Tempe Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Tempe, AZ

In Tempe, estate planning refers to the process of deciding what should be done with one's assets after their death.

You will typically need to seek the help of a professional with legal and/or financial expertise when in the process of estate planning. Simple mistakes in an estate plan can cause severe problems, including legal and personal conflicts between your survivors.

Estate planning can have several positive effects on the planner during life, as well. These benefits are usually somewhat intangible, revolving around the peace of mind that comes with knowing that, after your death, you family will be taken care of and that they'll know what your last wishes are. Nonetheless, most people find this very valuable. To that end, you should come up with a power-of-attorney agreement. When you grant someone power of attorney, you have given them the power to make certain decisions on your behalf. You can grant them as much or as little authority as you want. Most people, however, give family members or life partners power of attorney with respect to medical care, so if they become incapacitated, their wishes will still be carried out.

The last thing a person wants to think about is the possibility that, after their death, their survivors are fighting over some part of their estate plan that's ambiguous or otherwise contentious. If you want to prevent this, or at least make it far less likely, you should have the help of a Tempe attorney every step of the way.

Common Features of Tempe Estates

Will: This is the centerpiece of most estate plans. A will is a document written by a person (the "testator"), usually with the help of a lawyer, which says what is to be done with their property after they die. Most provisions in a will are legally binding, to the extent that ownership of the property legally passes to the named beneficiary. However, a will cannot compel a person to do anything against their wishes (though it can certainly state your preferences on the matter, phrasing them as requests).

Living Will: This is a document which lays out instructions for your medical care, should you become so sick or badly injured that you are unable to express your wishes. It should state under what circumstances you want to remain on life support. A well-drafted living will can prevent you from being kept alive in a permanent vegetative state (if that is not what you want), while ensuring that you receive medical care as long as you have a chance at recovery.

Power of Attorney: Power of attorney allows you to grant someone else (usually a trusted family member or friend) the power to make certain decisions in your place, with the same legal effect as if you had made them yourself, in the event that you become unable to do so (usually due to mental or physical incapacity). If you decide to give someone power of attorney, you should make your wishes known to them in advance, so they are more likely to make the same decisions that you would make, if you were able to. And, of course, you should only give this authority to someone with whom you would trust your life because that is, in some cases, just what you're doing.

Funeral Arrangements: Whatever your preference on this matter (if you have a preference) you should make it known to your family both verbally and in writing. If you have very specific wishes concerning the final disposition of your mortal remains, you should not put those instructions in your will. Or, if you do, you should also put them somewhere else. Wills are typically not read for quite some time after a person dies, and the funeral is usually long over by then, so it will be too late to follow your instructions.

Do I Need a Tempe Estates Lawyer?

A good lawyer in Tempe can make the process of estate planning as easy as it possibly can be. He or she can help ensure that your wishes are given effect, and minimize the chances of disputes between your survivors.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Tempe

Tempe is located in Maricopa County in Arizona. It has a population of about 175,000 and was incorporated in the year 1894. Its name comes from the "Vale of Tempe" located in Greece. Tempe is known for being the headquarters for several prominent corporations.

The economy of Tempe is comprised mainly of large corporations which have their headquarters in the city. For example, companies such as U.S. Airways and Insight Enterprises have their executive headquarters in Tempe. Cold Stone Creamery, a popular ice cream franchise, was originally located in the city. In addition, Tempe is home to Arizona State University at Tempe, where the Insight Bowl is held every year.

Residents of Tempe enjoy great performance in the arts at the Gammage Auditorium and the Tempe Center for the Arts. Also, visitors frequently enjoy shopping in Tempe's retail district, located at Mills Avenue and at Arizona Mills, one of the largest shopping malls in the state. The Tempe Marketplace is where you can go for excellent outdoor festivals and concerts.

Lawyers in Tempe, Arizona typically file legal claims at the Tempe Municipal Court. The municipal court handles a wide range of legal issues and ordinance violations. Tempe lawyers also participate in a variety of exciting civic and community service events.

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