Creating an estate plan can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At KEYTLaw in Scottsdale, Arizona, our goal is to simplify the process, eliminate confusion, and give our clients total confidence in their plan for the future. From start to finish, our system is built to make estate planning efficient, secure, and entirely personalized.
Let’s walk through what it’s like to work with KEYTLaw on your estate plan.
How Does the Estate Planning Process Start at KEYTLaw?
Every estate plan begins with a secure, online questionnaire. This isn’t just a generic form—it’s designed to gather all the information we need to create a fully customized plan.
You’ll be asked about your personal details, your spouse (if applicable), your children, and your wishes for inheritance. Whether you want to leave assets to someone or intentionally disinherit an individual, this questionnaire captures it. We’ll also ask who you’d like to name as your successor trustee if you and your spouse pass away.
Once submitted, the form is securely sent to you and to our team, and we begin drafting legal documents based on your specific responses. It’s a seamless intake process that sets the tone for the rest of your planning.
What If I Don’t Know Who to Choose as Trustee or Guardian?
It’s common for clients to feel uncertain about naming fiduciaries like trustees or guardians. If you're not sure who to choose, our team walks you through what responsibilities those roles involve. We'll help you think through practical considerations—like age, financial know-how, availability, and trustworthiness—to guide your decision. You’re not expected to figure this out alone.
What Is the Asset List and Why Is It So Important?
In addition to the questionnaire, we ask clients to complete an asset list. This isn’t for us—it’s for you and your family. You’ll log your real estate, LLCs, corporations, bank accounts, investment accounts, and other assets into our secure online database.
From there, you can download an Excel spreadsheet that shows what you own, what is in your trust, and what still needs to be transferred into it.
This document serves two key purposes:
- It helps you track your own trust funding.
- It ensures your spouse or successor trustee can locate everything you own if you pass away.
Why does this matter? Imagine a scenario where you’ve set up a trust but forgot to transfer a brokerage account into it. If that account isn’t listed in the asset spreadsheet, your trustee may never even know it exists. That account could end up in probate—or worse, lost. The asset list prevents that. It acts as a roadmap to your estate.
Even better, it’s easy to update. As you acquire or sell assets, you can revise your entries anytime and re-download the most current spreadsheet.
What Tangible Items Do Clients Receive With Their Estate Plan?
Once your estate plan is finalized and signed, we scan your documents and organize them for delivery in a professional red portfolio. Inside are physical, tabbed copies of all your documents—wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more.
But we don’t stop there. You’ll also receive:
- A USB thumb drive with PDF copies of every document
- A complimentary book titled Family Asset Protection, written by our team, to help you understand how estate planning works
- A Successor Trustee Manual designed to educate those who may one day manage your trust
These tools help ensure you, your spouse, and your chosen trustees know exactly what to do and what the documents mean.
What Is the Successor Trustee Manual and Why Is It Valuable?
The role of a successor trustee isn’t just ceremonial—it’s a legal responsibility. Many people named as trustees have no idea what’s expected of them. That’s why we created a plain-language guide to walk them through their duties, legal obligations, timelines, and practical steps.
Whether your trustee is a family member or a professional, the manual reduces confusion and minimizes the risk of errors. It's one of the most appreciated resources our clients receive.
What If I Need to Make Changes Later?
Life changes—so should your estate plan. That’s why we offer free updates for 90 days after you sign your plan.
Beyond that, we check in with clients every six months via email to remind them to review their documents. Whether you’ve experienced a major life event or just want to double-check your decisions, we’re here to keep your estate plan aligned with your life.
Here are a few common reasons people update their estate plans:
- Birth of a child or grandchild
- Divorce or marriage
- Changes in financial situation
- A death in the family
- A falling out with someone previously named in the plan
You don’t need to wait for something major to occur. Sometimes, your feelings about who should receive what simply evolve over time—and your plan should reflect that.
Does KEYTLaw Help With Trust Funding?
Yes. One of the most misunderstood parts of estate planning is trust funding—transferring ownership of assets into your trust. We provide guidance on how to title real estate, how to update financial accounts, and how to ensure your trust is legally and practically effective.
A trust that isn’t funded is like a safe that no one uses. The documents are only half the story—making sure they’re implemented is what protects your legacy.
How Is KEYTLaw Different From Other Estate Planning Firms?
Many law firms will hand you a stack of documents and call it a day. At KEYTLaw, we give you tools, education, and long-term peace of mind. From customized intake to client support, our approach is thorough and forward-thinking.
- Custom online questionnaires tailored to your needs
- A secure asset-tracking system
- Detailed educational materials
- A physical and digital portfolio of documents
- Built-in reminders for long-term updates
We believe an estate plan should do more than just check legal boxes—it should prepare your family for the future.
Our process is about more than compliance—it’s about clarity. Clients walk away with more than legal paperwork. They leave with understanding, structure, and confidence that they’ve taken care of the people and causes that matter most to them.
If You’re Thinking About an Estate Plan, Don’t Wait
Estate planning is something most people know they need to do—but too many wait until something unexpected happens. The truth is, the best time to create a plan is now, while you’re healthy, clear-minded, and in control of the process.
Whether you’re just starting out or revisiting an outdated will, we’re here to help. KEYTLaw has helped countless Arizona families safeguard their legacies—and we can do the same for you.
