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Arizona Estate Planning Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Estate Planning and Domestic Violence for Arizona on
Q: My wife and i had a falling out after 20 years

My wife and I separated in 2018. I couldnt take the abuse from her anymore. In 2019 when driving down the highway she throat punched me and was hitting me one handed while doing 80 mph so I ripped the ebrake in total fear for my life. She was arrested on assault per domestic violence. We owned 3... View More

Rich J. Peters
Rich J. Peters
answered on Nov 6, 2021

So much to digest there. However, the overall concept of proof is an easy answer. What proof do you have? Pictures? Text messages? Emails? Eyewitnesses? There can obviously be even other methods of proof but I would need to know the details of each event.

Do you have a pending...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Arizona on
Q: If your lawyer passes what happens to all his files do they go to someone else or do they get thrown out
Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Oct 26, 2021

Normally the attorney will have designated another attorney to take over his files when he passes. If not, then a court will usually get involved to appoint an attorney to take over the files. The designated attorney takes custody of the files and goes through them and does his best to return all... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: Am I considered the issue in the following statement?

My father was deceased as this Trust was written, he was the 3rd child of the Grantors', is he meant by the term issue?

Upon the death of both of the Grantors, the Trustee shall pay and distribute the

trust estate at that time remaining to the Grantors' issue, Sandra xyxy... View More

Ilene L McCauley
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Ilene L McCauley
answered on Oct 11, 2021

Thanks so much for the question.

Unfortunately, trusts are complicated documents and the answer can probably be found in the trust. The terms of the Trust will control, not necessarily the laws about issue per stirpes.

Is your father a brother to Sandra and Patricia? Is he...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: A deed to a house was divided by the two owners. If one of them dies and can the new owner claim possession?

My father and his wife own a home. They do not have children together, he has 2 from a previous marriage. His kids have the house deed to his half, and one of her nephews has the house deed to her half. If the wife dies before my father, can her nephew claim possession to his half while my father... View More

Mike Branum
Mike Branum
answered on Sep 30, 2021

The answer will depend on whether the deed created a tenancy in common, a joint tenancy, or a joint tenancy with right to survivorship. You should obtain a copy of the deed which transferred the interests and consult with a real estate attorney to determine what rights each party holds.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: With a trust is the trustor sappose to intial every page, then the signature w/ notary on last page?
Andre L. Pennington
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Andre L. Pennington
answered on Sep 23, 2021

While it can be done like this, it is not uncommon to see Trusts that do not have initials on every page.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Is my share worth the market value of the property in 2021 or the market value at the time of his death in 2011?

I inherited my father’s share of a home that is titled “Tenancy in Common”. The other owner is his 2nd wife of 35 yrs. In his will, she has a life estate of my father’s share. My father passed 10 yrs ago. His will has not been probated; 50% of title is still in his name. The wife is... View More

Ilene L McCauley
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Ilene L McCauley
answered on Sep 17, 2021

I am sorry for the loss of your father and all of these challenges.

Unfortunately I cannot answer your question about value of your interest, without reviewing your father's will, and without additional information. I strongly urge you to find an attorney in the county in which the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: Can you help me ProBono?

My son and I are receiving assets and monthly payments I have 3 sons that are and 2 homes

Stephen M Vincent
Stephen M Vincent
answered on Jul 9, 2021

You can try one of these services:

Community Legal Services: (602) 258-3434

Legal Aid of Arizona: (480) 658-2552

Arizona Bar Foundation: (602) 340-7366

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Arizona on
Q: If I am not on my mom's bank account and she passed away, am I responsible for the "overdraft"?

My mom got SSI direct deposited every month of $947. It is supposed to deposit to her account the 3rd of every month. However, her money has always hit a few days before that. She got her March check deposited on 02/26/2021. She paid her rent, bills, etc. She passed away on March 2nd with a whole... View More

Stephen M Vincent
Stephen M Vincent
answered on Jul 6, 2021

I am answering here just to let you know that this is not a family law question. This is a question for a probate attorney. Family law refers to divorce and child custody cases. I think that because it was labeled family law, you haven't received an answer because this isn't an issue... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: Can a errevocable trust be changed. My step mom is trying to remove me from my dad's and hers trust. My dad has passed

I was a successor to the trust. I was told my step brother is now successor. My dad wanted a church to get a percentage, I was told she removed them from the trust. I was told by my step brothers wife in secret, that it was asked if I should be removed aswell. I have no paper work on what is an... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Jun 29, 2021

This question cannot be answered without reviewing the trust in question. No two trusts are alike.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: I have a question regarding my parents home. On this home they were three owners which were my two uncles to my dad.

In this home they left it because they had personal issues they had to take care of. Leaving us alone for several years to pay mortgage insurance in any other necessary payments. We did receive a letter saying they want to force Sale We did not agree because This is the only home we have and we are... View More

Douglas Price
Douglas Price
answered on Jun 29, 2021

Due to many grammer and spelling errors this question is impossible to answer at this time. You need professional help and should get it. I recommend that you pay a lawyer to meet either in person (best) or via video chat (not as good as in person). Then discuss your situation to understand what... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: In az my son passed away. My ex wife lives over 2000 miles away I am taking care of the bills and cremation.

