» Arizona Probate

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)… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More