» Arizona Probate
Is Probate Always Necessary For an Arizona Estate?
September 17th, 2024
In Arizona, as in other states, probate is a court-supervised process for settling and distributing an estate after a person passes away. A common misconception is that probate is necessary for every estate, which is not the case. Some assets and some estates are not required to go through the probate process. In fact, with help from an estate plan…
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Does the Personal Representative of an Arizona Estate Receive Compensation?
December 19th, 2023
The court-appointed personal representative of an Arizona estate has substantial legal and fiduciary duties under state law for administering and settling a decedent’s estate. The laws provide that an individual who serves in that position may receive payment for the work performed, but there are limitations on the amount of compensation a person…
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Categories: Arizona Probate
Why Is It a Good Idea to Avoid Probate?
November 17th, 2023
Avoiding probate is an important estate planning goal for many individuals. But do you know why it is beneficial to avoid probate? In the discussion that follows, we explain the reasons to establish an estate plan that avoids the probate process — and how you can accomplish that goal. What Is Probate? The term probate (or probate administration)…
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When (and How) Do You Start the Probate Process for a Loved One’s Estate?
October 18th, 2023
When a loved one passes away, family members naturally go through a difficult and challenging time. Focusing on the grieving process and providing emotional support for each other is a top priority. At the same time, every Arizona estate must go through legal estate administration, which may include the state’s statutory probate process. Knowing…
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Categories: Arizona Probate
Can a Non-Resident Serve as the Personal Representative of an Arizona Estate?
September 18th, 2023
A question often asked in estate planning and probate is whether a non-resident can serve as the personal representative of an Arizona estate. That is an excellent question, but it is one of many issues that affect selection and appointment of a personal representative. When you make a last will and testament or a family member passes away, legal i…
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Does the Personal Representative of an Estate Need a Lawyer?
July 17th, 2023
The personal representative of an estate has significant legal duties in collecting and distributing property and assets of a deceased individual. While Arizona law does not require a personal representative to have a lawyer, there are important reasons for having a probate attorney assist with administration of the estate, including the potential…
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Categories: Arizona Probate
Demystifying the Probate Terminology
May 16th, 2023
When an Arizona resident passes away, state laws establish requirements for administration and distribution of the deceased person’s estate. In some (but not all) cases, probate of the estate is necessary. If you lose a loved one, the probate process and terminology can be very confusing. In this article, East Valley probate lawyer Shane Peterson…
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Categories: Arizona Probate
Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies
January 17th, 2023
The hours, days, and weeks that follow the loss of a loved one are a difficult and challenging time. While you focus on the priority of grieving your loss, it can be hard to know what steps to take to settle the estate and when to take them. Getting help from a probate lawyer with estate administration and probate can minimize your burdens and alle…
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Categories: Arizona Probate
How Long Does Arizona Probate Take?
August 17th, 2022
Families who lose a loved one often turn to Peterson Law Offices for help with settlement of the estate. If we determine that probate of the estate is necessary, one of the first questions they ask is how long the Arizona probate process takes. The answer varies, depending on the nature of the specific estate. Several factors affect the timeline of…
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Categories: Arizona Probate
Does Arizona Have Inheritance and Estate Taxes?
April 18th, 2022
Questions about taxes on estates are common during the estate planning process and during probate administration of an estate. While the State of Arizona does not impose an inheritance tax or an estate tax, an Arizona estate and the beneficiaries or heirs of an estate may still owe taxes in some circumstances. The complexity of an estate, as well a…
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