Living Trust

Advice from an experienced living trust attorney

Do you know what to do when you have lost a loved one? We can help! There is a lot of information to follow, so take it one step at a time. The most important thing to do is take time to celebrate the life of a special person, then allow us to help you with the next step. A living trust attorney at Deason Garner & Hansen Law Firm can provide experienced guidance throughout the entire process.

The most important thing to do is take time to celebrate the life of a special person, then allow us to help you with the next step.

If the Person Passed Away With NO Estate Planning

If someone passes away without estate planning, it is called "dying intestate." The assets in a person's name will be called the "estate" and will be subject to state intestacy laws and go through probate court.

If the Person Passed With a WILL

The only way a will has any legal effect or validity is through the probate court. It MUST be submitted through probate. A will ONLY works through probate. The probate process requires a court to take over the “estate” to be sure debts are paid, loose ends are taken care of and for assets to be distributed. A personal representative is appointed and their role manages the very complex and long process.

If Your Loved One Created a Living Trust

The process to be followed after someone has passed with a living trust is called the Trust Administration. Upon the death, the appointed successor trustee steps in to follow the instructions according to the trust. This is a completely PRIVATE process that does NOT include the court. Our firm serves as counsel to the trustee to assist with the duties and interpretations of the documents. When a trust is not administered properly, the trustee runs the risk of causing the beneficiaries to pay penalties or additional fees.

Click here to learn more about Trust Administration

Important Note!

Do not re-title any assets before speaking with a qualified estate planning attorney. That meeting should take place approximately two weeks after your loved one has passed. When dealing with a living trust, Yuma, Arizona, residents trust Deason Garner & Hansen Law Firm. Get in touch with us at (928) 783-4575 to make an appointment with our attorneys, Shawn D. Garner and Adam D. Hansen. We can help!

Click here to download and read more about revocable living trusts in Arizona.