Minimizing Beneficiary Squabbling

We have all seen it. The media likes to pass along juicy stories of actors that either had no wills or their heirs are fighting tooth and nail over the inheritance. But how do we stop any infighting among our own beneficiaries when we pass? Most families get along great… Read More

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

This was a column in a local paper that got me thinking that this is actually a very commonly asked question. First, it doesn’t all go the State. It may but this is very unlikely. Basically, the State of Arizona has written a Will for you if you fail to… Read More

Advantages vs. Disadvantages of a Revocable Trust

Advantages of a Revocable Living Trust Avoidance of probate. In particular, a revocable living trust can avoid expensive multiple probate proceedings when you own real estate in several different states, as well as the publication of the otherwise private financial details of your estate. Avoidance of conservatorship. A revocable trust can avoid… Read More

Recent Trends Part III

Another trend in living trust and estate planning is less concern about probate and more concern about possible incapacity. The “typical” client 20 years ago was very concerned about ending up in probate after their passing. I am not sure if this came from all the advertised estate planning seminars that used this to scare people into… Read More

Trends in Living Trusts Part II

Another trend in Living Trusts, or better said, Estate Planning, are IRA Qualified Trusts. Very often a individual does not want to leave a large IRA to their children or other heirs. The concern is they will cash it in and pay the large tax bill that will surely come when the IRA is… Read More

Is A Trust Really Necessary?

This question gets asked a lot. Everyone should have an estate plan, meaning a Will, powers of attorney, and similar. But when should you have a trust? The benefit of revocable trust include a tool to assist us in the event of our incapacity. Instead of going to court to… Read More