Top Mesa, AZ Probate Lawyers Near You
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Estate Lawyers In The West Valley To Help With Planning And Probate. Call For A Free Consult Today!
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Brian provides the sound & practical legal guidance you need for your probate issues from contested assets, to guardianship & conservatorship even with complex situations.
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3100 West Ray Road, Suite 115, Chandler, AZ 85226
Donaldson Stewart, P.C. helps Mesa clients with their Probate needs.
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3850 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206
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Guidant Law Firm has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Mesa, Arizona.
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10451 W Palmeras Dr., Suite140 W, Sun City, AZ 85373
A law firm in Mesa, Arizona, Rita A. Daninger Attorney at Law PLLC experienced in helping clients with Probate issues.
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12725 W. Indian School Rd, Suite E-101, Avondale, AZ 85392
Clients in the Mesa, Arizona area who need legal help with Probate issues can connect with Law Office of Frank L. Ross.
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1110 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85014
In Mesa, Arizona area, Starr Law Firm, PLC can help clients with their Probate needs.
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1850 North Central Avenue, Suite 1400, Phoenix, AZ 85004
7322 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
202 E Earll Dr, #440, Phoenix, AZ 85012
2394 East Camelback Road, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85016-3429
2231 E Camelback Rd, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85016
15333 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
8585 East Hartford Drive, Suite 700, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
8800 East Raintree Drive, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
16421 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 207, Phoenix, AZ 85032
8787 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Suite 220, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
7502 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite B118, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
111 W Monroe Avenue, Suite 1400, Phoenix, AZ 85003
4435 E Chandler Blvd, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85048
14220 N. Northsight Blvd., Suite 135, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
40 N. Central Ave, Suite 2310, Phoenix, AZ 85004
15279 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 400, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
16165 N 83rd Ave, Suite 120, Peoria, AZ 85382
10451 W Palmeras Dr, Suite 205A, Sun City, AZ 85373
2432 W. Peoria Ave., Suite 1284 Bldg 18, Phoenix, AZ 85029
10446 N 74th St, Suite 230, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Mesa Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Mesa and checks their standing with Arizona bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
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Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Arizona and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Arizona and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Mesa?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Arizona?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts