Business Details
Your Trusted Arizona Law Firm for Elder Law, Estate Planning & Special Needs
Bivens & Associates is one of the largest and most experienced law firms in Arizona specializing exclusively in elder law, estate planning, and special needs law. Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience assisting seniors, disabled individuals, and families with issues related to aging and special needs. We provide comprehensive legal solutions including asset preservation, qualification for government benefits, guardianship, conservatorship, and drafting special needs trusts.Our team collaborates with financial planners, CPAs, and care managers to deliver holistic advice tailored to each client's unique circumstances. We prioritize compassionate service, taking time to listen and develop personalized plans that protect clients' interests during stressful periods. Our expertise extends to court proceedings for estate and trust litigation, probate, and public benefits navigation, including Arizona's Long Term Care System (ALTCS).
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Elder Law
Special Needs Trusts
Guardianship
Conservatorship
ALTCS Planning
Advanced Estate Planning
Business Succession
Charitable Planning
Highlights and features
- Certified Elder Law Attorney with national recognition
- Over 40 years of combined experience in specialized legal fields
- Holistic approach integrating financial and healthcare professionals
- Proven track record in complex guardianship and conservatorship cases
- Personalized service prioritizing client education and empowerment
Associations and certifications
- National Elder Law Foundation
What people say
Compassionate service
Effective solutions
Expertise in elder law
Thorough legal advice
Peace of mind
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans using wills, trusts, and advanced tax strategies to protect assets and ensure smooth wealth transfer. Our attorneys help clients navigate complex family dynamics while minimizing tax liabilities. With personalized guidance, we ensure your wishes are honored through properly structured legal documents.
Guardianship
Our firm handles guardianship proceedings for incapacitated adults and developmentally disabled individuals. We help families obtain legal authority to make medical and personal decisions while protecting their loved ones' rights. We also represent professional fiduciaries in court proceedings across Arizona.
Special Needs Trusts
We establish special needs trusts that maintain government benefits eligibility while providing supplemental care funds. Our attorneys work with families to create third-party trusts and navigate complex Medicaid payback requirements for first-party trusts, ensuring long-term financial security for disabled beneficiaries.
ALTCS Planning
Our experts help families qualify for Arizona's Long Term Care System through strategic asset protection techniques. We implement legal strategies that preserve wealth while meeting strict Medicaid eligibility requirements, ensuring access to quality long-term care without depleting family resources.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through probate proceedings for simple and complex estates. Our services include asset inventory, debt settlement, tax filings, and distribution of inheritances. We represent both individual and institutional fiduciaries in contested and uncontested probate matters across Arizona courts.
People
Stephanie A. Bivens
Certified Elder Law Attorney
Stephanie Bivens is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation with over 20 years of experience in estate planning and special needs law. She specializes in complex guardianship cases and Medicaid planning while serving as a trusted advisor to families navigating elder care challenges.
Megan Selvey
Estate Planning Attorney
Megan Selvey focuses on estate planning and special needs trusts, helping families create comprehensive plans that protect assets and maintain government benefits eligibility. She brings extensive experience in drafting complex trust arrangements for individuals with disabilities.
Kristin Alkhamisi
Probate Specialist
Kristin Alkhamisi specializes in probate administration and trust litigation, representing fiduciaries in estate settlement matters. Her practice includes handling contested probate cases and guiding clients through complex estate administration processes in Arizona courts.
Questions
What makes Bivens & Associates unique in elder law?
We combine 40+ years of experience with specialized certifications, offering holistic solutions through collaboration with financial and healthcare professionals.
How does your firm handle special needs planning?
We create customized special needs trusts that preserve government benefits while providing supplemental support for individuals with disabilities.
What experience do you have with ALTCS applications?
Our team has extensive experience navigating Arizona's Long Term Care System, helping families qualify for Medicaid-compliant care solutions.
Can you assist with out-of-state guardianship cases?
While focused on Arizona law, we provide strategic guidance for complex guardianship matters involving multi-state considerations.
What advanced estate planning tools do you offer?
We utilize irrevocable trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and dynasty trusts to minimize taxes and preserve family wealth across generations.
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