Phoenix Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Attorneys

At Copper State Planning, Principal Attorney Leighton Tyau, Esq. helps Phoenix homeowners, professionals, and families protect their hard-earned assets without the hassle of a downtown commute. Whether you need a custom Revocable Living Trust under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 14, representation in the Maricopa County Probate Court, or urgent ALTCS Medicaid asset protection, we offer convenient virtual consultations and streamlined execution tailored to your schedule.

Let’s make a plan
Closeup picture of a man signing a contract while a professional woman sits close by

Comprehensive Legal Services for Phoenix Families

We design legally sound, Arizona-specific estate and elder law plans tailored to your family dynamics, Phoenix real estate holdings, and long-term care goals.

Proactive planning preserves your wealth and spares your family unnecessary court intervention. We craft customized estate plans—combining trusts, wills, beneficiary deeds, and advance directives—built around the needs of Phoenix homeowners, executives, and retirees.

Ensure your wishes are legally enforceable under Arizona Revised Statutes (§ 14-2501 et seq.). We assist Phoenix residents in drafting Last Wills and Testaments and Pour-Over Wills that nominate guardians for minor children, designate trusted personal representatives, and prevent family disputes.

Bypass Maricopa County probate and maintain complete privacy over your family’s finances. We establish and fund Revocable Living Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, and Community Property Trusts for Phoenix families to preserve your double step-up in cost basis and streamline asset distribution.

Settling a loved one’s Phoenix estate doesn’t have to fall solely on your shoulders. We represent personal representatives and out-of-state executors in informal and formal probate proceedings before the Maricopa County Superior Court in Downtown Phoenix, as well as Arizona Small Estate Affidavits (A.R.S. § 14-3971).

Protect your real estate appreciation, business equity, and investment gains from avoidable federal capital gains and estate taxes. We structure Arizona community property agreements, charitable remainder strategies, and tax-efficient trusts for Phoenix households.

Keep your Phoenix company out of probate court if incapacity or death strikes unexpectedly. We align Arizona LLC operating agreements, buy-sell provisions, and membership assignments directly with your personal Revocable Living Trust.

Enter marriage with clarity, transparency, and protection for pre-marital real estate, business interests, or children from a prior relationship. We assist Phoenix couples in drafting enforceable prenuptial agreements compliant with the Arizona Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (A.R.S. § 25-201).

Skilled nursing and memory care costs in Phoenix regularly exceed $8,000 to $12,000 per month. We handle both proactive ALTCS planning and urgent hospital-to-care-facility ALTCS Crisis Planning—including Miller (Income-Only) Trusts and Community Spouse Resource Allowance protections.

Transferring multi-generational wealth requires more than a simple beneficiary form. We structure family trusts, real estate transfers, and spendthrift protections that shield your children’s inheritance from creditors, lawsuits, and divorce.

Avoid expensive court-ordered guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. We prepare Arizona Durable Financial Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Powers of Attorney, Mental Health Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills (A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 32) for Phoenix residents.

Leave a financial safety net for a child or family member with disabilities without jeopardizing their means-tested government benefits. We draft customized First-Party and Third-Party Special Needs Trusts compliant with federal SSI and Arizona ALTCS rules.

Protect your Phoenix residence and retirement savings from AHCCCS/ALTCS spend-down rules and estate recovery liens. We design Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts and legal spend-down strategies tailored to Arizona’s lookback and resource rules.

Let’s Make a Plan

Don’t worry, we’ve got this. We’ll guide you through every step of the process and
make sure your family and assets are protected.

Call us today to schedule your virtual or in-person consultation.

Why Phoenix Families Choose Copper State Planning

Direct Counsel from Principal Attorney Leighton Tyau, Esq.

There are no “Big Law” egos here, and you will never be passed off to an inexperienced junior associate. You work directly with Leighton Tyau, Esq., an active member of the State Bar of Arizona, tailoring your estate and long-term care plan to the realities of your family, business, and retirement goals.

Zero-Commute Virtual Planning for Busy Phoenix Households

You don’t need to fight Camelback Road or I-10 traffic to put a rock-solid estate plan in place. We conduct strategy and design consultations via Zoom or phone for families across Arcadia, Biltmore, North Central Phoenix, Ahwatukee, and Desert Ridge—making the process effortless from start to finish.

Complete Asset Funding & Deed Recording

An unfunded trust is just an expensive stack of paper. We don’t stop at signing—we prepare and record your Maricopa County real estate deeds and provide clear instructions to align your business interests and financial accounts with your trust.

