When someone names you as the executor in his or her will, you also become the personal representative of his or her estate when he or she dies. You, therefore, assume responsibility for overseeing the deceased’s assets and making sure they pass to his or her heirs...
Probate
Why do my heirs need to go through probate to get my property?
Arizona's laws require your property to go through probate before it legally transfers to your heirs. As noted by SmartAsset.com, if you die with a will in Arizona, the probate court reviews it for validity. Your chosen personal representative then distributes your...
How a special needs trust protects your child with a disability
When you are the Arizona parent of a son or daughter with a disability, you may need to take extra steps during estate planning to look out for his or her interests. For many parents of children who have special needs, figuring out how to leave a legacy behind without...
Probate may include settling debts before distributing assets
Probate requires a deceased's personal representative to publish a notice to creditors in a county newspaper for at least three weeks, as explained on the Arizona State Legislature's website. The representative also has the responsibility of notifying creditors by...
Probate complications and preparations
On top of the grief that the death of a loved one causes, living relatives still must navigate the complicated waters of probate. It is the default process to handle a decedent's assets and property after their death and, without a prior plan, rolls on based on state...