Estate Planning
Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys: Alan W. Wilson is certified as a Specialist in Estate and Trust Law by the State Bar of Arizona, having practiced in the area of Estate and Trusts for over 35 years. Likewise, Mark A. Wilson is also certified as a specialist in Estate and Trust Law, and has been practicing for over 10 years. Out of approximately 16,000 licensed attorneys in Arizona, less than 50 attorneys have achieved the requirements needed to be certified as Specialists in Estate and Trust Law by the State Bar of Arizona. It is important to work with attorneys that have significant experience drafting estate planning documents for several reasons. First, an experienced estate planning attorney will be able to provide you with different ideas and methods to address various issues or concerns. Moreover, Wilson Law Firm will tailor your estate planning documents to meet the specific needs of you and your family. Documents prepared by Wilson Law Firm over the years have been tested in the Arizona Probate Courts and by banks and other financial institutions, hospitals and others that will be asked to legally recognize these documents. Finally, when dealing with such significant matters as your estate, your children, your spouse and other family members, there is no substitute for the confidence and peace of mind provided by the representation and advice of an experienced Estate and Trust Law Specialist. When you are no longer there to look out for your family, your family will benefit from your decision to do things right and to have your estate planning documents prepared by Wilson Law Firm.
Estate Planning Documents: We cater to clients of all ages and economic circumstances. You do not need significant wealth to benefit greatly from estate planning, and we offer affordable options for those with modest assets. For example, for couples with minor children, regardless of the amount of your assets, it is imperative to have a Last Will & Testament in place to appoint guardians for your children in the event of your death. While the Will may be a relatively simple estate planning tool, its benefits are immeasurable should unforeseen circumstances arise. Likewise, a Last Will & Testament with Testamentary Trusts is essential for any person with minor children and avoids the need for a court appointed conservatorship proceeding that is expensive and will terminate upon such child reaching the age of 18, requiring all assets in the conservatorship to be distributed to that child and which can often lead to disastrous consequences.
We also cater to clients with moderate to significant assets or anyone else with complex estate planning issues, like blended families or other situations greatly benefit from the expertise provided by a certified specialist in Estate and Trust Law. We advise our clients concerning estate and gift tax issues and assist them to properly structure their estate to minimize or eliminate the impact of such taxes and to ensure that their estate passes to their intended beneficiaries with as little of negative impact from taxes as possible. Set forth below are just some of the types of documents utilized in meeting the estate planning needs of our clients:
- Revocable Living Trusts (including estate tax planning provisions such as Credit Shelter Trusts and Marital Trusts, and other planning provisions like life estates or trusts for pets)
- Last Will and Testament (including testamentary trust for children)
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
- Crummey Trusts
- Limited Liability Companies and Corporations
- Durable General Power of Attorney
- Durable Health Care Power of Attorney
- Living Will Declaration
- Community Property Agreement
- Various Trust Funding Documents (including Assignments of Personal Property, Special Warranty Deeds, Change of Beneficiary Forms and other transfer of title documents needed to properly fund your revocable living trust)
Estate Planning for Pets: We also offer provisions to provide for your pets in your will or trust. It is important to plan for the care and well-being of your pets in the event of your death. For example, we recommend that you appoint a ?Pet Guardian? who will be given legal custody and possession of your pets upon your death and have the legal authority to provide for the care of your pets. If appropriate, Arizona law does allow for the creation of a trust to provide for the long-term care of your pets or you may simply wish to make a one time gift to your Pet Guardian to assist with the expenses associated with veterinarian care, feeding, grooming and similar expenses. We can provide you with several alternatives to consider in providing for the future care of your pets when you are no longer able to do so personally.
Free Initial Consultation: At Wilson Law Firm, we offer a free initial consultation to all prospective estate planning clients, regardless of the amount of your assets, to discuss what estate planning strategies would work best to meet the needs of you and your family.
Please contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss how Wilson Law Firm can assist you with your Estate & Trust Law matter.
