Having real courtroom experience is an advantage for an estate/probate lawyer because it allows them to be better prepared and more confident when representing their clients in court. They are able to anticipate the challenges their client may face and have a better strategy for effectively presenting the client’s case. In addition, having real courtroom experience helps an estate/probate lawyer devise estate plans designed to keep clients out of court, discourage family members from taking them to court, and accomplish their clients’ wishes with the least amount of outside intervention. When probate is unavoidable, we look for ways to create enough value to cover our fees, for a great win/win.
Since 1986, The Golden Rule Law Group® has been a trusted name in probate, estate planning, and guardianship law in Chandler and throughout the East Valley. With over 80 years of combined experience, our attorneys help families navigate the legal complexities that arise after a loved one passes away or when planning for the future.
As a dedicated probate and estate law firm in Chandler, we have extensive experience handling probate and estate matters for our clients. We address each client’s unique estate planning and probate needs with tailored legal strategies and solutions. Whether you need guidance through probate administration, assistance administering a trust, help securing guardianship or conservatorship for a loved one, or want a plan for your family and future, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way. Our experienced legal team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive support and build lasting trust with our clients.
Our client-first, Golden Rule approach means you can expect compassion, clarity, and attention to detail in everything we do. We are committed to providing personal attention to every client, taking the time to understand your specific needs and concerns.
The probate process is a court-supervised legal procedure that takes place after a person's death, ensuring their assets are distributed according to their will or, if there is no will, in accordance with Arizona state law. Navigating probate can be overwhelming for families, especially during a time of grief.
During the probate process, the Court will appoint a Personal Representative to administer the estate and ensure that proper notice has been provided, tax matters have been addressed, creditor claims have been paid, and the remaining assets have been properly distributed to the heirs or beneficiaries. The requirements are time consuming and can become complicated. That's where a Chandler estate planning attorney comes in—offering in-depth knowledge of the probate process and guiding you every step of the way.
By accepting the role of a Personal Representative, a person takes on a great responsibility and can be subject to personal liability if the estate is not administered correctly. Our skilled probate attorneys can help you understand and fulfil the specific requirements of probate in Arizona, from filing the necessary legal documents to managing deadlines and addressing any disputes that may arise.
Creating an estate plan in Chandler, AZ is a thoughtful process that begins with understanding your unique estate planning needs and long-term goals.
It's important to take stock of your assets, properties, and the needs of your family members to ensure your estate plan reflects your wishes.
A Chandler estate planning attorney will work closely with you to establish the right legal structures—whether that means setting up a trust, drafting a last will, or designating a durable power of attorney.
Your attorney will also assist with trust administration and guide you through the probate process, making sure your estate plan is carried out exactly as you intend.
In Chandler, AZ, estate planning attorneys are well-versed in strategies to help you avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, and safeguard your assets for future generations.
By creating a comprehensive estate plan, you can provide for your loved ones, protect your estate, and ensure your legacy is preserved.
With the help of experienced attorneys, you can navigate the legal landscape with confidence, knowing your family and your assets are in good hands.
Taking the first step toward estate planning is easier than you might think. By reaching out to a Chandler estate planning attorney, you're taking an important step toward peace of mind and long-term security for your family.
Estate administration involves managing and settling a deceased person’s financial and legal affairs. This includes validating the will (if one exists), gathering and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries. Thorough documentation is essential for providing notice and accounting to interested parties. In Arizona, the process can take place under the supervision of the probate court or can be completed with little court supervision.
The personal representative (also called an executor) plays a crucial role in this process. They serve as a fiduciary and must act in the best interests of the estate and its heirs, keeping detailed records and adhering to court requirements. Even in seemingly straightforward cases, estate administration can be time-consuming and legally complex.
Our attorneys assist personal representatives with every step of the process. We help ensure all filings are accurate and on time, assets are distributed properly, and any potential disputes are addressed quickly. With our support, you can fulfill your responsibilities confidently and avoid unnecessary delays or legal issues.
Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing the assets held in a trust according to the terms set forth by the grantor. This responsibility is held by a trustee, who must act in the best interests of the trust’s beneficiaries while adhering to all legal and fiduciary obligations. The process can involve a range of tasks, from managing investments and real estate to paying taxes and distributing income or property to beneficiaries.
A knowledgeable estate planning attorney in Chandler can provide invaluable guidance throughout the trust administration process. Whether you are a trustee seeking to fulfill your duties or a beneficiary with questions about your rights, an experienced lawyer can help ensure that the trust is managed efficiently and in accordance with Arizona law.
Trust administration can be complex, but with the support of a skilled attorney, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your loved ones receive the full benefits intended by the trust. From handling legal documents to addressing tax concerns and resolving disputes, a Chandler estate planning attorney will help you navigate every aspect of trust administration, protecting both the assets and the interests of all beneficiaries.
A conservatorship grants legal authority to manage the financial affairs of someone who is unable to do so on their own. This often applies to elderly individuals suffering from cognitive decline or adults with significant mental or physical impairments. In certain circumstances, a conservatorship can also be established to address serious substance abuse issues or situations where someone has disappeared or been detained. The conservator is responsible for managing income, assets, and expenses in a way that supports the protected person's well-being and the protected person’s dependents.
Establishing a conservatorship in Arizona requires court approval, including filing legal documents, giving notice to relatives, and providing financial disclosures. Once appointed, the conservator must keep detailed records, file annual accountings, and comply with strict fiduciary duties.
Our firm supports families in petitioning for conservatorship and managing their ongoing obligations. We ensure compliance with court procedures, minimize delays, and help protect both the protected person and the person acting on their behalf. If you're navigating a loved one's declining capacity, we can help you take legal steps to ensure their safety and financial stability.
