and Trusts

• Wills: A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. It can also include your wishes regarding the care of your minor children and other important matters.
• Trusts: A popular type of Trust for normal people is called a Living Trust (also known as a Revocable Living Trust). A trust is a legal arrangement where one party (the trustee) holds and manages assets for the benefit of another (the beneficiary).

Common Questions About Wills and Trusts

1. What happens if I die without a will in Arizona?

If you pass away without a will, your estate will be distributed according to Arizona’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. This can lead to unintended consequences and potential conflicts among your heirs.

2. Can I update my will or trust?

Yes! You can and should update your will or trust as your circumstances change. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes are good reasons to review and update your estate plan. Trusts are a lot easier to update than Wills.

3. How do I choose between a will and a trust?

The choice between a will and a trust depends on your specific circumstances. A will might be sufficient for some, while others might benefit from the added flexibility and control of a trust. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you make the best decision.

Why Choose Windrose Law Center?

At Windrose Law Center, we pride ourselves on providing personalized estate planning services tailored to the needs of our Scottsdale, Peoria, and Mesa clients. As the lead attorney here, I have a wealth of experience (I suppose this makes me old) and a passion for making complex legal concepts easy to understand. We are dedicated to helping you create an estate plan that protects your legacy and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Seriously!!! It is so hard and causes unnecessary stress when you are creating your estate plan in response to an awful diagnosis. I just cannot put it into words. Secure your family’s future by scheduling a free consultation with Windrose Law Center today. We are here to help you navigate the estate planning process and ensure your wishes are honored.

Contact us to schedule a consultation. If you have questions about how are consultations work, take a look at some of our Frequently Asked Questions here.