What is Estate Planning?
Estate Planning is the legal process of organizing how your assets – such as your home, business, investments, and personal belongings – will be managed or distributed after your death or incapacity. At Truest Law in Scottsdale, AZ, our estate planning attorneys help families create custom Wills, Living Trusts, and powers of attorney that protect your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored. A proper Estate Plan gives you control, prevents disputes, and provides lasting peace of mind for your loved ones.
What is probate?
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a Will and distributing assets after someone passes away. In Arizona, probate can take months and may expose your private estate details to the public. The right Estate Plan ensures your heirs receive what you’ve built without unnecessary court delays or expenses.
What does it mean to "fund" a Trust?
“Funding” your Trust means transferring ownership of your assets – like real estate, bank accounts, and investments – into your Revocable Living Trust. A Trust only works if it actually holds your assets. At Truest Law, we support clients with properly funding their Trusts so they function as intended, avoiding probate and ensuring your property passes smoothly to your beneficiaries. Many DIY Trusts fail simply because they aren’t funded correctly – we support you in making sure yours is done right.
When in my life should I make an Estate Plan?
The best time to make an Estate Plan is now – before life’s unexpected events occur. Whether you’re starting a family, buying a home, running a business, or entering retirement, a solid Estate Plan protects your loved ones and clarifies your wishes. Our Estate Planning lawyers help clients of all ages design flexible plans that evolve with life’s changes, ensuring your estate stays aligned with your goals.
What's the difference between a Will and a Trust? Do I need both?
A Will outlines who inherits your assets and who will care for your minor children. A Trust, on the other hand, manages and transfers assets privately – often helping you avoid probate and reduce estate taxes. Most Arizona families benefit from having both a Will and a Living Trust. At Truest Law, we design coordinated plans so your Will complements your Trust, covering every detail of your estate and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Does a will protect me from probate?
No – having a Will alone does not protect you from probate. In Arizona, a Will must still be validated by the court before assets can be distributed. However, a Revocable Living Trust allows your estate to bypass probate entirely, saving your family time, money, and stress. Our Scottsdale Estate Planning attorneys help you choose the best legal tools to avoid probate and protect your legacy.
Why it's important to use a lawyer when creating your Estate Plan?
The “Trust and Wills” type websites, online templates and DIY forms can’t replace the expertise of a licensed Arizona estate planning attorney. Every family’s financial and legal situation is unique, and small mistakes can lead to costly court battles later. At Truest Law, our attorneys ensure your plan meets Arizona’s legal standards, reflects your true wishes, and protects your loved ones from avoidable challenges or probate complications.
How much does Estate Planning cost in Scottsdale?
Estate planning costs in Scottsdale, AZ vary depending on the complexity of your situation and the type of documents you need. On average, a comprehensive properly drafted Will and Trust Estate Planning package ranges from $4,500 to $10,000. At Truest Law, we offer transparent flat-fee pricing and a 15 minute complimentary consultation so you know exactly what to expect. The investment you make today saves your family from far greater expenses and stress tomorrow.
How To Get Started?
By now you’ve seen that Truest Law is something special and because you love your family, and want to keep them out of court and out of conflict, when something happens to you, you are ready to take the first steps to get a plan in place. We think that’s a great idea. You know your family deserves the kind of protection, guidance and love we provide for a lifetime. It’s important that you know how we work because we do things a bit differently here than at other law firms. That’s why our clients love us so much.
You’ll note you can schedule a quick 15-minute phone call to learn more about us and our process, or you can schedule a full Life and Legacy Planning Session, if you’re ready. Choose the option that’s best for you. If you do choose to schedule your Life and Legacy Planning Session, please make sure you’ve read and understand what is expected from you leading up to your appointment, and what we’ll do together in that meeting; so that you come in prepared to be educated, informed and make empowered decisions for the people you love.
