Representing Personal Representatives (probate)

Scottsdale Personal Representative Attorney

If you have been named the personal representative (executor) of another person’s estate, you should consider it an honor. That person has placed a great deal of trust in you. However, it is also a big responsibility. There are specific steps that must be completed in a timely manner as a part of the Arizona probate process. If the personal representative makes a mistake, he or she can be held personally liable.

At the Phoenix law firm of McFARLANE LAW, PLC, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, our attorneys guide personal representatives through the Arizona probate process. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions.

What Is Probate?

Probate is a legal proceeding that is used to manage a person’s legal and financial affairs after death. Assets owned solely in the decedent’s name, as well as interest in property held as tenants in common, must be administered and disposed of under court supervision as governed by the decedent’s last will and testament. Where no will is found or present, the proceeding is governed under Arizona intestacy laws. If a trust is in place, assets governed by the trust are administered and disposed in accordance with the trust agreement and are not subject to probate.

It is not uncommon for the same person to be appointed as personal representative of an estate in probate and successor trustee of a revocable living trust as part of the deceased person’s overall estate plan. Our lawyers can help you keep track of and carry out your separate probate and trust responsibilities in a timely manner and pursuant to Arizona probate law and procedures.

Representing personal administrators from other states: It’s not unusual for a personal representative or executor to complete probate both in his or her home state and in Arizona for property the deceased person owned here. Our lawyers can handle the necessary probate steps for Arizona property by phone, e-mail and fax without the need for you to travel to Arizona. We can open ancillary probate proceedings in Arizona to assist your primary probate opened in another state.

Contact An Estate or Trust Lawyer Today

To arrange a free and confidential consultation with our Phoenix-area personal representative lawyers, call 480-991-0032 or contact us by e-mail. We represent clients in the Arizona East Valley, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Mesa and Tempe.