Estate Lawyer in Lake Havasu, AZ
Serving the Kingman, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, AZ and Laughlin, NV Areas
When you need a skilled lawyer to help you with your estate and probate concerns, you can rely on us at Knochel Law Offices. We draft wills, trusts and other estate planning documents, and we guide estate administrators through the probate process. Contact us at our offices in Bullhead City to discuss how we can help you.
Guiding You Through Each Step of Probate
If you have been named as the executor of a loved one’s estate in a will, or if your family member has died without a will, we can help you through the probate process.
At Knochel Law Offices, we understand that navigating the complexities of estate distribution can be overwhelming. But with a probate lawyer from our team, you can handle these complexities with ease. We take pride in the quality and thoroughness of our work as your probate and estate lawyer.
We can carefully walk you through the process of distributing assets as your loved one’s will states. Additionally, we can carefully go over any documents or accommodations that need to be addressed to ensure a safe, legal, and fair distribution. As your probate and estate lawyer, you can count on us to meet your needs during this time.
We’re happy to serve residents of Lake Havasu, AZ; Bullhead City, AZ; Kingman, AZ; and the surrounding areas. We look forward to providing you with stellar customer service during this difficult time. Read on to learn more about the process of connecting with us and getting started.
The first step is the appointment of the estate’s personal representative by the probate court. If there is a will, it should name an executor; otherwise, an administrator will be chosen by the court.
The personal representative must then give notice of his or her appointment and where and when the estate’s creditors may file claims, take an inventory of the estate, appraise the property, distribute the property and close the estate.
We will guide you through each step of probate in Arizona, Nevada or California. Contact us to get skilled legal assistance.
Drafting Effective Wills and Estate Planning Tools
Estate planning is the process of drafting legal documents designed to successfully implement your last wishes. Estate planning services we provide include:
Wills:
Your will is your most basic estate planning tool. It sets out your wishes regarding how your property should be distributed, appoints an executor to implement those wishes and names guardians for your minor children.
Living trusts:
By placing a portion of your estate in a trust, you can avoid the expenses and delays of probate, passing your property to your chosen recipients through a private process.
Spendthrift trusts:
There are a number of good reasons why you may want, in your will, to give a chosen trustee the authority to manage your property in the interests of an heir.
Living wills:
Your living will sets out your wishes regarding life-saving medical treatment.
Durable powers of attorney:
By granting a trusted person a power of attorney over your financial or personal affairs, you gain protection in case you lose the capacity to make these decisions for yourself.
We offer our services in these areas so you can have access to an effective and comprehensive estate plan.
Common Questions
As a Wills, Estates, and Probate Lawyer serving clients across Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu, and Parker, Arizona, I understand that planning for the future and managing affairs after a loved one’s passing can be sensitive and complex. Many individuals and families have vital questions about how to protect their legacy and navigate the legal processes involved. Here are answers to 15 of the most common questions I receive, offering clear insights relevant to Arizona law:
What is a Last Will and Testament (Will)?
A Will is a legal document that specifies how your property should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to name an executor (Personal Representative) to manage your estate and guardians for minor children.
Why do I need a Will?
A Will ensures your assets go to your chosen beneficiaries, names guardians for your children, and can simplify the probate process. Without one, Arizona law dictates how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.
What is a Living Trust?
A Living Trust is a legal arrangement where you transfer ownership of your assets to a trustee (often yourself initially) to hold for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. It allows for management during your lifetime and distribution after your death.
Can a Living Trust help me avoid probate in Arizona?
Yes, a primary benefit of a properly funded Living Trust is that assets held within it typically bypass the probate court process in Arizona, offering more privacy, potentially quicker distribution, and reduced costs compared to a Will-based plan.
What is Probate?
Probate is the court-supervised legal process of proving a deceased person’s Will (if one exists), identifying and gathering their assets, paying debts and taxes, and finally distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.
Is Probate always necessary in Arizona?
No. While many estates go through probate, it can often be avoided. Assets held in a well-funded Living Trust, jointly owned property with rights of survivorship, or accounts with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts) generally pass outside of probate. Arizona also offers simplified procedures for small estates.
What are Powers of Attorney?
These are crucial documents that allow you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. A Durable Power of Attorney covers financial matters, while a Healthcare Power of Attorney covers medical decisions.
What is an Advance Directive (Living Will)?
An Advance Directive, often called a Living Will in Arizona, is a legal document that states your wishes regarding medical treatment, especially life-sustaining procedures, if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious and cannot communicate.
When should I review or update my estate plan?
You should review your estate plan every 3-5 years, or immediately following significant life events such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child/grandchild, death of a beneficiary or executor, substantial changes in assets, or changes in tax laws.
What happens if someone dies without a Will in Arizona (Intestacy)?
If a person dies without a valid Will in Arizona, their estate is distributed according to Arizona’s intestacy laws. This means the court determines who inherits, typically focusing on surviving spouses, children, and then other close relatives, which may not align with the deceased’s actual wishes.
How are estate taxes handled in Arizona?
Arizona does not have a state estate tax or inheritance tax. However, federal estate tax may apply to very large estates, though the federal exemption limit is quite high. Proper estate planning can help minimize any potential federal estate tax liability.
What is a Beneficiary Deed in Arizona?
A Beneficiary Deed is a unique Arizona legal tool that allows you to transfer real property (like your home) to a designated beneficiary upon your death, outside of probate, while retaining full ownership and control during your lifetime.
Can a Will be challenged or contested in Arizona?
Yes, a Will can be challenged in probate court if there are valid legal grounds, such as improper execution, lack of testamentary capacity (the person wasn’t of sound mind), undue influence, or fraud. Contesting a Will is a complex legal process.
How long does the probate process typically take in Arizona?
The length of probate in Arizona varies. A straightforward, uncontested probate might take 6 to 12 months. More complex estates involving disputes, multiple assets, or significant debts can take 18 months or even several years to fully resolve.
What's the first step to start my estate planning or address a probate matter?
The most crucial first step is to contact an experienced Wills, Estates, and Probate Lawyer in Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu, or Parker, Arizona. We offer consultations to discuss your unique family situation, assess your assets, and guide you through creating a personalized legal strategy that protects your legacy and ensures your wishes are honored.
Contact Our Kingman Business Litigation Attorneys Today
We invite you to contact Knochel Law Offices, P.C., today at 928-542-4218, or toll free 866-674-4003, to schedule a confidential consultation about your appeal. Our law office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request. We offer many of our services for flat fees rather than billing by the hour. Our firm accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards.
