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Experienced Phoenix Probate Lawyers in Arizona

Probate Lawyers in Gilbert, AZ

Our Arizona probate lawyers have the experience and knowledge of Arizona probate law to expedite the process and resolve any problems as quickly as possible. Our Gilbert  law firm can identify whether probate is necessary and if so, how to properly proceed.

What Is Probate in Arizona?

Probate is the legal process of paying creditors and distributing belongings to heirs after someone has passed away. Many learn they must open probate for their family member’s estate after reaching out to probate lawyers in Phoenix, because they’re having trouble collecting their loved one’s assets or because family members are fighting over belongings. AZ probate law requires probate unless all of a decedent’s assets are placed in trust or the decedent has listed beneficiaries fo all their assets. However, Arizona probate code allows for a more straightforward, streamline probate process for smaller estates. An estate can qualify for this process if the total value of the estate’s real property is less than $100,000, and all other non-real property totals less than $75,000.

What Is Probate in Arizona?

How Our Phoenix Probate Attorneys Can Help?

Having to deal with the passing of a loved one can be difficult enough. When you must go through probate afterward, the process can be increasingly overwhelming. Our trust administration lawyers can assist with most probate matters.

  • Filing documents with probate court
  • Inventorying probate and non-probate assets
  • Resolving debts from the estate
  • Addressing estate tax issues
  • Distributing assets
  • Trust administration

Is Probate Always Necessary?

It’s not always necessary to go through the formal probate process after someone dies, even if they did not create a will before their death. Probate laws in Arizona say that if someone has less than $100,000 in equity in their real property (house or land), or if the value of their personal property is less than $75,000, then the full probate process is not legally required. For estate administration,Small Estate Affidavits can be used instead to gather the deceased’s assets.

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Consult With Expert Probate Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ

If you have decided to seek probate advice, the first step is to set up an initial consultation with The Law Offices of Brandon White by calling 602-237-6772.

What Are The Types of Probate?

It is important to note that a Last Will and Testament only controls estate property which is generally exclusive to assets that do not have a co-owner or a named beneficiary. A huge misconception is that a will helps a person avoid probate which is generally not the case. Nonetheless, the Last Will and Testament is an important legal document for the following reasons:

  • A Will is generally used to designate an alternate guardian for a person who has minor children.
  • A Will generally provides instructions for distributing a person’s personal effects (jewelry, artwork, electronics, furniture, etc.).
  • A Will designates an executor to pay final expenses, file final tax returns, and distribute assets.
  • A good Will generally waives any bond requirement for a Personal Representative.

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The three main types of probate in Arizona are Informal, Formal, and Supervised. Much of the difference depends on the amount of court supervision required to complete the process.

Informal Probate

  • Fastest and least expensive
  • Minimal court supervision
  • There must not be objections to the will, personal representative, or his/her actions

Formal Probate

  • More costly and time consuming than Informal
  • Some court supervision
  • May be appropriate where there is a contest of the will, irregularity in the will, there are heirs who are minors, or there are objections as to who should be the personal representative.

Supervised Probate

  • The court oversees nearly every aspect of the probate administration
  • May be necessary if specified in a will, insolvency of the estate, or if it may be otherwise needed to protect an heir, creditor, or other interested person

Different Problems That May Arise During Probate Process in Arizona

  • Someone contests the will:

This is not uncommon in Phoenix probate court, especially if the will in question has expensive assets or if someone believes that they were wrongly left out of the will. Although there is not something inherently wrong with contesting a will, it can make matters complicated. A person may rightly believe that the will does not accurately reflect the decedent’s wishes, or they may be in it for their own good. Whatever the case, it is best to have probate assistance with an attorney there.

  • The executor complicates the process:

This can come by way of either not filling their role as executor of the estate or by not fulfilling their duties appropriately. If they choose not to fulfill the role, this means that the court will need to appoint someone else, and this could take longer. Or, if they are not acting out of respect to the wishes in the will, you should have an attorney to help remove them from this position.

  • You cannot locate all of the assets:

This can make things very complicated, and it can truly draw out the probate process. To deliver assets to the right people or groups, you have to know where they are in the first place. If you cannot locate an asset, your attorney may be able to help you with a paper trail. Our probate attorneys know that this problem can be avoided altogether if the decedent left clear instructions for locating assets before passing away.

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Why Choose The Law Offices of Brandon White For Legal Assistance in Probate in Gilbert, AZ?

If you are looking for a probate attorney in Phoenix, our team of attorneys and paralegals strive to make probate as stress-free and comforting as possible during this very difficult time. We use our years of experience to help clients with the administration of an estate or trust of a loved one, working hard to resolve issues that arise without causing/creating family discord.

Our Arizona probate attorneys assist the personal representative or current trustee of an estate. Because we have years of experience working with probate code and in trust law matters, clients feel confident we will save the estate time and money.

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OUR TEAM

Our Living Will Attorneys

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Matt Palfreyman

Estate Planning and Probate Attorney

Matt Palfreyman

Our Case Results

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TESTIMONIALS

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I just had a telephone consultation with Mr. White and he took the time to explain to me every option I had to resolve a photo radar ticket I recieved in Mesa. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice. Thanks again Brandon, I appreciate the honesty and clear communication we had.

William - Phoenix, Arizona

5

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The whole staff at Brandon White is to be commended……They were thorough with my Traffic Case and kept in touch , communicating the possible outcomes and strategies. I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal help in a Traffic Civil or Criminal situation.

Craig D - San Tan Valley, Arizona

5

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Brandon reached out to me without expectations or any obligation to help with an issue I had. I appreciate the genuine kindness. Good stuff.

Joshua O - Flagstaff, Arizona

5

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The team of Brandon White is a wonderful team. They help my husband a lot and solve all the problems about the traffice case. Every member is so nice and patient. Our English are not good . They explain everything for us and send emails to tell us in detail. I really, really appreciate them and the price is cheap and fine. And no more other fees. Thank you very much!

Qian Z - Scottsdale, Arizona

5

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I’m Extremely satisfied with Brandon white and his team I’m from California and got a traffic ticket in Arizona they took care of everything and were able to get my ticket dismissed Great people and very helpful.

Julio T - Tucson, Arizona

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CONTACT US

Get Help From a Trusted Probate Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ

As you can see, AZ probate law is complex. At The Law Offices of Brandon White located in Gilbert, AZ, we can make probate a clear, easy-to-understand process. If you’d like help with probate matters, call our talented team today!

Average response time: 1 business day

FAQ

How much does a probate lawyer in Arizona cost?

A straightforward, informal and uncontested probate is typically handled with a reasonable fixed fee price for probate proceedings. Our attorneys will be able to provide you with a reasonable rate during your consultation.

How long does the probate process take?

The minimum time required for a normal probate is four months. This is to allow any interested party to get involved in the matter and for creditors to file any last claims against the deceased.