Contact Us
Copper state Planning Team

Our 4-Step Estate & Legacy Planning Process

Clear, Predictable Guidance from Initial Strategy to Asset Funding

1

Consultation

Meet with us virtually from your Phoenix home or office.
Tell us your story, ask questions, and clarify your family and financial priorities.

2

Custom Design

Select your fiduciaries, successor trustees, and protective structures.
We custom-draft your Arizona trusts, wills, and powers of attorney.

3

Review & Sign

Review every provision in plain English via video conference, then complete your signing at our main office or via coordinated notary.

4

Asset Funding

We record your Phoenix real estate deeds with Maricopa County and help align your bank, retirement, and LLC accounts with your trust.

Let’s discuss

Revocable Living Trusts & Probate Avoidance in Phoenix

In Arizona, relying on a standalone Last Will and Testament does not avoid probate—if you own a home in Phoenix or hold titled accounts exceeding statutory small-estate thresholds, your family will likely have to open a probate case at the Maricopa County Superior Court in Downtown Phoenix. A properly funded Revocable Living Trust under A.R.S. Title 14 transfers your Phoenix real estate and financial accounts privately, immediately, and without court supervision.

For married couples in Phoenix, we also structure joint community property trusts to preserve the double step-up in cost basis under IRC § 1014(b)(6)—potentially saving a surviving spouse and heirs tens of thousands of dollars in capital gains taxes when an appreciated Arcadia, Biltmore, or Central Phoenix property is sold.

Learn More About Trusts
Trusts

Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) & Phoenix Elder Law

When a spouse or aging parent needs assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing in Phoenix, private-pay care costs can rapidly deplete a lifetime of savings. Copper State Planning guides Phoenix families through both proactive Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts and urgent ALTCS Crisis Planning—including hospital-to-rehab transitions from facilities like Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and HonorHealth John C. Lincoln.

Even if an applicant’s monthly Social Security and pension exceed AHCCCS income limits, or a couple holds countable savings above standard resource caps, we utilize Income-Only (Miller) Trusts, Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) expansions, and home-equity exemptions to qualify your loved one for ALTCS without impoverishing the healthy spouse.

Learn More About Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS)
Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS)

Maricopa County Probate & Small Estate Affidavits

Serving as a personal representative (executor) or successor trustee for a Phoenix estate brings strict fiduciary duties under A.R.S. Title 14, Chapter 3. Our probate team handles electronic and court filings with the Maricopa County Superior Court Probate Department in Downtown Phoenix, creditor notifications, estate inventories, and real property transfers—including full representation for out-of-state adult children settling a parent’s Phoenix home without needing to travel to Arizona.

When an estate’s real property or personal property falls beneath the statutory limits set by A.R.S. § 14-3971, we also prepare and record Arizona Small Estate Affidavits to transfer Phoenix assets quickly without opening a full court probate proceeding.

Learn More About Probate
Probate

Wills, Powers of Attorney & Special Needs Trusts

Every complete estate plan includes legally binding protections during your lifetime and clear instructions for your loved ones. We help Phoenix parents draft Last Wills and Testaments to nominate guardians for minor children, alongside Durable Financial Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Powers of Attorney, Mental Health Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills so your family never faces a contested court conservatorship.

For Phoenix families caring for a child or relative with disabilities, leaving a direct inheritance can accidentally disqualify them from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or ALTCS healthcare benefits. We establish compliant First-Party and Third-Party Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) to enhance their quality of life while keeping essential benefits intact.

Learn More About Special Needs Trust
Special Needs Trust

Frequently Asked Questions: Phoenix Estate Planning & Probate

Does a Last Will and Testament avoid probate in Phoenix, Arizona?

No. Under Arizona Revised Statutes (§ 14-3971), if a Phoenix resident passes away owning Arizona real estate with net equity exceeding $300,000 or personal property exceeding $200,000 in their individual name, a Will must be administered through the Maricopa County Superior Court Probate Department in Downtown Phoenix. To bypass probate entirely, Phoenix homeowners typically use a funded Revocable Living Trust or an Arizona Beneficiary Deed (A.R.S. § 33-405).

Can I complete my Phoenix estate plan or probate case virtually without driving to an office?

Yes. Copper State Planning handles strategy consultations, document design reviews, and Maricopa County probate court filings remotely via Zoom and phone for clients across Phoenix. When your estate plan is ready for final execution, we coordinate convenient signing options so you never have to sit in Valley traffic.

How can a Phoenix family protect a home and savings while qualifying for ALTCS?

Under AHCCCS/ALTCS rules, an applicant’s primary residence in Phoenix is generally excluded as a countable resource up to the statutory equity limit (or without an equity cap if a spouse resides there). We use Income-Only (Miller) Trusts, Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) protections, and Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts to qualify seniors for long-term care while shielding the family home from AHCCCS estate recovery liens.

