About

Leighton Tyau, folding hands and smiling. Founder and principal attorney at Copper State Estate Planning, an Arizona-based boutique law.

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

Attorney

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.

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 everything will be okay.

Call us today to speak with your legacy guide.

Services Offered

We help everyone craft a comprehensive and thorough life plan to guarantee that their legacy will endure.

Estate Planning

The focus of this practice is trusts & estates work. From revocable living trusts to GRATS, SLATS, and testamentary trusts. We will draft a plan to meet your needs.

Prenuptial Agreement

No one plans to divorce. And no one plans to crash their car. A prenuptial agreement gives both parties a plan in case the worst happens.

Wealth Transfer Planning

Wealth transfer planning at Copper State Estate Planning offers personalized strategies to preserve wealth and pass it on to future generations. Through tailored trusts and expert advice, clients can minimize taxes, protect assets, and create a lasting legacy for their loved ones.

Wealth Preservation

Wealth preservation at Copper State Estate Planning involves customized strategies to safeguard clients’ assets and maintain their financial stability. Our expertise ensures clients can protect their hard-earned wealth, paving the way for a secure financial future for themselves and their families.

Business & Succession Planning

What will happen to your business when you die or are incapacitated?
If you own a business or part of a business, you need a succession plan for death or incapacity.

Tax Planning

The combined effects of all taxes can reduce your bequest by over half! Good tax planning is a requisite if you don’t want the IRS taking your hard earned money.

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Let’s Talk

I’m sure you have a lot of questions. And we’re here to answer them. Just give us a call or fill out the form to the right and we’ll call you.

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