Trust Lawyers
in Arizona

In Arizona, a trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. One of the biggest advantages of a trust is that it allows your assets to bypass probate, which is the court-supervised process of distributing assets after death.

By avoiding probate, trusts provide a faster, more private way to transfer assets to beneficiaries. Trusts are commonly used to manage assets, reduce taxes, and help provide financial stability for loved ones.

The cost of creating a trust in Arizona can vary widely depending on the complexity of the trust and the attorney’s fee. On average, setting up a simple trust may cost between $1,000 and $2,500. However, more complex trusts may cost upwards of $3,000 to $5,000.

It’s important to consult with an experienced trust attorney to get the precise estimate based on your individual needs.

Yes, it is possible to set up a trust without a trust lawyer in Arizona, but it’s not generally recommended. Trusts are complex legal documents and any mistakes made during the process can lead to issues down the line, such as the trust being invalidated or failing to meet Arizona’s legal requirements. Working with a trust lawyer means the trust is properly drafted, funded, and tailored to your specific needs.

To create a valid trust in Arizona, you must meet a few basic requirements:

(1) the grantor must express a clear intent to create the trust

(2) there must be a trustee responsible for managing the trust

(3) the trust must have designated beneficiaries

(4) the sole trustee cannot also be the sole beneficiary

These requirements make the trust legally enforceable so it serves the intended purpose of managing and distributing assets.

A trust offers several advantages over a will, especially if you want to avoid probate, maintain privacy, or manage assets during your lifetime. Trusts allow for greater control over how and when assets are distributed and can be customized to meet specific needs — such as caring for minor children or individuals with specific needs.

However, a will can still be useful for certain estate planning needs. In particular, a will is best for simpler estates or when designating guardianship for minors. In many cases, a comprehensive estate plan will include both a trust and a will.