Get In Touch

2999 N 44th St, Suite 450, Phoenix, AZ 85018 (By Appointment Only – Virtual Consultations Available)
Serving Arcadia, Biltmore, Central Phoenix, Ahwatukee & Greater Phoenix

Call us today to speak with your legacy guide.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Trusted

reviews

I’m impressed with Leighton’s knowledge of estate planning, business succession plans & wealth transfer planning. I recommend you have a conversation with him to take care of these important items.

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Tim M.

Copper State Planning has been a tremendous help with my estate planning. Their team is extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain all of my options clearly and thoroughly. They made what can be an overwhelming process feel manageable and tailored everything to my specific needs and goals. I truly appreciate their patience, professionalism, and expertise. I highly recommend Copper State Planning to anyone looking for trusted guidance with estate planning.

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Joseph H.

We were referred to Copper State Planning and Leighton Tyau by a dear friend of ours and we were very happy with the referral. Mr. Tyau and his staff were very easy to work with and they were very good about adjusting to our schedule and accommodating us either via zoom or in person. We were very pleased with the fact they listened to our requests and wishes well and gave us proper advice. We were extremely pleased with the overall outcome and would refer this practice to anyone wholeheartedly.

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Hema M.

Mr Tyau really cares about quality and helping the people that need his help. Very on top of things and passionate.

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Strive2 S.

Leighton is truly exceptional. His professionalism, attention to detail, and deep expertise make working with him an absolute pleasure. He communicates clearly, handles every step with confidence and care, and brings both efficiency and compassion to the process. He goes above and beyond for his clients, and it genuinely shows in the quality of his work. We were extremely impressed and highly recommend Leighton and his services to anyone in need of a trustworthy and skilled attorney.

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Joanna E.

Copper State Planning has your family's best interest at heart! He listened to my concerns, had the answers I needed to put me at ease. Thank you Layton~

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Monda C.

Leighton was amazing with helping us through our grandmother's passing, and navigating us throug her estate transfer. He talked us through our own complex situation and helped me setup, and fund my foundation with minimal tax consequences.

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Anson T.

Highly recommended for complex estate planning and tax issues!

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Roie B.

Leighton is the best at explaining how to provide planning and understanding your estate and how you can maximize your estate for your loved ones.

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Coach J.

Honestly the best experience ever and Leighton truly takes the time to explain everything into detail and makes the experience a lot smoother. Thank you!!!

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Elizabeth G.

Lee’s attention to detail and ability to dial in on what needs to be done, with precision and accuracy, is above and beyond. You cannot go wrong by entrusting him to take care of you and your family.

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Desirae B.

I can't say enough great things about Copper State planning! Layton is very knowledge, through and will make sure your assets and love ones are protected. Thank you Layton !

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Monda C.

Leighton over at Copper State Estate Planning, is very knowledgeable and great at what he does. Highly recommend.

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Maria

Leighton is outstanding. Really knows his stuff and gave us great advice with our estate plan. Highly recommend.

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Chuck P.

The entire process was nice and easy. Thanks for taking such a complicated task and simplifying it for us.

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Sam K.

Leighton did an outstanding job preparing my Will. He addressed all of my concerns with patience and provided clarity to all of my questions. I will be referring him to my father to update his own Will in the future. Thank you for your help!

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Sean K.

No scenario to complex for Leighton. He will take the time to walk you through and explain what he suggests!! Work with an expert!

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J. H.

Leighton has a wealth of knowledge in providing sustainability when it comes to your finances and legacy .

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Lanie M.

Leighton is very knowledgeable, professional, and takes pride in his work! I highly recommend Leighton for all your current and future estate planning needs.

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Kevin M.

I have had the privilege of liaising with Attorney Tyau on multiple occasions, and I am thoroughly impressed with his depth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and technical ability in all estate planning matters. I have observed him explain complicated trust and estate topics elegantly and succinctly in a way that almost everyone can understand. He shows a genuine commitment to helping others navigate through the morass of wills, trusts, incapacity, and probate. He has truly set himself apart from the rank-and-file, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a trusted estate planning advisor.

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Edward L.

Leighton Tyau is very knowledgeable, helpful, and reliable. Wouldn’t use anyone else for my estate planning! Wonderful experience.

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Summer B.

Leighton helped me better understand what my needs are.

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Omar Y.

Leighton is a pleasure to work with. He is genuine, so knowledgeable and provides clear guidance.

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Stevi M.

Leighton was incredibly helpful during a very difficult time. He made all those documents make sense. Thank you for everything.

