WHAT IS A WILL?

A will is a written document that directs the disposition of a person’s property upon his or her death. A will can also nominate a person to serve as guardian of minor children and as conservator of a minor child’s estate.

If you die without a will, you have no control over these issues. The State of Arizona will dispose of your property according to law. The Court will appoint a person to serve as guardian for your children and conservator of your estate and will appoint a personal representative to handle the affairs of probating your estate.

A properly drafted will can reduce the costs of probating your estate. For example, a will can waive the requirement of a bond for the personal representative of the estate, thereby saving the bond premium expense. A well-drafted will can sometimes reduce taxes and administrative expenses.

The cost of preparing a will with the help of an estate planning lawyer at Platt & Westby is a modest fixed fee. Often the savings of the surety bond premium alone is greater than the fee for preparation of your will. To begin the process of preparing a will, please download the Will Worksheet.

Contact our office to speak with an experienced Arizona estate planning attorney at Platt & Westby.