Guardianship is a legal process that allows a court-appointed individual to make personal and medical decisions for someone who cannot care for themselves—such as a minor child, an elderly parent with dementia, or a person with a serious disability. In Arizona, the guardian must act in the ward's best interest and is subject to ongoing court oversight.
Obtaining guardianship involves filing a petition with the court, providing notice to interested parties, undergoing evaluations, and possibly attending a hearing. Once appointed, the guardian must submit annual reports and remain in compliance with all legal responsibilities.
At The Golden Rule Law Group®, we help families through every step of the guardianship process. Whether you're seeking guardianship of a child or an aging loved one, our attorneys can provide the legal clarity and compassionate support needed to protect those who are most vulnerable.
Partnering with a Chandler estate planning attorney means you're not just getting legal advice—you're gaining a trusted ally with in-depth knowledge of estate law, the probate process, and trust administration.
Partnering with a Chandler estate planning attorney means you're not just getting legal advice—you're gaining a trusted ally with in-depth knowledge of estate law, the probate process, and trust administration.
We understand that every family's situation is unique. That's why we offer personal attention and tailored assistance, guiding you through the creation of essential legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Our legal team is dedicated to helping you navigate the intricacies of estate planning, from managing assets and properties to ensuring your wishes are honored through effective trust administration.
By working with a Chandler estate planning attorney, you can rest assured that your estate plan is comprehensive, legally sound, and designed to protect your loved ones for years to come.
Our commitment to excellence and client service means you'll receive the guidance and support you need to achieve peace of mind and security for your family's future.
Taking the first step toward estate planning is easier than you might think. Begin by contacting a Chandler estate planning attorney who can help you verify your estate planning needs and guide you through the process with expertise and care.
Scheduling a free consultation is a great way to discuss your goals, address your concerns, and learn more about the estate planning options available to you.
During your consultation, your attorney will answer your questions and evaluate your situation to determine if they can take on your case. By reaching out to a Chandler estate planning attorney, you're taking an important step toward peace of mind and long-term security for your family.
Let our experienced legal team help you create an estate plan that is thoughtfully designed, expertly crafted, and ready to provide lasting benefits for you and your loved ones.
Look for an attorney with substantial experience in probate courts. Ask about specific cases they've handled and their success rate in similar matters to yours.
These complex proceedings require specialized knowledge. An experienced attorney should be familiar with the court processes and requirements for protecting incapacitated individuals.
Communication is crucial in legal matters. Your attorney should have a clear system for regular updates, returning calls promptly, and explaining complex legal concepts in understandable terms.
A full-service estate attorney can handle both planning documents and litigation, providing continuity and comprehensive legal support for all your estate needs.
Estate matters often involve family tensions. Your attorney should demonstrate empathy, discretion, and proven strategies for managing difficult family situations.
Ensure you'll have direct access to an experienced attorney, not just paralegals or assistants, especially for important decisions and court appearances.
If your case goes to court, you want an attorney comfortable in the courtroom with a track record of successful litigation and trial experience.
Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your probate or estate matter. Selecting an experienced probate lawyer in Chandler is crucial to ensure your case is handled effectively.
Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate your options offers important benefits, such as protecting your assets, ensuring a smooth probate process, and providing peace of mind for your family.
Our office is conveniently located on Alma School Road in Chandler, just minutes from downtown and easily accessible from the 202 and 60 freeways. We provide free on-site parking and an accessible first-floor entrance. Clients from Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix frequently trust us with their probate and estate matters.
At The Golden Rule Law Group®, we offer a full spectrum of estate and probate legal services tailored to the needs of families across Chandler and the East Valley. Whether you're facing the loss of a loved one or planning to protect your own legacy, we provide trusted legal guidance with compassion and professionalism. Estate planning is not limited to the wealthy or elderly—it's accessible and important for everyone, regardless of age or financial status.
Our office is conveniently located on Alma School Road in Chandler, just minutes from downtown and easily accessible from the 202 and 60 freeways. We provide free on-site parking and an accessible first-floor entrance. Clients from Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix frequently trust us with their probate and estate matters.
Probate is the legal process used to validate a will and oversee the administration of a deceased person’s estate, which may include houses and other real estate assets. In Arizona, probate is typically required when the deceased was the sole owner of property held solely in their name that exceeds certain value thresholds. Probate is also used to deal with the distribution of these assets according to the will or state law.
If someone dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to Arizona’s intestacy laws. These laws prioritize spouses, children, and other close relatives. The court will appoint a personal representative to manage the estate.
Probate in Maricopa County usually takes between six and twenty-four months, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether there are any disputes among heirs or creditors.
A will outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death and goes through probate (often referred to as a 'last will'). A trust can avoid probate and offers more privacy, control, and flexibility over how your estate is managed.
Including a durable power of attorney in your estate plan is also essential, as it allows someone you trust to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated.
Yes. Probate can often be avoided with proper estate planning, including revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, payable-on-death accounts, and joint ownership.
Guardianship gives someone legal authority to make personal and medical decisions for another person, typically a minor or incapacitated adult. Conservatorship grants authority to manage that person's financial affairs. Both require court approval.
Yes, you can challenge a will or trust based on undue influence, fraud, lack of mental capacity, or improper execution. These cases are often complex and handled in probate court.
A personal representative (or executor) manages the estate through probate. A trustee oversees the administration of assets held in a trust. Both have fiduciary duties to act in the best interests of beneficiaries.
In response to recent COVID-19 concerns, we would like to assure our clients that we are taking precautions. From time to time, we may still need to limit in-person appointments with our clients, including prospective clients, to telephone, video-conference, email, and mail in order to better protect everyone’s health and limit possible exposure to COVID. Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding in-person appointments.