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Karen M.

I had an exceptionally impactful and enlightening experience with Copper State Estate Planning, whose expert team provided comprehensive guidance, meticulously walking me through each plan and its profound benefits for both me and my beneficiaries. Understanding the critical consequences of not having proper documentation to safeguard my assets and ensure the seamless distribution of my property was paramount. Even more vital was establishing robust plans for health directives, power of attorney, wills, and trusts to secure my legacy and well-being. My attorney, Leighton Tyau, alongside Jackie Mercier, demonstrated unparalleled expertise, delivering crystal-clear explanations and a thorough outline of all next steps. I wholeheartedly urge everyone to prioritize this essential planning and entrust it to highly qualified specialists like those at Copper State Estate Planning, who excel in these critical areas.

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Ceci S.

Leighton is a wonderful estate attorney that definitely knows his stuff. I highly recommend him

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Terry Y.

Leighton & the team at Copper State Estate Planning are amazing! Leighton takes the time to really understand your situation so he can help you develop a plan to protect your estate. He also helps you understand your options so that you feel comfortable with the plan. I highly recommend that you contact him for all of your estate planning needs!

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tpodry

Leighton is very knowledgeable, and kind. I highly recommend him for legal services.

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Lisa G.

Lisa Kiser is a mainstay as an attorney and its not whether you should hire Lisa, its you MUST hire Lisa Kiser to represent you, period!!

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Nic M.

Leighton is amazing! Super knowledgeable in estate law and is willing to go above and beyond in service. He gives great wisdom!

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The M.

When you listen to Leighton talk about what he does, he genuinely gets excited about helping clients with their estate planning needs. His deep understanding of complex estate matters, especially when it involves business owners, sets him apart. Leighton excels with intricate cases and demonstrates a keen grasp of the nuances involved. He’s also very approachable and easy to talk to. If you’re looking for someone who is both highly skilled and personable, give him a call.

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Chris M.

I'm an estate planning attorney in a different state and Leighton has been great at helping my clients when we have an issue involving probate or real estate in Arizona. Highly recommended.

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Brian T.

Walked us through everything connected with the trust and told us how to change our accounts into the trust. Made it simple for us.

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DW C.

Fantastic experience with Jacqueline, she is knowledgeable, responsive, and truly cares about their clients. If you need help with probate or estate planning look no further than Copper State Planning.

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TINO F.

Incredibly knowledgeable and helps educate you!

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Jim H.

Leighton is extremely knowledgeable, professional and kindly genuine. I highly recommend Copper State Planning for the best outcomes whether you are looking to prepare problem-free prenups or leave behind a hassle-free legacy.

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Lana K.

Leighton is an outstanding attorney. From start to finish, he was organized, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. He made the entire process seamless, always keeping us informed and always acting with professionalism and care. His dedication to his clients is evident in everything he does, and his guidance brought us so much peace of mind. We were extremely impressed with his service and recommend Leighton wholeheartedly to anyone looking for reliable, high-quality legal assistance.

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Ali H.

Layton was very informative and simplified a complicated subject for me. He is very knowledgeable in protecting family assets. Thank you for taking the time to educate me.

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James D.

I had some questions about how an IRA works and how a successor trustee is decided. They explained everything clearly, broke it down to the most important parts, and gave me straightforward answers. Really knowledgeable and helped me understand the pieces I was overlooking. Super helpful and thorough. Thank you!!

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Amber I.

Leighton is so knowledgeable and helpful all along the process of setting up a trust. Great guy and service

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Janine J.

Working with Leighton Tyau was an absolute pleasure. The Cooper State Planning team is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to trust, estates, and asset protection. They helped me set up a trust fund for my family, ensuring that all our assets were protected and properly managed for future generations. The process was smooth, and I was impressed how quickly they worked to get everything in order. Leighton made what could have been complicated and an overwhelming process seem straightforward. His clear communication and efficiency were truly outstanding. If you’re looking for expert advice and seamless service, I highly recommend this firm. Thanks so much again Leighton!

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Anijá M.

I received excellent advice from copper State planning

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Larr Y.

Leighton is fantastic. He helped us with our estate, and he explained everything so clearly, very recommended.

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Carmen R.

Copper State Planning is an excellent choice for estate planning.

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Lisa G.

Great service and these guys really know what they are doing to help protect your assets!

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Mark P.

I was able to sit down with Leighton at Copper State Planning to discuss what plans I needed to put in place for my future. He had amazing advice on power of attorney rights, personal will creation and so much more! Be sure to reach out if you need any legal advice or just advice while planning for your future! Thanks so much for your help!

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Andrew R.

