With so many people from other states relocating to the Phoenix area for their retirement years, discussions regarding important family decisions such as estate planning often must be conducted from a distance. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that an unexpected event might keep seniors from meeting in person with their loved ones for a year or more. Even without the coronavirus threat, financial trouble, medical concerns or a busy schedule might make it difficult for family members to meet in the same place.

However, critical legal concerns, such as the creation of a will, trust or durable power of attorney, shouldn’t wait. Our firm has extensive experience working with families who are scattered across the United States and around the world, to see that the legal needs of their elderly loved ones in Arizona are met.

If you retain us to develop an estate planning strategy, we begin our representation by meeting with you, either in person or virtually, to get a detailed account of your circumstances and objectives and answer any preliminary questions you might have. We thoroughly review finances, family structure, record of charitable giving, work history and health history so that we can develop an estate plan that is tailor-made for your needs.

Many estate planning tools require the cooperation of people other than our clients. Wills must be administered by executors, and trusts must be managed by trustees. Minors might need guardians and incapacitated adults might need conservators. Finally, our clients might need to give someone a durable power of attorney, authorizing them to act on the clients’ behalf. All of these people need to understand their responsibilities and be willing to accept them. We offer comprehensive guidance to clients so that everyone associated with their estate plan is prepared to act if the need arises, wherever they might live.

Even after we have prepared the necessary documents and our clients have approved them, changes in circumstances might compel revisions. Whether these adjustments are needed shortly after the documents are finalized or years down the road, our firm advises on the legal and practical implications of the changes. At all times, we seek to do this work in the most efficient, cost-effective manner possible.

At the Law Firm of Joseph M. Udall, PLC we work with family members from other states and countries to make sure that their loved ones in Arizona have enforceable estate plans that reflect their wishes. To learn more, call our Mesa office at (480) 500-1866 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.