Leighton Tyau
Attorney & Entrepreneur
Hello, I’m Leighton, the founder and principal attorney at Copper State Estate Planning, an Arizona-based boutique law firm providing tailored estate planning services to individuals and families who want to leave a legacy. Born and raised in Hawaii, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in economics in Oregon before moving to Arizona, where I earned my J.D. & and I’ve called home for over a decade.
My passion lies in helping families build and preserve their legacies through personalized and attentive service, a quality that sets me apart from larger firms. With years of experience as an attorney and entrepreneur, I understand the importance of hard work, determination, and a well-crafted financial plan.
At Copper State Estate Planning, I focus on complex estate planning matters, such as business succession, trusts, and tax planning. Recognizing that every family is unique, I provide customized solutions that cater specifically to each client’s needs. I am an active member of prestigious professional organizations, including the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Arizona Fiduciaries Association, and the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils.
A successful estate plan encompasses your entire financial picture, including assets, liabilities, and future objectives. As a trust and taxation expert, I guide clients through the complexities of estate planning, offering personalized support and the level of individual attention only a boutique firm can provide.
I am committed to helping clients build enduring legacies by not only protecting their assets but also preserving family harmony and ensuring their wishes are fulfilled. My diverse clientele ranges from young couples to established business owners and retirees.
As an expert in trust law, I provide essential guidance in protecting assets and passing them on to future generations. I work closely with clients to identify their goals and develop tailored trusts that meet their specific needs, whether minimizing taxes, providing for loved ones, or shielding assets from creditors.
In addition to my work at Copper State Estate Planning, I actively participate in philanthropic endeavors. I serve on the board of the Million Dollar Teacher Project and the advisory committee for R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly.
As a trusted advisor and partner in your financial success, I prioritize long-term relationships with my clients and am dedicated to providing the highest level of service and support. If you’re seeking an expert in wealth building and legacy protection who values personalized service and attention, I would be honored to work with you. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and discover how Copper State Estate Planning can help you build a brighter future for you and your loved ones.
Lisa Kiser
Attorney
Ms. Lisa Kiser is a fourth-generation Arizona native who graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Connecticut. Prior to entering law school, Lisa received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University. Lisa is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona as well as the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.
Lisa spent over 18 years as a prosecutor handling misdemeanors and felonies, including murder. After numerous jury and bench trials (winning most of them); Lisa decided it was time for a change and begin to practice in Estate and Family Law. Now, Lisa focuses solely on Estate Planning.
Lisa has received numerous certificates of appreciation and commendations for her public service and
dedication. Lisa has also taught various seminars to various legal, fire and police organizations.
Lisa is an active member of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce serving as an ambassador since
2023.
She helps at the annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival. Lisa is also a member of the
Chandler Business Alliance. Another organization that has deep meaning for Lisa is through P.E.O.,
(an International Philanthropic Educational Organization, which helps women reach for the stars by
providing loans, grants, etc. to women). Lisa enjoys working with local animal rescues. She has two
dogs to keep her busy, if she is not up north camping and fishing or baking and cooking at home.
Jackie Mercier
Office Manager
Jackie Mercier is proficient in management of operations across diverse industries, with an expertise accumulated over years of professional engagement. She upholds the principles of servant leadership, fostering inclusive environments, nurturing talent, and cultivating collaborative frameworks to drive organizational success.
With a proven track record as Chief Operating Officer with Concierge 4 B2B, Jackie played an instrumental role in the inception and development of a thriving enterprise, providing foundational structures and forging strategic alliances. Under her stewardship, productivity doubled, client base expanded significantly, top-tier talent was recruited, and business revenue surged.
Jackie’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her continuous pursuit of professional advancement, evidenced by her acquisition of various licenses and certifications. Moreover, as Chairperson and Co-Founder of Golden Roller Skates, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of senior adults, she demonstrates her unwavering dedication to community service. In this capacity, she leads efforts in nonprofit strategy, fundraising, and operational oversight, working closely with board members to realize the organization’s mission.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jackie enjoys a balanced lifestyle. In her leisure time, she enjoys nurturing her passions, whether caring for her loved ones, engaging in outdoor activities like paddle boarding and hiking, hosting gatherings with friends, going to see movies, playing billiards, or dining at her favorite restaurants.
