Tempe & Chandler, AZ Will & Trusts Attorneys

Wills and  trusts are the cornerstone of every effective estate plan, providing a solid foundation for managing and distributing your assets according to your wishes. They ensure that your legacy is preserved and passed on to your loved ones as you envision, offering peace of mind and security for the future.

At Blake & Pulsifer, we dedicate ourselves to helping clients through the complex terrain of Wills and trusts. Our Tempe and Chandler Wills & trusts lawyers provide personalized guidance, and that every aspect of your estate plan is tailored to reflect your unique wishes and circumstances. By meticulously crafting and managing these essential legal documents, we help to ensure that your legacy is preserved and distributed according to your desires, offering you and your loved ones peace of mind and security.

The Foundation of Your Estate Plan: Wills

A Will is a fundamental component of any estate plan. It is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and the care of any minor children upon your passing. Drafting a will provides a clear directive to your loved ones and the courts, ensuring your estate is handled properly.

Without a will, your estate falls under the jurisdiction of state laws of intestacy, which may not align with your personal wishes. This can lead to potential disputes among heirs and a distribution of assets that might not reflect your intentions.

Even if you have a trust, a will remains necessary for several reasons. First, a will covers any assets that might not have been transferred into your trust, ensuring they are distributed according to your wishes rather than defaulting to state intestacy laws. This is particularly important for assets acquired shortly before death or overlooked assets.

Additionally, while a trust can manage and distribute assets during your lifetime and after death, a will is the only document that can designate guardians for minor children. Therefore, having both a will and a trust in place provides a comprehensive estate plan that addresses all aspects of asset distribution and care for dependents, ensuring no part of your estate plan is left to chance.

At Blake & Pulsifer, our Tempe wills and trusts attorneys are skilled in crafting wills that clearly articulate your desires, helping prevent misunderstandings and ensure your legacy is honored.

How We Handle Trusts

Trusts offer a more nuanced approach to estate planning, providing benefits beyond a simple will. A trust is a legal entity into which you can transfer assets. A trustee manages each trust to benefit your chosen beneficiaries.

Trusts come in various forms, each designed to address specific needs and objectives. In Arizona, as in many other states, a wide variety of trusts are available and can be effectively utilized in estate planning, including:

• Revocable Trust (Living Trust): This type of trust can be altered or revoked by the settlor at any time during their lifetime. It becomes irrevocable upon the settlor’s death. A living trust is often used to avoid probate.

• Irrevocable Trust: Once established, this trust cannot be easily modified or terminated without the permission of the beneficiaries. It offers tax benefits and asset protection from creditors. It can be used to make completed gifts for estate tax planning.

• Testamentary Trust: This trust is created as part of a will and only comes into effect upon the settlor’s death. It is used to manage and distribute assets to beneficiaries over time.

• Charitable Trust: This trust is designed to benefit a charitable organization or cause. It can offer tax advantages to the settlor while supporting philanthropic efforts.

• Special Needs Trust: This trust is set up for the benefit of a person with disabilities, allowing them to receive inheritance money without losing eligibility for government assistance programs. Special needs trusts in Arizona must be structured carefully to ensure they do not jeopardize the beneficiary’s eligibility for government assistance programs like Medicaid.

Funding a trust is an integral part of your estate plan. We are particularly skilled at assisting you with this process and are happy to help you with this part of the process. Our Estate Planning Attorneys have unique training with financial and banking industries.

Given the complexities and nuances of trust law in Arizona, it is necessary to work with an experienced Wills and trusts law firm. A knowledgeable lawyer at Blake & Pulsifer can provide guidance on which type of trust best suits your circumstances and goals, ensuring compliance with state laws and maximizing the benefits of the trust for all parties involved.

Why Choose Blake & Pulsifer for Your Wills and Trusts?

Our dedication to client-centered legal services means we prioritize your needs and objectives above all else. We are committed to transparency, integrity, and fostering long-term relationships with our clients. By choosing Blake & Pulsifer, you are entrusting your estate planning to wills and trusts attorneys treating your legacy with the utmost respect and diligence.

If you’re in Tempe or Chandler and looking to establish or update your wills and trusts, the team at Blake & Pulsifer is here to assist you. Contact us to schedule a consultation and begin securing your legacy. Call us today at 480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form.

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