PROBATE LAW
Offering Comprehensive Probate Law Services
Arizona Probate Lawyer
Conducting important legal matters to settle the estate of a loved one can be immensely challenging. At Gillespie, Shields & Taylor, our seasoned Arizona probate lawyer can stand by your side throughout the entire Arizona probate law process, offering comprehensive legal guidance and effective representation. Whether you require probate administration, probate litigation, general probate counseling, probate mediation/arbitration, or proactive estate planning to help your family streamline the probate process in the future, we have the tools necessary to build and implement highly effective legal solutions to see you through this difficult time.
Helping You Understand Arizona Probate Law
An estate consists of everything owned by an individual, whether during his/her lifetime or at the time of his/her death. After death, all creditors, unpaid income taxes, and administrative costs (i.e., accountant and lawyer fees) must be paid before the assets that remain can be distributed according to the deceased individual’s (decedent’s) wishes. These processes are overseen in probate court. Thus, probate law encompasses a broad spectrum of legal actions that arise when an individual dies – the payment of a debt, resolution of disputes, distribution of assets to heirs and beneficiaries, and the final settling of the estate.
Probate can be time-consuming, especially for beneficiaries who are waiting for an inheritance and/or facing a loved one’s final expenses. It is an important process because probate addresses critical issues like evaluating assets, settling debts, and the fair and lawful distribution of assets among beneficiaries. Fortunately, you can streamline the probate process and keep timelines on track by working with a qualified probate lawyer in Phoenix, Mesa or somewhere else in the Phoenix metropolitan area. At Gillespie, Shields & Taylor, we are proud to serve individuals and families across Arizona. We recognize the unique needs and goals of each client, and we carefully craft our legal strategies to match.
Probate Administration
Probate administration refers to a series of legal processes that unfold after an individual’s death involving the management and distribution of an estate. The general term “probate” is often used to refer to probate administration, but the process can also be referred to as “estate administration.” The probate administration process is designed to address outstanding financial obligations and protect assets until they can be distributed among the decedent’s beneficiaries.
Probate Litigation
When disputes arise regarding the administration of an estate in probate court, litigation may become necessary. Probate litigation can be complex and difficult; however, it can also be an effective way to bring disputes to a fair and legally binding resolution. Knowing when to pursue litigation in a probate case – or what to do when another party has pursued litigation against the estate or a personal representative – is a delicate topic well-suited to the qualified probate litigation attorney at Gillespie, Shields & Taylor.
Estate Planning
The best strategy for avoiding or minimizing the time spent in probate court is to work with a talented attorney to create and implement a comprehensive estate plan. For most people, an estate plan will comprise much more than a Last Will & Testament, although this is often a fundamental component. A comprehensive estate plan consists of documents designed not only to manage and distribute your estate upon your death but also to allow you control over managing your assets and paying your bills should you become incapacitated.
Probate Mediation/Arbitration
Our probate mediation and arbitration services offer an innovative and cost-saving approach to resolving disputes that arise among family members during the administration of an estate or trust. Whether you need someone to represent your position in probate mediation or an arbitrator experienced in probate law to hear and decide a disputed matter, we can provide perspective, guidance, and innovative solutions to enable you to solve complex problems at reduced expense.