Your Life Changed. Your Estate Plan Should Too.
Especially after a divorce. If you don’t have an estate plan, a court decides what happens to everything you’ve built.
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Without a Plan, Arizona Decides For You.
No estate plan means your assets, your kids, and your legacy go through probate. That is a slow, public court process where a judge makes decisions you could have made yourself.
Estate planning puts you back in control of:
You decide where your money, property, and belongings go. Without a plan, Arizona law decides for you.
If you are ever sick or incapacitated, someone needs to pay your bills and manage your accounts. You should choose who that is.
This is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Don't leave it up to a court.
A good plan keeps things moving. No plan means delays, court fees, and stress for the people you leave behind.
A Complete Estate Plan Covers All of This.
- Last Will and Testament: Names who gets what and who carries out your wishes.
- Trusts: Keeps assets out of probate. Controls when and how your heirs receive what you leave behind.
- Powers of Attorney: Appoints someone you trust to handle your finances if you are ever unable to.
- Healthcare Directives: Spells out your medical wishes and names the person who speaks for you.
- Guardianship for Minor Children: You choose who raises your kids, not a judge.
Your Divorce Is Done. Is Your Ex Still in Your Estate Plan?
Divorce changes nearly every legal and financial relationship you had. But your documents do not update themselves. Until you change them, they still say what they said on the day you signed them.
Your ex may still be your beneficiary.
Retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts go to whoever you named last. That could still be your ex-spouse. Arizona law will not fix that for you.
- Check all accounts that have a named beneficiary. This includes your 401k, IRA, life insurance, and even some bank accounts. These pass directly to whoever is listed, no matter what your will says.
- Update them as soon as possible after divorce. This is one of the fastest and most important changes you can make.
Your will still reflects your old life.
Trusts and legacy documents written during your marriage were built around a life you no longer have. Your goals, your assets, and your family have all changed since then.
- Review your will and any trusts you set up together. What made sense when you were married may no longer apply.
- Make sure your assets go where you actually want them to go. A simple review can prevent your estate from going to the wrong person.
Your ex may still have legal authority over you.
If your documents name your former spouse as your healthcare or financial decision maker, that authority does not automatically go away after divorce. Until you change it, it stands.
- Update your powers of attorney right away. If something happens to you tomorrow, your ex could still be the one making decisions on your behalf.
- Name someone you trust now. Choose someone who reflects where your life is today, not where it was.
Your children need a plan, not a courtroom.
If you do not name a guardian and financial custodian for your children, a court will. That process is slow, expensive, and the outcome is not up to you.
- Name who raises your children if you are gone. Put it in writing so there is no question.
- Name who manages their money until they are adults. A financial custodian makes sure your children's inheritance is handled responsibly until they can manage it themselves.
YOU NEED A TEAM THAT KNOWS ARIZONA LAW.
Modern Law helps Arizona families protect what matters most. Our attorneys combine legal experience with practical guidance to create plans that reflect real life, support your goals, and protect the people you care about.
Why families choose Modern Law:
Experienced Arizona family law and estate planning attorneys
Clear guidance through complex legal decisions
Plans designed for real-life situations, including divorce and blended families
A supportive team focused on protecting your future
Get Answers From Our Team
Talk to our Arizona estate planning team and get clarity on your situation today.
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