Step 01
Choose an Executor
Your executor (or personal representative) administers your will — distributing property, paying debts, and filing taxes. Pick someone trustworthy, and designate a back-up in case your first choice can't serve.
Drafting a Last Will and Testament in Phoenix
Most people know they should have a last will and testament, but thinking about your own death is hard. With the right attorney, the process doesn't have to be stressful — it can be clear, calm, and even reassuring.
Who Can Make a Will
Most adults in Phoenix can draft a will — with a few important limits.
You must be over 18
Minors are not allowed to create wills in Phoenix.
You must be competent
Under Arizona law, you must understand that you're making a will, what property you own, and who you're leaving it to. Advanced dementia or Alzheimer's may affect competency.
You cannot be under undue influence
Your choices must reflect your own free will. This concern arises most often in cases of elder abuse.
What to Include
Every will is different. These are the building blocks of yours.
We work with you to make sure your will fits your unique circumstances. Below are the main areas you'll cover with us.
Step 02
Pick Your Beneficiaries
Decide who will inherit your property — spouses, children, siblings, charities. Be clear and specific so there's no room for confusion later.
Step 03
Distribution of Assets
Define what your property includes and how it should be distributed. Your will doesn't need to cover assets that pass outside of probate (life insurance, trusts, jointly held real estate).
Step 04
Guardian for Minor Children
If you have minor children, name a guardian — and speak with them in advance. Also designate a conservator to manage assets until your children reach the age of majority.
Step 05
Funeral Instructions
Including funeral details is a final gift to your family — easing decisions during a difficult time.
How to Execute a Will
Arizona requires a few specific steps for your will to be valid.
01
The Testator Signs
You (the testator) must sign your will. If you're physically unable, you can direct another person to sign in your presence.
02
Two Witnesses Sign
Witnesses must be 18+, mentally competent, present when you sign, and they must sign within a reasonable time. Ideally, they are not beneficiaries.
03
Notarize the Self-Proving Affidavit
A notary signs a self-proving affidavit so your will's authenticity won't be challenged. Self-proven wills mean a smoother probate later on.
Self-Proven Wills
A non-self-proved will is still valid in Phoenix, but it requires the witnesses' presence and testimony — making probate longer and more complicated.
Holographic Wills
Handwritten and signed wills are an exception to the witness requirement — but they are much more likely to be challenged in court.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
Google
"Found Nicole online... thanks to her stellar reviews. Easy to work with, thorough, and pretty straightforward process. Would recommend."
VK
Vikas Khanna
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team have been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, professional, and kind. We have such peace of mind going with Nicole."
SS
Shauna S.
Verified Google Review
Google
"From initial communication through final signatures and continued support — just fantastic. Recommend her 100% for your Phoenix, AZ estate planning attorney."
AP
Anthony Polletta
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team are wonderful to work with because of their timeliness, expansive knowledge, and attention to detail."
DJ
Dylan Jones
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her staff did an excellent job of making a seemingly complex process simple. I would highly recommend her."
MA
Marc A. Morales De Castillo
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole's expertise and attention to detail in preparing our estate documents were commendable. They made the complex task of estate planning easy to navigate."
JC
Jim Cantwell
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team supported very well in writing a will, it was pretty smooth and they were very transparent in explaining all the details."
DS
Durga Sirigirisetti
Verified Google Review
Google
"Every step of the process was a well-oiled machine. The process was easy to follow and seamless. Happy to recommend them to anyone."
MP
Melissa Panks
Verified Google Review
Google
"Found Nicole online... thanks to her stellar reviews. Easy to work with, thorough, and pretty straightforward process. Would recommend."
VK
Vikas Khanna
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team have been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, professional, and kind. We have such peace of mind going with Nicole."
SS
Shauna S.
Verified Google Review
Google
"From initial communication through final signatures and continued support — just fantastic. Recommend her 100% for your Phoenix, AZ estate planning attorney."
AP
Anthony Polletta
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team are wonderful to work with because of their timeliness, expansive knowledge, and attention to detail."
DJ
Dylan Jones
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her staff did an excellent job of making a seemingly complex process simple. I would highly recommend her."
MA
Marc A. Morales De Castillo
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole's expertise and attention to detail in preparing our estate documents were commendable. They made the complex task of estate planning easy to navigate."
JC
Jim Cantwell
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team supported very well in writing a will, it was pretty smooth and they were very transparent in explaining all the details."
DS
Durga Sirigirisetti
Verified Google Review
Google
"Every step of the process was a well-oiled machine. The process was easy to follow and seamless. Happy to recommend them to anyone."
MP
Melissa Panks
Verified Google Review
Schedule a Consultation
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