Question 1

What does it mean to fund a trust, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Funding a trust means transferring ownership of your assets from your individual name into the name of your trust. This includes real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, and other property. An unfunded trust provides no probate protection because the trust only controls assets it actually holds. Proper funding is one of the most critical steps in the trust process.

Question 2

How much does estate planning cost in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

The cost of estate planning in Arizona varies based on the complexity of your situation and the documents you need. A basic will package is typically less expensive than a comprehensive trust-based plan.

Question 3

What documents are included in a basic estate plan?

Accepted Answer

A basic estate plan in Arizona typically includes a Last Will or Living Trust, a Financial Power of Attorney, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, a Living Will (Advance Directive), and sometimes a Pour-Over Will if a trust is involved. Additional documents like HIPAA authorizations and beneficiary designation reviews may also be included depending on your needs.

Question 4

Is RJP Estate Planning a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No. RJP Estate Planning is Arizona's oldest and largest dedicated estate planning company, but we are not a law firm and do not practice law. We create comprehensive estate risk-management plans for our clients, and all legal documents, including trusts, powers of attorney, and wills, are prepared and reviewed by licensed Arizona attorneys we partner with. Our lead partner attorney, Clint Smith, has over 30 years of experience in Arizona estate law. Most people choose to work with RJP instead of going directly to an attorney because of lower cost, ongoing support, and full-service coordination that most law offices do not provide.

Question 5

When should I review my entire estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Tax season is actually the perfect time to review your estate plan. Every January, people sort through their paperwork for taxes, and that is when they accidentally discover the biggest gaps in their plan. Not because anything is missing, but because life changed and the documents did not. Maybe your successor trustee is not who you would choose today. Maybe your beneficiary designations do not match your trust instructions. Maybe you opened new accounts last year that never got titled into your trust. Or maybe your plan has not been reviewed since before a major life event like a marriage, divorce, new grandchild, or move to Arizona. The plan itself might be solid, but if the details do not match your current reality, your family could still end up in probate or dealing with months of delays. At minimum, review your estate plan once a year. While you are already sorting paperwork, take 15 minutes to pull out your plan and check three things: that your trust is properly funded with all current assets, that your beneficiary designations are current across all accounts, and that the people you have named as trustees, agents, and beneficiaries still make sense. A small annual review saves your family from major complications later.

The Process for Creating Your Living Trust

Protect Your Family