Often people ask, “Why should I pay a lawyer?” when legal document prepares in Arizona can often prepare documents that people would normally go to a lawyer to prepare instead. Arizona is rather lax in allowing non-lawyers prepare what are essentially “legal documents.” These individuals typically prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, divorce and bankruptcy…
Help for self-employed debtors and others. (DEBTORS IN ARIZONA CAN NOW KEEP THEIR iPad) The following is current as of April 24, 2013. Bankruptcy exemptions can change based on new laws, and interpretation of current laws by the courts. Arizona Bankruptcy Laws have changed in a significant way, as the updated exemptions will make it harder…
When a person dies and leaves a Will, a legal proceeding called “Probate” is required to transfer ownership from the person who died (Decedent) to the people named in the Will (Devisees). There are two main proceedings for Probate of a will. Below are a few differences. Informal vs. Formal Probate of a Will FORMAL…
During a divorce it is not uncommon to see one party requesting that his or her legal fees be paid by his or her spouse. However, whether or not the court will grant this request is dependent on the facts involved in the case. In making this determination, the court will often take into consideration…
For anyone considering estate planning, we offer several documents to accomplish common goals of the estate. The information below provides explanations of each of our estate planning documents. For a free consultation about these documents and other common estate planning tools, contact us at (623)551-9366. WILL: AKA “Last Will and Testament.” The will or simple…
Many people have heard about the nation’s “Fiscal Cliff” with tax and spending changes that would have a large impact on the economy. One change people often overlook in this debate is the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007, that will be extended and will expire on December 31, 2013. There are still many “underwater”…
The Arizona Legislature recently made it a little easier for residents to transfer ownership of their vehicles upon their death, regardless of the value of the vehicle. Many people in the process of planning their Estate succession want to avoid “Probate” if at all possible. Unfortunately, many individuals have been given the wrong impression that…
Some people hear the term, “estate planning,” and believe it does not apply to them because they only have modest assets, if any. In the legal sense, however, an estate planning consultation will include planning for not only the distribution of assets, but also the healthcare, mental healthcare, and the future well being of the…
Many people feel they need a trust for their assets in today’s world, when, in reality, a simple will may be sufficient and much more cost-effective. This guide provides the most common reasons a person should consider a trust and pour-over will instead of a simple will. 1 You Have Substantial Assets There is currently…
Many people choose to establish a trust in order to avoid the cost and delay associated with probating an estate. However, probate is required in Arizona if a person dies owning $50,000 of personal property or $75,000 of real property. Assets that have been placed in a trust are not included in the valuation, but…
During this time of heightened concerns over COVID-19, The Carroll Law Firm, PLC is open and can provide telephonic appointments for many types of consultations.