You don\u2019t have to search far to find do-it-yourself instructions for making your own estate plan. However, while this option costs less initially, it comes with some major risks and will likely end up costing you more in the long run. When you work with an estate planning attorney, on the other hand, you\u2019ll get fully customized and professional results. They\u2019ll make your documents legally valid and official, easing your mind in the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your estate plan is too important to leave to chance. Below are some examples of what a Mesa estate planning attorney can do for you:<\/p>\n If you die without an estate plan in place, a probate attorney and probate judge will transfer your estate to its heirs (not necessarily the ones you\u2019d choose) using intestate succession<\/a>. This process distributes assets according to a list of kin with inheritance rights based on state law. For example, a surviving spouse may receive the whole estate if there aren\u2019t any living children or grandchildren to inherit it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you die without a spouse or children, your next closest relatives (siblings or grandparents) will receive your assets<\/a>. If the court goes through the entire list to find that you don\u2019t have living relatives (by marriage or blood), the property goes to the state. It\u2019s important to keep in mind that the intestate succession process won\u2019t necessarily align with your wishes. Making an estate plan is the best way to ensure that your assets go to the people you want them to go to.<\/p>\n Technically, no. But you do <\/i>need an attorney to make an estate plan that\u2019s guaranteed to be legally valid and achieve what you want it to achieve. The law is constantly shifting. The state government, federal government, and IRS are always changing the rules and it\u2019s a huge gamble to assume a do-it-yourself estate plan is up to date with the latest regulations.<\/p>\n Not only will hiring a lawyer alleviate a massive burden for you, but you\u2019ll potentially save money. While hiring a lawyer will cost you upfront, you\u2019ll avoid potential taxes, court costs, and professional fees for your family in the future by getting your estate plan right the first time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As mentioned, your estate plan isn\u2019t something you make once and forget about. You\u2019ll need to look it over whenever you encounter major life changes (or even when you don\u2019t, just for good measure). Check your plan regularly to see if it still accurately reflects your intentions. And also review and update (if necessary) your plan after any of these events:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A major change in your marital status means you must also change your estate plan. In all likelihood, you\u2019ll want to remove your ex-partner from it and\/or add your new spouse. As soon as your divorce<\/a> is finalized, speak with an attorney and have them help you update your plan.<\/p>\n Moving out of state comes with so many factors to think about, but don\u2019t forget to include your estate in your plans. Estate laws vary from state to state, so it\u2019s important that you update your documents in accordance with your new state\u2019s laws.<\/p>\n If you wish to remove or add a beneficiary, review your estate plan documents to ensure this is done at all levels. For example, designating a beneficiary on your retirement account<\/a> doesn\u2019t automatically mean this is reflected throughout the rest of your estate plan. Check with your lawyer to make sure any changes in beneficiaries are complete and valid.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve just had a new child, you\u2019ll most likely want to include them in your estate plan so that they\u2019re taken care of if something unexpected happens. Update your estate plan documents to include your baby, so their future is secured.<\/p>\n Our Mesa office is located on the northwest corner of Pepper Place and center street. We are conveniently located one mile from the Mesa Municipal Court, Mesa Arts Center, and Downtown Mesa. Our building is one block north of the LightRail station off of Center Street and Main.<\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> 40 N. Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201 The Mesa Municipal Court<\/a> is located at 1st Avenue and Pomeroy, less than one mile from our main office and just east of downtown Mesa.<\/p>\n You can find directions to the court here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Address<\/strong>: 250 E. 1st Avenue, Mesa, Arizona 85210 The best way to get more information on creating or updating your estate plan is to speak with an estate planning attorney<\/a>. They can advise you on what you need to do to make sure your assets are distributed according to your desires. They\u2019ll also help you make sure your loved ones are cared for once you\u2019re gone, through a solid and secure plan.<\/p>\n Whether you just moved out of state, got a divorce, or just had a change of heart on choosing heirs, keeping your plan up to date is essential. It\u2019s not worth taking a risk when it comes to the well-being of your family, so give us a call today.<\/p>\nWhat can an Estate Planning Attorney do for You?<\/h2>\n
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What if You Pass Away without an Estate Plan?<\/h2>\n
Do I Need an Attorney to Create an Estate Plan?<\/h2>\n
When do I Need to Update my Estate Plan?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Marriage or Divorce<\/h3>\n
An Out-of-State Move<\/h3>\n
Beneficiary Changes<\/h3>\n
New Children<\/h3>\n
Mesa Estate Planning Law Office<\/h2>\n
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\nPhone Number: <\/strong>(480) 696-5359<\/a><\/p>\nMesa Municipal Court<\/h2>\n
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\nPhone number<\/strong>: (480) 644-2255<\/p>\nMesa’s Premier Estate Planning Law Firm<\/h2>\n