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Protect Your Family's Future With a Living Trust Attorney in Arizona
What Is a Trust-And How Can It Help Your Family?
A trust is a legal arrangement where you (the grantor) place assets under the care of a trustee, who manages them for the benefit of chosen beneficiaries-following rules you set. In Arizona, the most common is a revocable living trust, which lets you stay in full control during your lifetime, but ensures assets transfer privately and directly to heirs when you're gone. Trusts help families avoid probate court, protect privacy, and simplify inheritance, making them a smart estate planning tool for many situations. Hopkins Law helps you decide if a trust fits your needs and sets up every detail so your plan works as intended.
Trust Services at Hopkins Law-From Drafting to Funding
Many people don't realize a trust is only effective if assets are properly transferred into it-a process called "funding." Hopkins Law drafts clear, thorough trust documents and guides you through retitling real estate, accounts, and other assets to ensure your trust is fully operational. We also explain when a revocable trust is best, and can help with more advanced planning (such as irrevocable trusts for tax or Medicaid purposes) if your situation calls for it. Our dual perspective-as estate planners and probate litigators-means your trust is designed to avoid the real-world problems we see in court.
Key Benefits of a Living Trust
Avoid Probate Delays and Public Court Filings
With a funded living trust, your assets pass to beneficiaries without court involvement-saving time, money, and hassle for your family.
Maintain Privacy and Control
Unlike wills, trusts are not public records. You can set specific rules for when and how assets are distributed, managing inheritances for young or vulnerable heirs.
Plan for Incapacity
If you become unable to manage your finances, your chosen successor trustee can step in, avoiding court-appointed conservatorships.
Protect Beneficiaries
Trusts let you stagger distributions, set milestones, or shield assets from creditors, divorce, or other risks.
Trusts vs Wills
Do You Need Both?
Clients often ask if a trust replaces the need for a will. In most cases, you'll want both: a trust to handle major assets and avoid probate, and a "pour-over will" to catch anything left out. Hopkins Law customizes your estate plan to include the right combination for your goals-explaining every step so nothing is left to chance. We'll help you compare options and choose the strategy that brings the most benefit to your family.
Frequently Asked Trust Questions
Should I get a living trust in Arizona?
If you want to avoid probate, maintain privacy, or provide for loved ones in a specific way, a living trust is a smart choice for many Arizona residents.
How does a trust avoid probate?
Assets titled in the name of your trust do not go through probate court-they transfer directly to beneficiaries under the terms you set.
Living trust vs will - which is better?
Each has a purpose. Trusts are best for avoiding probate and managing complex situations; wills are important to cover any assets outside your trust and to name guardians for minors.
Is a trust only for the wealthy?
Not at all-trusts benefit anyone wanting to simplify inheritance, protect privacy, or manage how and when heirs receive assets.
What's involved in setting up a trust?
We'll draft the trust, guide you through funding it, and make sure your plan is complete, understandable, and legally sound.
Ready to Explore Your Trust Options?
Trusts aren't just for the wealthy-they're powerful, flexible tools that can make life easier for you and your loved ones. Hopkins Law has helped many Arizona families keep their estates out of probate and their plans private. Schedule a consultation today to find out if a living trust is right for you, and let us create a plan tailored to your needs.