Welcome to the Rilus Law Blog!
One of our core values is empowerment and education is a key component of that. Because we are passionate about estate planning, we provide many free resources to empower our community. Explore the blog to gain a deeper understanding of estate planning, or feel free to reach out to us with questions. You could get all your questions answered in a free one-hour meeting with an experienced estate planning and probate attorney.
Explore all of our posts below, or search for a specific topic here.
What Is a Pour-Over Will and Do You Need One?
Unlike what most people imagine, you don’t have to choose between a will and a trust when planning for your estate. In fact, many effective estate plans include both documents working together. One essential type of will commonly used with a trust is called a pour-over will.
What Happens When an Heir Refuses Their Inheritance?
Most people assume that when someone inherits money or property, they simply accept it—after all, who says no to an inheritance?
But it does happen, and more often than you might think.
It’s called “disclaiming” an inheritance, and it’s a legal process that means the heir chooses not to accept all or part of what they’ve been left. When that happens, the inheritance automatically passes to the next person in line, following the will, trust, or state law.
Estate Planning FAQs: Common Myths & Misconceptions Explained
In uncertain times, estate planning can be one of the most valuable tools in protecting your family and your future. Yet many people still underestimate its importance or dismiss it entirely.
Living Trust vs. Last Will: Pros and Cons Explained
Of all the estate planning tools out there, these two are the most popular: Living Trust and Last Will. It’s no wonder that one of the most common questions people ask us is: "Should I create a living trust or a last will?"
Avoid Common Mistakes: How to Choose the Right Executor for Your Estate
The executor, a pivotal figure in the management of your estate, holds the key to ensuring your wishes and intentions are faithfully carried out. A well-chosen executor can streamline the process, while a poor choice can lead to delays, disputes, higher costs, and added stress for your grieving loved ones.
Updating a Will: A Comprehensive Guide to Changing Your Will
A will is one of the most useful tools you can use when planning for your estate. Upon your passing, this simple document is your loved ones’ guide for distributing your assets to your beneficiaries.
Minor Children Guardianship: All You Need to Know
The legal guardianship of minor children is a common and often complicated topic in estate planning. In my decades of probate and estate law practice, I have often encountered cases that involve issues with minor children's guardianship.
Who Gets Assets Without a Will in Arizona?
Your last will and testament is the legal document explaining the distribution of your personal property after your passing. Essentially, it allows you to allocate your assets according to your wishes.
Where is the Safest Place to Keep Your Will?
The tough job of creating your Will is over, but now you want to know: where is the safest place to keep your Will? While you may have heard a few different recommendations, from having an attorney store it or taking it to the county clerk, your choice should be mindfully thought out.
How to Make a Will in Arizona
As an adult with valuable assets, it’s essential to have a last will and testament in place for peace of mind and protection of your loved ones. Your will allows you to plan for the future by dictating how your assets are divided after you have passed away.
Does A Will Need to Be Filed in Arizona?
If you recently moved to the Grand Canyon State, you might be wondering: does a Will need to be filed in Arizona? Lucky for you, our legal team here at Rilus Law is here to help
When Should You Update Your Living Trust and Will
It’s no secret that creating a Living Trust and Will is not most people’s idea of a fun time. However, it’s essential to the strength of your estate plan, the control of your assets, and the protection of your loved ones.
Stop! Living Without an Estate Plan.
Are you or anyone you know living WITHOUT an estate plan? We see the consequences of procrastinating on your estate plan daily in our law firm. We won’t get into the sad stories, so let’s just say it’s not fun when we can’t help someone when their loved one has passed without even a Will.
What You Should Never Put in Your Will
Creating a Will is an essential part of any solid estate plan. It enables you to specify your wishes for the assets you leave behind after you pass.
Is Probate Necessary When There is a Will?
When dealing with the loss of a loved one, the grief can feel impossible to bear. This grief is made even more challenging when you add the pain of being held responsible for the distribution of your loved one’s assets.
10 Tips for Successful Estate Planning
If you want to have a successful estate planning process, you need to start the work early. Estate planning isn’t just for millionaires and the elderly. Estate planning is for everyone!
10 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
If you want to start preparing for your future, make sure you know what common estate planning mistakes to avoid. Working with an experienced estate planning law firm that you trust is key, but there are other steps you should take as well.
10 Essential Estate Planning Tips Everyone Should Know
There are estate planning tips everyone should know to prepare for the future and protect what they’ve worked so hard to build. It can be easy to put off these decisions for as long as possible because they’re difficult and even uncomfortable.
At What Age Should You Start Estate Planning?
If you’re like most people, you probably think that estate planning isn’t an urgent matter. Countless people continuously procrastinate on this task, and, for some, the unthinkable happens before they can complete it.
Essential Estate Planning for New Parents
When you’re a new parent, there are a million things to think of and plan for and you are constantly preoccupied with your baby’s health and wellbeing. Chances are, completing your essential estate planning for new parents isn’t on your mind.
Still Have Questions or Not Sure Where to Begin?
Contact us today to schedule your free one-hour meeting with an attorney to assess your estate planning needs.