Comprehensive Plans Means Happy Families
A comprehensive estate plan should consider all of your life’s goals and desires. A plan needs to consider life, death, and beyond. By combining our expertise in business, financial planning, and divorce, we are able to guide you through all of life’s ups and downs.
The Copper State Story
Frustrated at watching the fallout from the same cookie cutter plans churned out by cheap software, I decided to combine my divorce, financial, and estate planning expertise to start a new law firm.
A firm focused on crafting truly comprehensive plans that preserved family harmony. A firm focused on getting the plan right; not churning out documents. A firm focused on building your legacy.
Our Vision
To craft comprehensive plans which result in a lasting legacy and happy families. We want to help you build and pass on your legacy.
Our Mission
To avoid the mistakes of the past by crafting truly individualized plans which withstand the test of time.
Core Values
We believe that costs matter, in using the right tool for the job, and that as counselors we should listen first.
Comprehensive Plans Means Happy Families
A comprehensive estate plan should consider all of your life’s goals and desires. A plan needs to consider life, death, and beyond. By combining our expertise in business, financial planning, and divorce, we are able to guide you through all of life’s ups and downs.
Services Offered
We help everyone craft a comprehensive and thorough life plan to guarantee that their legacy will endure.
Estate Planning
Copper State Estate Planning provides comprehensive services to help you secure your legacy. As an Arizona estate planning lawyer, we specialize in creating tailored plans for complex family dynamics, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. You can trust our expertise in estate planning in Arizona to protect your legacy.
Wills
Our team will help you draft your family’s valid & legal wills in Arizona that reflect your wishes and meet all AZ will requirements. Whether you need a codicil or a new will, our Arizona will lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Trusts
Copper State Estate Planning specializes in creating Revocable Living Trusts in Arizona to simplify your estate. Work with a knowledgeable trust attorney in Arizona to ensure your plan reflects your goals under Arizona trust laws.
Probate
Navigating probate can be overwhelming, but our Arizona probate lawyers are here to help. We can handle everything on your behalf ensuring compliance with probate law in Arizona and make the process as smooth and as fast as possible.
Tax Planning
We provide strategic solutions for minimizing estate and death taxes. Our Arizona tax attorneys specialize in navigating federal and AZ tax law to protect your legacy for future generations.
Business Succession Planning
Secure your business’s future with a trusted business succession planning attorney. Our business lawyers in Arizona create personalized plans to ensure a seamless transition and long-term success.
Prenuptial Agreements
Copper State Estate Planning provides clarity and protection through prenuptial agreements. We draft agreements that comply with the Arizona Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, ensuring your assets are protected under Arizona’s prenuptial agreement laws.
Arizona Long-Term Care System
We offer expert guidance on ALTCS Gift Planning and ALTCS Crisis Planning to protect your assets while securing long-term care benefits. From ALTCS Home Sales to Miller/Income Only Trust Preservation strategies, we create elder law plans tailored to your needs.
Wealth Transfer Planning
Our wealth transfer planning attorneys in Arizona specialize in strategic solutions for transferring wealth to future generations. We create plans that ensure your legacy is preserved while minimizing taxes and other threats to your legacy.
Power of Attorney
With expertise in financial power of attorney Arizona, we help you designate trusted individuals to manage your affairs if you are unable to. Our power of attorney lawyers in AZ ensure your documents meet all legal requirements to provide you with peace of mind in case of the unthinkable.
Special Needs Planning
We help families protect their loved ones with special needs by creating comprehensive plans which ensure your children’s access to public benefits while protecting your legacy. As Arizona special needs trust attorneys, we ensure compliance with laws and provide solutions tailored to unique circumstances.
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
Copper State Estate Planning specializes in creating Arizona Medicaid asset protection trusts to safeguard your legacy while qualifying for benefits. Work with an experienced Medicaid planning lawyer to protect your legacy for generations to come.
