Wills Attorney in Mesa, Arizona

While many people associate writing a will with death, in reality it’s more about securing peace of mind and stability for the future. Unless you can predict the course of your life years and decades in advance, the future is always unknown. And, unfortunately, tragedy may strike when you least expect it.  

Having a will in place can take the worries off your shoulders, as you will be able to rest easy knowing that your wishes will be honored and that your loved ones will be taken care of. Drafting a will may seem like a difficult undertaking but, with proper guidance from an attorney, you can feel confident and empowered.  

And Atchley Law Firm, PLC, is here to bring you that confidence and empowerment. Our wills attorney in Mesa, Arizona, can help you draft a “last will and testament” that accurately reflects your wishes. With 25 years of legal experience, our attorney has become a trusted name in the community for providing personal service and tailored solutions to each client.  

Last Will and Testament: Definition and Purposes

A last will and testament–or simply a “will”–is an integral part of estate planning and asset protection. The person creating a will is called a “testator,” while the people or organizations that receive assets from the will are called “beneficiaries.” Writing a will serves several purposes:  

• Ensuring that your property is distributed according to your wishes by determining which heirs will inherit what;  

• Appointing a person who will oversee the estate after your passing (this person is known as the executor or personal representative); 

• Protecting your minor children by naming a guardian; and 

• Ensuring that your heirs have a faster and easier time getting access to your assets by streamlining the probate process.  

However, for your will to work as intended, it must be written in clear and carefully considered language and adhere to all proper procedures in accordance with Arizona law. Our Mesa wills attorney at Atchley Law Firm, PLC, can help you draft a will in a manner that best articulates your wishes and will hold up in court.

Will Requirements in Arizona

Every state has its own requirements regarding the execution of a will. In Arizona, your last will and testament is considered valid and enforceable if you satisfy the following requirements: 

• You are at least 18 years of age when signing the document; 

• You have testamentary capacity to sign the will (in other words, you must understand the nature of making a will and its effects);  

• You must sign the document voluntarily and not under duress, coercion, or undue influence;  

• You must sign the document in the presence of two adult witnesses (their signatures are also required); and 

• The will must be in writing (electronic or physical form).  

As for notarizing your will, there is no law in Arizona that would require you to sign the will in front of a notary. However, notarizing the document is advantageous because it can enhance the document’s credibility through legal authentication. If you want to create a will in accordance with the law to avoid any potential issues that can arise upon your passing, consider drafting your document under the guidance of an Arizona wills attorney.  

Do You Need an Attorney to Write Your Will? 

A will is a basic but an incredibly effective estate planning tool for expressing your wishes. However, you want to make sure that the document is drafted properly and according to all requirements. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones and your legacy will be well-protected come what may. 

The only way you can rest assured that your assets and loved ones will be taken care of later is if you work with an attorney now.  

Our skilled attorney will ensure that your document addresses all components of your estate and that everything is structured in a way that clearly reflects your wishes and leaves no room for doubt or misinterpretation. Your attorney will also help minimize tax liabilities so you can leave as much as possible for your heirs.  

At Atchley Law Firm, PLC, we take a hands-on approach to each case. We maintain clear lines of communication with our clients so that they fully understand the options available to them. We strongly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to estate planning, which is why we work diligently to provide each client with a customized will that addresses their specific needs and achieves their goals.