Will Attorneys serving Phoenix, Chandler and Ahwatukee, Arizona.
Although many people in Chandler and Ahwatukee associate drafting a will with death, drafting a will is all about making life easier for you and your heirs. Having a solid plan in place and knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of or your wishes followed will take a weight off your shoulders. Your loved ones will be able to rest easily knowing you have left nothing to chance and your plan avoids unnecessary family acrimony and angst as they will know they are handling your affairs as you intended.
You should always have a will in place at all times, regardless of age or financial assets. Don’t fall victim to Murphy’s law or the law of unintended consequences, have a plan for the unexpected. An Ahwatukee/Chandler attorney can assist you whether you are just starting to evaluate your plans, have had a will for many years and want to ensure it still makes sense given life changes, changes in the law, or revisions to the tax code. When you work with a trusts and estates lawyer, you can feel confident that every effort will be made to anticipate your needs, avoid unintended consequences, and provide the best options for the future.
Why You Should Prepare or Update Your Will
The death of a family member is often an emotionally overwhelming occasion. Unfortunately, during this stressful time period many important legal and personal decisions must be made. In addition to deciding upon funeral arrangements, outstanding bills will need to be paid, creditors handled, personal property collected, and arrangements made for children or pets (if any).
When you create a will, you are leaving instructions behind so that your loved ones know how you want arrangements to proceed. A comprehensive estate plan also specifies who should make these decisions.
If you prepared a will some time ago, it is advisable to consider the provisions with a lawyer who is up-to-date on the most recent developments of tax and estate law. It might be necessary to revise aspects of your plan so that your wishes may be legally enforced. In addition, you may have changed your mind regarding earlier decisions concerning funeral arrangements, asset distribution, and other factors that should also be kept up to date.
What This Document Can Accomplish in Arizona
Wills are often thought of simply as a way of bequeathing property to others after death. The truth is, they accomplish so much more. A will names the individual who will step into your shoes and have the authority to take certain actions regarding your property and final wishes. Choosing this person, as well as an alternate will eliminate a great deal of uncertainty, infighting, and strife.
A will may also specify your preferences for the guardianship of minor children. Additionally, it may name a person or persons who will mange and care for the financial well being of any minor children. This may include how a trust is to be established and operated for beneficiaries, and how funds within it may be used.
You may also explain your wishes regarding the future care of pets and other final wishes in a comprehensive document. Finally, a will allows you to distribute property to people or organizations such as favorite charities. An Arizona wills attorney can further explain what a person can accomplish with a comprehensive document.
Consult a Knowledgeable Chandler/Ahwatukee Wills Attorney
One essential fact to remember about your last will and testament is that it should work to address any issues that could arise and is meant to be your final instructions. Therefore, it is wise to ensure that the terms are clear and comply with current laws.
A skilled Chandler/Ahwatukee lawyer who specializes in the preparation of wills could work with you to craft a will designed to leave nothing to chance. If you are considering whether to contest a will, a knowledgeable lawyer could evaluate the situation and explain your options. To learn more, call for a consultation.