Funeral home says need both parents permission. Tho he has not had any contact with mother in over 15 years. I had custody when he was a juvenile. He had said he wanted cremation for years. Does the funeral home need my ex wife's permission. She has no issues with the cremation. But the... View More

Ilene L McCauley
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Ilene L McCauley
answered on Jun 28, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss.

The law regarding burial and cremation in AZ is ARS 36-831. Cremation is not a right in Arizona. In order to be cremated one needs a cremation permit. In order to receive this permit the rule is generally that the decedent:

1. Has prepaid the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: How do I add a family member to my deed as joint tenancy w/right of survivorship. House is free and clear.
Ilene L McCauley
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Ilene L McCauley
answered on Jun 9, 2021

There are many ways to own property. Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship is the least efficient from an income tax perspective. You may also need to file a gift tax return if the value you are transferring is more than $15,000. Finally, if the family member ever has financial or legal... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Is a holographic will valid if the testator is physically disabled, but is dictated and witnessed?
Douglas Price
Douglas Price
answered on May 24, 2021

What you describe does not sound like a holographic will, which is a will entirely in the handwriting of the person making it and signed by that person (even if not witnessed or notarized). So I believe that the short answer to your question is that the testator died without a will. As such,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: My grandfather passed away in 2019 now I’m being asked to sign a paper what could it be?

I know all of his grandchildren were named in his will but now my mom won’t tell me what this paper says beforehand......

Douglas Price
Douglas Price
answered on Apr 16, 2021

You don't have to sign anything until you have had the chance to review it with counsel. There are many fine probate lawyers in Arizona and the cost of a consultation will cost you very little and could save you thousands (or tens of thousands). Many of us will do virtual consultations after... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: Can a cheque for a discrepancy from my now deceased father's 401k be reissued and deposited to "the Estate of his name"?

Before my father's passing, he pulled out funds from his 401K. There must have been some discrepancy in the amount paid to him, as Discover Financial Services sent him a cheque for the amount of the difference (about $400) in 2020. The issue is that this cheque was sent out several months... View More

Ilene L McCauley
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Ilene L McCauley
answered on Apr 13, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss.

I have a few questions though. If there is an Executor, a probate would have to be opened. The Letters of Personal Representative would give the company authority to issue the check. Only a court can appoint someone to be the Executor or Personal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Criminal Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Heir of an intestate Arizona estate engaged in discovery. Estate had conservator for 5 years. What order do I need?

My subpoena revealed account numbers & signature cards. During a meeting with the banker they looked up one of the accounts & said there had been a substantial amount of activity giving the impression business was being conducted from an account. A call was made with me present. Banker said... View More

Andre L. Pennington
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Andre L. Pennington
answered on Mar 24, 2021

You'll likely need to hire an experienced probate attorney to help with this. It's a complicated situation that is impossible to answer with the information provided.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: Can I Write a Will in One State and Have It Witnessed by a Notary in Another?

I am interested in writing a will, but I need two witnesses to this will. My brother, who will be receiving nothing from the will, will be one of the witnesses. Since I have no other witness, I was thinking about using a notary public from a bank to be my second witness. I have an account at a... View More

Douglas Price
Douglas Price
answered on Mar 20, 2021

To sign a self-proving will in Arizona (which is the kind you want to have) you need 2 witnesses and a notary and everybody must be present with you when you sign. If I understand what you are proposing, you will be one witness short. In addition, your brother, if he is a beneficiary under the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: Refinancing will only be in Husbands name. How do I protect home in my name as well and not lose if we should separate

My husband is not my sons biological father and I want my son to have my home if something should happen to me. Although my husband is on the Mortgage it is my home.

Andre L. Pennington
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Andre L. Pennington
answered on Mar 19, 2021

You’ll want to consult an experienced estate planning attorney to help you set this up correctly.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: I have a question about my grandparents estate that is currently being held by the Department of treasury.

I have a copy of the will where he states who each property would go to. We also know he had life insurance and his business that was not distributed properly or at all for that matter. The homes he left to family in the will were in Forclosure due to the person not distributing everything the way... View More

Ilene L McCauley
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Ilene L McCauley
answered on Mar 9, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss.

I apologize. I don't know if I understand you completely. If the estate is being held by Treasury, is it because there are back taxes which need to be paid?

To answer your other question. A copy of the Will won't be enough. The will must be...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: How do I go about writing a will in this situation?

I am a middle aged woman who is receiving SSI, and I would like to write a will. Upon my death, I plan on giving all of my household goods to a thrift store, and I would like to place money on the side to pay for any outstanding debts. Also, I am concerned about my personal information regarding my... View More

Andre L. Pennington
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Andre L. Pennington
answered on Feb 26, 2021

It is always tricky drafting legal documents without the assistance of a professional. I recommend talking with an experienced estate planning attorney or at minimum a certified legal document preparer. He or she can help you get squared away. Have a wonderful day!

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