What is probate?

When someone dies, what that person leaves behind is called his/her estate.  The probate process was created to protect both beneficiaries and creditors by ensuring that the decedent’s estate is properly distributed.  If there is disagreement as to who gets what, then a formal probate may be necessary, which would involve court appearances.  In most cases, the probate process is fairly, straight-forward and can be handled through an informal probate which generally does not require appearing before a judge.  Arizona Probate, LLC can assist the personal representative with an informal probate at a lower cost and in a more timely manner than an attorney.  See our Services page for our flat fee and a list of the services we provide when hired for an informal probate.  For more information on probates, check out Investopedia’s article: “Probate: What It Is and How It Works With and Without a Will.”  You may notice that they use the term “executor” for the person appointed by the Court to administer the estate in a probate proceeding; in Arizona we use the term “personal representative.”

If you want to avoid probate, then you may want to consider a living trust.  See our Services page for our rates for the preparation of a living trust or a living trust package.

The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.