Tucson Estate Planning and Probate Law

Tucson Estate Planning Attorneys providing legal services including Guardianship, Conservatorship, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning and Probate Law

West and Zickerman is an Estate Planning Law firm in Tucson Arizona. Attorneys in our firm are here to help individuals and families throughout southern Arizona achieve their long-term financial and legal goals. Our job is to work with you and advise you on your options for disposition of real and personal property after death and create the necessary legal documents including wills and trusts. Our team of Tucson lawyers are committed to addressing the individual needs of each of our clients and can assist you with all aspects of estate planning including:

• Will or Living Trust
• Charitable remainder trusts
• Financial planning assistance
• Life insurance trusts
• Guardianship of your children
• Family Limited Partnerships
• Medical and Financial Powers of attorney
• Consultation and Planning regarding various issues relevant to older adults
• Transfer of Assets

Do I need Estate Planning?

Nobody wants to think about what happens when they die. However, setting up your estate plan is one of the single most important things you can do to make sure your heirs are provided for in the best possible way. Estate planning is the process of arranging for the transfer of an estate in anticipation of death. Most adults need an estate plan, regardless of age, marital status, children or financial standing. An estate plan is necessary to name the beneficiaries who will receive your property after your death. The core documents most often associated with this process are wills and trusts. No matter what your net worth is it is important to have an estate plan in place. Everyone should designate the person or persons who are to manage their financial affairs, care for them and make health care decisions in the event they become incapacitated. Building an estate plan is one of the best things you can do for the people you care about. Let our Arizona team of lawyers assist you in creating your estate plan.

What is Probate Law?

Probate is the process by which legal title of property is transferred from the decedent’s estate to his/her beneficiaries. The beneficiaries of the estate are designated by the deceased in a will; if there is no will, the heirs are designated by Arizona law. The court will review the will to see whether it is authentic and consistent with state law. Probate involves identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s property, accounting and appraising the property, and then paying taxes and creditors with the deceased’s assets. The probate process takes from six months to several years depending on the complexity of the estate. Heirs will not get their inheritance until the process is complete. Probate law and the handling of estates can be complex. If you are currently in a situation where you’ll be dealing with the Arizona state court system in relation to a probate or estate related matter it is important that you hire an attorney that understands the intricacies of Arizona probate law.

Learn about our Tucson Law Firm’s other Areas of Practice.