How Often Are Wills Contested In Arizona And What Are The Common Reasons? Approximately 20 to 30% of wills in Arizona are contested, though many people consider contesting them without taking action. Contesting a will is a complex process requiring time, money, and standing. The most frequent reasons for contesting include dissatisfaction with the will’s…
What Are Common Circumstances Leading To A Missing Will In Arizona When Someone Passes Away? Around 20% of cases involve missing wills where the deceased mentioned having one but didn’t disclose its location or the attorney who drafted it. Sometimes, despite everyone knowing a will exists, it can go missing due to someone inadvertently misplacing…
Why Is It Important For Families To Reach Out To Senior Resource Specialists Before A Crisis Occurs? Families should consider reaching out to senior resource specialists before a crisis happens to proactively address potential challenges. By seeking help early, families can better navigate the complexities of finding appropriate care and support for aging loved ones….
What are some real-life probate horror stories that you have encountered in your career? Carly shared a particularly troubling case involving a parent who was incapacitated, leading to a messy situation with four adult siblings. One sibling took charge, isolated the others, and mismanaged the parent’s affairs, including financial exploitation and neglect of care. The…
Why is radical transparency important for personal representatives in Arizona probate cases? Radical transparency is crucial for personal representatives in probate cases to prevent lawsuits by ensuring all information is disclosed. Over-disclosure, such as providing complete bank statements with redacted sections, helps eliminate misunderstandings and prevents imaginations from running wild. Customizing communication based on family…
What is the purpose of a probate hearing in Arizona? A probate hearing in Arizona, particularly initial hearings, serves as a platform for the court to understand the key issues, parties involved, and the next steps in a probate case. These hearings are essential when court intervention is necessary, such as filing a will or…
What is the main goal of the initial contact with a probate law firm? The main goal of the initial contact with a probate law firm is to gather essential information to open the client’s file. This includes understanding the relationship between the client and the deceased, as certain Arizona laws dictate who can take…
What are the most common causes of probate litigation? Carly Whiteside explains that the leading cause of probate lawsuits is lack of information or disclosure. When family members are told that a will or trust exists but no one can produce it, speculation begins. People start to wonder what the documents say and who is…
Why Do Inheritance Disputes Happen So Often? Carly Whiteside explains that family inheritance disputes are among the most common cases her firm handles. She notes that in Arizona, where many residents relocate from other states, families often live far apart and rarely communicate in person. This distance creates information gaps, misunderstandings, and a lack of…
When Arizona families face the challenge of helping aging loved ones manage their health or finances, one of the first questions they encounter is the difference between guardianship and conservatorship. In this episode of Probate Problems and Practical Solutions, Carly Whiteside, founder of Copper Wren Law, and her partner Liz Cole discuss how these legal…
End of content
End of content