Mesa Estate Planning Lawyer: Comprehensive Wills, Trusts & Asset Protection
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming. Many people put it off because they think it is too complicated or only for the very wealthy. However, having a solid plan in place is the best way to protect your family and your hard-earned assets. At Sullivan & Shick, we simplify the legal process for you. As your local Mesa estate planning lawyers, we help you stay in control of your legacy.
Whether you need a simple will or a complex trust, our goal is to give you peace of mind. We ensure your wishes are clearly documented so your loved ones are taken care of when it matters most.
What is Estate Planning and Why Does It Matter?
Estate planning is more than just deciding who gets your house or money. It is a comprehensive legal strategy that protects you while you are alive and secures your family’s future after you pass away. Without a plan, the state of Arizona decides how your assets are distributed through a process called intestate succession. This can lead to family disputes, unnecessary costs, and delays.
A proper estate plan allows you to:
- Maintain control over your healthcare and financial decisions.
- Protect your children by naming a guardian.
- Minimize taxes and legal fees.
- Ensure your assets go to the right beneficiaries.
Our Estate Planning Services in Mesa, AZ
Every family is unique. We do not believe in “one-size-fits-all” forms. We take the time to understand your specific goals and draft legal instruments that reflect your wishes. Our core services include:
Wills and Testaments
Trusts (Revocable and Irrevocable)
Powers of Attorney
Living Wills
Estate Planning for Families and Guardianship
If you have minor children, estate planning is essential. If something happens to you and you have not named a guardian, the court will decide who raises your children. This is a risk most parents do not want to take. We help you designate a guardian who shares your values and parenting style. We can also set up trusts to ensure your children receive their inheritance at an appropriate age, rather than getting a lump sum at 18.
Special Needs Planning
For families with children or relatives with disabilities, standard inheritance rules can cause problems. Leaving money directly to a special needs family member might disqualify them from essential government benefits. We can help you establish a Special Needs Trust to provide for their care without jeopardizing their eligibility for aid.
Avoiding Probate with Trusts and Beneficiary Designations
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets. In Arizona, this can be time-consuming and public. One of the primary goals for many of our clients is probate avoidance.
By using a Living Trust, your assets can pass directly to your loved ones without court intervention. We also review your beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts to ensure they align with your overall plan. This helps reduce probate expenses and delays significantly.
Sullivan Shick
The Estate Planning Process: What to Expect
We strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here is the typical timeline when working with us:
1. Initial Consultation:
2. Asset Inventory & Goal Definition:
3. Document Drafting:
4. Review and Revision:
5. Execution and Notarization:
Updating Your Estate Plan After Life Changes
An estate plan is not something you do once and forget. Life changes, and your plan should change with it. We recommend reviewing your plan every few years or after major life events, such as:
- Marriage or divorce.
- The birth or adoption of a child or grandchild.
- The death of a beneficiary or executor.
- Significant changes in financial status.
- Changes in the Arizona Trust Code or tax laws.
Outdated plans can lead to unintended tax consequences or assets going to the wrong person (like an ex-spouse). We are here to help you with plan maintenance and amendments.
Cost and Pricing Models
Many people worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. We believe in transparency. Depending on the complexity of your estate, we offer clear pricing structures. Whether it is a flat fee for a standard package or an hourly rate for complex probate litigation or administration, we will discuss all costs upfront. Investing in a proper plan now is often much cheaper than the cost of cleaning up a mess in probate court later.
Local Arizona Regulations and Legal Requirements
Estate planning laws vary by state. It is crucial to work with a local Mesa attorney who understands the Arizona Probate Code and Arizona Power of Attorney Laws. Generic online forms often fail to meet specific state requirements, rendering them invalid. We ensure your documents are legally sound and enforceable in Arizona courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
An estate planning attorney provides legal advice and drafts documents to help you manage your assets during your life and distribute them after death. We help you create strategies to avoid probate, minimize taxes, and protect your family.
The cost varies based on your needs. A simple will-based plan is generally less expensive than a comprehensive trust-based plan. During our consultation, we can provide a clear estimate based on whether you need basic documents or complex asset protection strategies.
For most clients, the process takes a few weeks from the initial consultation to the final signing. This allows time for drafting, reviewing, and making any necessary revisions to ensure the plan is perfect.
A comprehensive plan typically includes a Last Will and Testament, a Revocable Living Trust, a Financial Power of Attorney, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, and a Living Will. We will help you determine exactly which documents are right for you.
Yes, absolutely. In fact, you should. Revocable trusts and wills can be changed at any time as long as you are mentally competent. We can help you draft amendments or restatements to reflect new circumstances like marriage, divorce, or new children.
If you die without a plan, you are considered "intestate." The state of Arizona will determine who gets your property based on a strict legal formula. This often means a longer, more expensive probate process and your assets may not go to the people you would have chosen.
A qualified estate planning attorney has a law degree and is licensed to practice in Arizona. They should have specific experience and education in wills, trusts, and probate law, ensuring they understand the nuances of the Arizona Probate Code.
Assets held in a trust do not need to go through probate court. When you pass away, your successor trustee can distribute the assets to your beneficiaries almost immediately, according to the instructions in your trust document.
A will only goes into effect after you die and typically requires probate court to be validated. A living trust is effective immediately, can help you manage assets while you are alive, and allows your estate to bypass probate after your death.
Yes. A will is the only legal document where you can nominate a guardian for your minor children. Without this designation, the court will choose a guardian without your input.
Secure Your Family’s Future Today
Don’t leave your legacy to chance or the courts. At Sullivan & Shick, we provide the compassionate, experienced legal guidance you need to create a plan that works for you. Whether you are looking to avoid probate, protect your assets, or simply ensure your children are cared for, we are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with a Mesa estate planning lawyer. Let’s build a secure future together.
CONTACT US
(480) 284-2644
(623) 915-0944