Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Probate & Estate Planning Services in Scottsdale
Leary & Wence has been providing trusted legal guidance for probate and estate planning matters in Scottsdale, Arizona since 2000. Our firm specializes in navigating Arizona's probate laws, offering tailored solutions for estate administration, trust litigation, and small estate affidavit procedures. With decades of combined experience, we prioritize personalized service, ensuring clients understand their legal options while alleviating the stress associated with estate matters. Our commitment to excellence is rooted in a family tradition of legal service dating back to 1917.We focus on minimizing or eliminating the need for probate while protecting the wishes of the decedent and providing peace of mind to families. Our expertise extends to wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and civil litigation, with a proven track record of guiding clients through complex legal processes. We believe in transparent communication, ethical representation, and delivering outcomes that reflect the unique needs of each client.
Services
Probate
Small Estate Affidavits
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Civil Litigation
Wills & Trusts
Healthcare Directives
Pet Trusts
Estate Litigation
Asset Transfer Guidance
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in Arizona probate law.
- Our team provides personalized estate planning tailored to client needs.
- We specialize in small estate affidavits to avoid probate.
- Our attorneys are licensed in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Arkansas.
- We prioritize transparent communication and ethical legal representation.
What people say
Highly Recommended
Five Star Dedication
Reliable Support
Extremely Professional
Quick to Respond
Services
Probate
Probate services involve administering estates through Arizona's judicial system. We guide personal representatives and heirs in settling decedents' affairs, including asset distribution, debt resolution, and court compliance. Our expertise ensures efficient probate administration while minimizing family stress.
Small Estate Affidavits
Small estate affidavits provide an alternative to probate for qualifying Arizona estates. We assist families in transferring assets valued under $100,000 (real property) or $75,000 (personal property) through legal affidavits, streamlining the process while ensuring compliance with state laws.
Estate Planning
Estate planning services include creating wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney. We design customized plans to protect assets, outline medical preferences, and ensure smooth wealth transfer, reflecting clients' unique family dynamics and financial goals.
Trust Administration
Trust administration involves managing and distributing trust assets according to grantors' wishes. We assist trustees in navigating legal requirements, tax implications, and beneficiary communications, ensuring trusts fulfill their intended purposes efficiently and lawfully.
Civil Litigation
Civil litigation services address estate-related disputes, including contested wills, trust breaches, and probate conflicts. Our attorneys advocate for clients in court proceedings, combining legal acumen with strategic problem-solving to resolve complex matters favorably.
People
Erin Leary
Attorney at Law
Erin Leary has practiced law since 1984, specializing in probate and estate planning. She founded Leary & Wence, PC in 2009, continuing a family legal tradition established in 1917. Her expertise spans wills, trusts, and Arizona probate law.
Questions
What is a small estate affidavit in Arizona?
A small estate affidavit allows heirs to transfer assets without probate if the estate's value is under $75,000 (personal property) or $100,000 (real property), net of liens.
How can I avoid probate in Arizona?
Arizona allows probate avoidance through small estate affidavits, joint tenancy, beneficiary deeds, and trusts. Our attorneys help determine the best option for your situation.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Arizona?
Arizona's intestacy laws dictate asset distribution to surviving family members. A spouse typically receives a portion, with remaining assets divided among children or other relatives.
Can I create a trust for my pet?
Yes. Arizona permits pet trusts to ensure your animal's care after your death. We can help establish funding, care instructions, and caregiver appointments.
What are the deadlines for probate claims in Arizona?
Creditors must file claims within four months of the estate's notice publication. We assist in presenting or litigating claims to protect your interests.
Who can serve as a personal representative in Arizona probate?
Arizona prioritizes appointment of a personal representative as follows: named in the will, surviving spouse, adult children, parents, or siblings. Nonresidents may also qualify under specific conditions.
