Question 1

Isn’t estate planning too expensive?

Accepted Answer

A good plan costs far less than the court fees, taxes, and loved ones disputes that can happen without one. It’s an investment in your loved one’s protection and peace of mind.

Question 2

How long does the estate planning process take?

Accepted Answer

Most of our plans are completed in 1 – 2 weeks. We’ve simplified everything into a few meetings, with most of the work done by our team behind the scenes.

Question 3

I’m not wealthy. Do I really need an estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s about making sure your wishes are followed, the people you want inherit your assets, your loved ones avoids probate, and your loved ones are protected no matter your asset level.

Question 4

Can’t I just use an online will or DIY form?

Accepted Answer

DIY documents often leave dangerous gaps, may not follow Arizona law, and can cause your estate to end up in probate anyway. Our plans are customized for you and legally effective in Arizona.

Question 5

What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

Accepted Answer

A will does not transfer assets unless a probate is opened with an Arizona Superior Court. It is effective only after death and only if a probate is opened. A trust transfers assets on your death, avoids probate, stays private, and works if you become incapacitated. We give our clients a will and a trust, but the only purposes of the will are to transfer assets that remain in the name of the deceased to the trust and name who will be the guardian of minor children.

Question 6

What happens if I don’t do any planning?

Accepted Answer

The law of your state of residence when you die, not you, will determine who inherits your assets. Your failure to adopt a will and/or a trust could result in the wrong person or people inheriting your assets. If you don’t plan your loved ones could end up in probate court, facing delays, high costs ($5,000+), and public exposure. Arizona residents can learn who will inherit their assets if the resident dies without a will or a trust by reading my article called “Who Inherits Your Property If You Die without a Will or a Trust.”

Question 7

How does a financial power of attorney help?

Accepted Answer

It allows someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become mentally incapacitated, which avoids costly court proceedings and protects your loved ones from financial chaos.

Question 8

What’s the difference between a living will and a healthcare power of attorney?

Accepted Answer

A living will states you want to pull the plug if you are brain dead being kept alive by a machine. A healthcare power of attorney names the person who makes medical decisions for you if you cannot communicate with your doctor.

Question 9

How often should I update my estate plan?

Accepted Answer

We recommend reviewing it every year, or after major life events like marriage, divorce, a new child, or significant changes in assets or the law.

Question 10

Will my plan still work if I move out of Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we recommend reviewing it with an attorney in your new state to ensure it complies with local laws.

Question 11

How do you keep my estate plan private?

Accepted Answer

Unlike a probate, which is public, trusts and other planning tools we prepare keep your affairs confidential and out of the public record.

Question 12

Can I leave different amounts to different children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can divide assets however you wish. We’ll make sure it’s clear, legal, and less likely to cause disputes.

Question 13

What if I want to disinherit someone?

Accepted Answer

We can structure your plan to exclude an heir while reducing the chances of legal challenges in court.

Question 14

What if my children aren’t responsible with money?

Accepted Answer

We can design the child’s trust so its assets are managed by someone you trust or a trust company. The trust can distribute assets over time or under specific conditions so the child can’t blow or waste all the inherited assets.

Question 15

How does transferring my home into a trust affect my mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Federal law prevents your lender from calling your loan due just because you transfer your home into a revocable trust. Your mortgage terms stay the same.

Question 16

What about my digital assets and online accounts?

Accepted Answer

We help you create a plan for online accounts, digital files, and even cryptocurrency, so nothing is lost or inaccessible to your loved ones.

Question 17

How will my estate plan affect taxes?

Accepted Answer

For people who die in 2026 their estate does not have to pay federal estate tax unless their net worth exceeds $15 million. A married couple’s estate does not have to pay federal estate tax unless their combined net worth exceeds $30,000,000. All money left by a spouse to the surviving spouse avoids federal estate tax on the death of the first spouse. If the value of your assets exceeds $15,000,000 for a single person or $30,000,000 for a married couple we can do advance estate tax planning to reduce the federal estate tax on the death of a single person or the death of the second spouse for a married couple.

Question 18

What makes KEYTLaw different from other estate planning firms?

Accepted Answer

Rick Keyt has practiced law since 1979. He’s created estate plans for more than 1,000 Arizona clients. He has 433 five-star reviews. The Keyts combine deep expertise with personal care to ensure your estate plan works exactly as intended when your loved ones need it most. We will help you protect your most valuable assets – your loved ones.

Experienced Arizona Attorneys Protecting Families, Estates & Businesses Since 1979

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