Legal Expertise You Can Rely On

The definition of Estate Planning as we practice it:

• I want to control my property while I’m alive and well,
• Plan for me and my loved ones if I become disabled,
• Give what I have to whom I want, when I want and in the way I want,
• All while assuring my wisdom and life lessons are transferred along with the rest of my wealth.

Conservatorship involves the management of someone’s financial affairs under court supervision.  The individual who requires a conservator is known as a “protected person.” If proper planning has not been completed to provide for someone in the event of the need to protect their assets, court involvement is required to appoint a conservator.  The appointment process, duties and responsibilities of the conservator are dictated by Arizona statutes and the court maintains jurisdiction and oversight throughout the conservatorship.  Proper planning can avoid the need for court involvement.

Guardianship, one form of “living probate,” involves the management of someone’s living affairs under court supervision.  This often involves decisions such as where the person lives, what type of care he or she receives, and health care decisions.  The individual who requires a guardian is known as a “ward.”  If proper planning has not been completed to provide for someone in the event of incapacity, court involvement is required to appoint a guardian.  The appointment process, duties and responsibilities of the guardian are dictated by Arizona statutes and the court maintains jurisdiction and oversight throughout the conservatorship.

With proper Disability Planning  there is no need for guardian or conservator.  You have more control and make the decisions.  You decide the criteria for your disability and you pick those who will determine whether those criteria have been met.  You decide how you want your health care needs handled and you decide who will take on those duties.  You decide how you want your assets handled and you decide who will take on those duties.  There are several ways to design and implement such plans - find out which is right for you.

Elder Law includes dealing with the various legal issues we face as we grow older. Many legal problems facing older individuals can be avoided through proper planning with trusts, powers of attorney, and various insurance and financial products.  Elder law also includes issues of elder abuse, financial exploitation, disability planning, Medicare, Medicaid planning, VA benefits nand ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) planning.

Those estates that require some sort of court involvement can become very complicated.  Although there are a number of do-it-yourself forms, there are also a number of things that can go wrong.  Sorting out the various legal requirements can be stressful and mistakes can be costly.  We offer full representation and limited representation in assisting families with navigating estates through probate.  We also are very experienced in litigation in the event of disputes.