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Do I need a will? It’s a common question, and one I hear more often than you’d think. Maybe you’re young and healthy and think it’s too early to create a will. Maybe you’re retired and feel like you don’t have enough money to need one. The truth is, Everyone Needs A Will. A will […]
About Kristi Hancock
If You’re Married, Do You Really Need Two Trusts?
When couples begin the estate planning process, one of the most common questions I hear is whether to create one joint trust or two individual trusts. This decision may seem straightforward, but it’s influenced by a variety of personal, legal, and financial factors. When I help clients understand these factors, they can make informed decisions […]
How to Handle Probate the Easy Way in Arizona: What You Need to Know for 2025
Let’s face it- probate isn’t exactly a word most people want to hear. As a matter of fact, most people want to avoid probate like the plague. Probate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In Arizona, many probate cases can be smooth and manageable, especially if you’re dealing with a simple estate. I’m a local Arizona […]
Why a Real Estate Professional Makes for Smarter Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning, many people may not realize the significant overlap between real estate and the legal intricacies of managing their estate. I get questions all the time from my estate planning clients about how to properly pass on their home or other real estate properties most effectively. If you don’t know […]
Should I Transfer My House To My Child While I’m Still Alive?
Transferring your house to your child while you are still alive might seem like a straightforward strategy to avoid probate after your passing. However, this approach can lead to a myriad of issues that you may not expect. My advice is do NOT do it. Some people decide to just add their child onto the […]
Estate Planning for Arizona Farmers & Ranchers: Key Considerations
As an attorney specializing in estate planning, I often encounter clients who underestimate the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan in place. This is particularly true for farmers and ranchers, whose livelihoods are deeply tied to their land, livestock, and family. Estate planning is not just about distributing assets upon death; it’s a critical […]
Choosing an Agent For Your Power of Attorney: A Deeply Personal Decision
Deciding who will handle your affairs if you become incapacitated is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. The agent (also known as your attorney-in-fact) you choose in your power of attorney (POA) document will be entrusted with significant responsibility. This role should not be taken lightly. Depending on the type of POA […]
Do I Need an Estate Plan If Both Names Are on the Deed?
When I first started my journey as an estate planning attorney, I remember sitting down with a couple who had just purchased their dream home together. When I brought up the topic of estate planning, they looked at me, puzzled. “We don’t need an estate plan,” they said confidently. “Both our names are on the […]
Estate Planning for the Blended Family: Planning to Keep a New Spouse and All the Kids Happy
For most people, an estate plan is a way to avoid probate and ensure their assets are distributed in a manner of their choosing. However, many fail to create estate plans or do not create them effectively and then their assets are subject to state laws. Arizona intestacy laws do not always provide the results […]
Navigating Estate Planning as a Seasonal or Part-Time Arizona Resident
As I recently went on a hike to enjoy our perfect Arizona winter weather and our breathtaking landscapes, I was reminded that all too soon we will start to warm up again. Many of our Arizona residents will flee the brutal heat and head to cooler weather. Although I am slightly envious of the ability […]