Despite accusations of murder by his stepchildren, Phoenix businessman Peter J. Mizioch was recently awarded $4.5 million in life insurance benefits. The children of the deceased, Phyllis Mizioch have accused their stepfather of murdering their mother for her life insurance money. Ms. Mizioch died at her Phoenix resident in July, 2010. What makes this story…
Details
Important Estate Planning Documents Everyone Should Have Estate planning can be complicated. Regardless of the size of your estate, you should consider adopting these five important estate planning documents: 1. Last Will and Testament Your Last Will and Testament is a critical document to every estate plan. Why? In most cases (except for trust-based plans,…
Details
Question: I don’t have a lot of money. Do I have an estate? Answer: Yes. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a millionaire to have an estate. When many people think of an estate, they picture a mansion on acres of land with lush gardens, stables, staff and everything else the ultra-wealthy…
Details
Question: What is an estate plan? Do I need an estate plan? Answer: When you know what an estate is, then it’s easy to understand estate planning. (If you’re unsure what an estate is, read my post about estates.) For the most part, estate planning is literally the planning for the transfer of one’s estate…
Details
Your digital legacy is one that not many people think about. In this blog post, we’ll take you down the right path on how to plan for yours. Question: How Should I Plan For My Digital Legacy? Answer: Most people today do so much on their computers, iPhones, iPads and other devices that it’s important…
Details
One of the biggest questions that we receive is what one should do with their estate plan, after a divorce. Question: I got a divorce. I think my spouse was named in my estate plan. What should I do? Answer: If you don’t want your spouse to inherit any of your assets or be the…
Details
Probate myths and facts are important to know, should you ever come into contact with the situation. It can be sticky, but it helps to be educated on the topic. We hope that this blog post helps you better understand various probate myths and facts. Myth: Probate costs and attorney fees are usually as high…
Details
Question: I don’t have a Will but I want my spouse and kids to inherit everything. If my spouse and kids will inherit everything anyway, what’s the point of making a Will? Answer: That’s a good question. In certain circumstances, a person’s spouse and kids will inherit everything. However, that may or may not apply…
Details
Did Tammy Wynette Want To Disinherit Her Children? Virginia Wynette Pugh, who later became known as Tammy Wynette, was born in Mississippi on May 5, 1942 to a family of cotton farmers. Tammy’s father died when Tammy was just an infant. As Tammy grew up, she taught herself to play a variety of musical instruments…
Details
For any of you who are into the interesting, strange and downright bizarre stories of the Rich and Famous and their estates, you have to check out Investigation Discovery’s show “The Will”. Personally, I really like this show (ok, I AM an estate planning lawyer) and find it both interesting and informative. I will try…
Details
Question: What is community property? I am married and live in Arizona. Does this affect me? Answer: Married individuals living in community property states own property their property as either community property or separate property. Community property is all property acquired during marriage, except property acquired by gift or inheritance, or property acquired after the…
Details
Arizona corporation commission nonprofit forms: the good and the bad regarding them. We’re here to keep you covered. Recently, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) released all new forms for entity filings. This includes new forms for nonprofit corporations. Depending on your goals, this could either help you or hurt you. Nonprofit corporations that wish to…
Details