Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Arizona

Living Trust or Living Will

My spouse and I want to make a Living Will - I think that is what you call it. We have two grown children. I do not know the forms I need to get.

We own our home and my spouse is still working. I am not and cannot. Sincerely - Diane (Dee) L. Curbey

Please tell me what forms I need to use. We do not want to go thru probate.


Asked on 8/09/06, 2:26 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

James Jenkins Jenkins Law Center PLC

Re: Living Trust or Living Will

I agree with the previous response.

For reasons stated, I do not use the term "living will," because it is confusing. I call it a Personal Medical Directive.

You can obtain a free copy of my audio CD "Your Estate Plan" by calling 480.835.1500.

Unfortunately, setting up a complete and bulletproof estate plan is complex for the layman, and they usually get it wrong. I do not recommend out-of-the-drawer, fill-in-the-blanks forms. They usually cause more problems than they avoid.

Best regards,

James D. Jenkins

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Answered on 8/10/06, 10:14 am
Donald Scher Donald T. Scher & Associates, P.C.

Re: Living Trust or Living Will

It seems that you are confusing at least 3 concepts. A "living will" is an advance medical directive. A "living trust" is actually a revocable trust, a commonly used method to avoid probate and also protect your assets and income during your lifetime. A "Last Will and Testament" is the document that states, upon your death, how your estate is to be administered through the probate of your Will. You should consult with a competent attorney to determine which of the above you may need to accomplish your goals. I would also recommend that you and your spouse each create a durable health care power of attorney and a durable financial power of attorney. You can avoid probate by putting assets in joint ownership with right of survivorship or use a "beneficiary deed" to pass on real property, for example.

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Answered on 8/10/06, 1:06 am


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