Leighton is a smart, attentive, and well-educated estate planner who always makes my day! He takes great care of his clients, and always has a fun story to tell. He truly cares about your future.

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Caitlin P.

Thanks for your help with my Estate Planning! Friendly and knowledgeable!

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Kenton D.

Great advice! Very knowledgeable and offered multiple options to consider moving forward. So glad I met with Copper State Planning regarding my estate planning needs.

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Nancy U.

Great experience. Leighton was a tremendous help!

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Raymond B.

Very quick and personable. Would recommend 👍

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Joseph B.

"Exceptional Legal Support: Leighton Tyau Delivers Expertise with Care" As a lender specializing in the senior space, I frequently encounter situations where my borrowers' families face intricate legal challenges related to titles, power of attorney needs, estate planning, and navigating the probate process. During these crucial moments, the assistance of a trusted legal professional becomes indispensable. Enter Leighton Tyau with Copper State Planning—a consummate professional and an invaluable resource for the families I work with. Leighton's expertise, attentiveness, and unwavering professionalism have consistently proven to be a beacon of support for those grappling with legal complexities. What sets Leighton apart is not just his impressive knowledge and experience but also his genuine care for his clients. He approaches each case with meticulous attention, ensuring that families receive personalized guidance tailored to their unique circumstances. His ability to navigate complex legal matters while maintaining a compassionate approach is truly commendable. Moreover, affordability is often a concern when seeking legal assistance, yet Leighton Tyau manages to provide high-quality service without imposing exorbitant fees. His dedication to making legal support accessible and fair is truly admirable. I wholeheartedly endorse Leighton Tyau to anyone seeking legal guidance in matters of title issues, power of attorney, estate planning, or probate assistance. He is not just a legal professional; he is a trusted ally committed to serving his clients with expertise, care, and integrity. Leighton Tyau has consistently proven himself as a reliable, knowledgeable, and approachable resource—a rare gem in the legal field.

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Kelli M.

EXCEPTIONAL Estate Administration Assistance. When my father passed away, the probate process was overwhelming, and I had no idea where to start. Thankfully, I found Copper State Planning, who helped guide me through every step. They provided expert assistance in administering the estate, from navigating complex tax issues to dealing with the distribution of assets. What impressed me the most was their ability to handle delicate family dynamics with care and professionalism. They made sure everything was done correctly and efficiently, which took a huge burden off my shoulders during a very difficult time. I am incredibly grateful for their support and highly recommend them for anyone in need of trust and estate services.

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Cute C.

I really appreciate the professionalism Leighton has and how he takes the time to explain some different options, and what will work out best for your situation!!

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Tina P.

Always friendly, efficient and detailed with his documents. I appreciate his knowledge and attention to detail when explaining the documents.

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Christine H.

We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional work done by Leighton in handling my mother-in-law’s ALTCS application. From the very first meeting, he demonstrated deep knowledge, professionalism, and a level of care that truly set him apart. He guided us through every step of the process with clarity and patience, making something that initially felt overwhelming seem completely manageable. Thanks to his expertise and efficiency, my mother-in-law’s application was approved much faster than we ever expected. He also supported us in finding and moving her into a wonderful senior living home, making a difficult transition feel smooth and reassuring. His responsiveness, attention to detail, and genuine compassion made all the difference. We truly felt supported from start to finish. We highly, highly recommend Leighton to anyone needing help with ALTCS or elder law matters. He is exceptional at what he does, and we are beyond thankful for everything he has done for our family.

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Dalia T.

We couldn’t be more thankful for Leighton and the incredible support he provided throughout my mother’s ALTCS application process. From day one, he showed outstanding expertise, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping our family. What felt overwhelming at first became manageable because of his clear explanations and steady guidance. His efficiency and deep understanding of the system led to my mother’s approval much faster than we ever imagined. On top of that, he helped us find the right senior living home and made her transition smooth and stress-free. Leighton’s compassion, responsiveness, and meticulous attention to detail truly set him apart. We felt supported every step of the way. We wholeheartedly recommend Leighton to anyone navigating ALTCS or elder law. His skill and dedication made an enormous difference for our family, and we are sincerely grateful for everything he has done.

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Mo K.

We are so grateful we found Copper State Planning to help us with our estate planning needs. We received expert guidance and our questions were answered without delay. Leighton and Jackie were very knowledgeable, pleasant to work with and they were on top of everything! I would definitely recommend Copper State Planning if you are looking for trustworthy, 5 star guidance!

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Linda R.

Leighton Tyau and his team did an incredible job leading and guiding me through the planning process! They are now my legal team for all areas…

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Brian G.

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