How Abatement Works in Arizona
Arizona follows a specific order when reducing gifts. Residuary gifts (the "everything else" category) are reduced first. General gifts (specific dollar amounts) are reduced next. Then demonstrative gifts (amounts tied to a particular source). Specific gifts (particular items left to particular people) are reduced last.
A Practical Example
Suppose a will leaves a $100,000 cash gift to a niece. It also leaves specific jewelry to a daughter, and "the rest" to a son. If the estate has less than expected, the son's residuary share shrinks first. The niece's cash gift would be reduced next. The daughter's jewelry stays protected the longest. It is a specific gift.
How to Avoid Abatement Problems
You can include language in your will or trust that overrides the default order. An experienced estate planning attorney can draft instructions about which gifts take priority. Regular reviews of your estate plan also help. Values change over time. Keeping your plan current means fewer surprises for your family.