
For anyone in Arizona who recently created and/or modified an estate plan, or if a family member recently passed away with an estate plan in place, it is important to understand how questions about “capacity” can potentially lead to estate litigation in our state. What do we mean when we…
We discuss the following topics on this page: Questions to Ask Yourself Questions to Ask Your Attorney Estate Planning Checklist Meet Our Team If you have any assets – even minimal assets – you should take the time to work with an experienced estate planning attorney and make plans for your estate. An…

A conservatorship is a protective proceeding initiated in the Probate Division of a local Superior Court to protect, or “conserve,” the funds and other assets of an incapacitated adult or a minor and to ensure that a person’s financial obligations are being met. The creation of a conservatorship may be…

Given that November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, now is a particularly good time to think more carefully about the risks of nursing home abuse and how it can impact patients with this progressive illness. If you have a parent or loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or…

With more than 3.2 million people residing in nursing homes, abuse and neglect is a growing problem in Arizona and across the country. According to a publication by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), nearly one out of every three nursing homes, in a two-year period, received citations for…

As our parents age, legitimate concerns will arise as to whether they have an estate plan, including all the right documents, and whether everything is in order. Do not assume your parents have already taken these steps; many people die “intestate” – without a will. Essentially, should your parent pass…

For most people in Arizona, a Last Will and Testament is probably the first choice for passing an estate on to heirs. However, depending on the diversity of your assets, you may decide to form a revocable living trust to take advantage of its before and after death benefits. As always, it…

The reality in the United States today is that more and more couples are deciding to live together without getting married. The U.S. Census confirmed this fact when its data showed that the number of live-in couples in the United States rose by 25 percent from 2000 to 2010. The…

In Arizona, it is illegal to abuse, neglect, or exploit a “vulnerable” adult. But under the law, can the perpetrators of “elder abuse” only be confined to nursing home facilities or individuals charged with the care of an elderly person? According to an Arizona Court of Appeals decision, that answer is…

If you are about to have a child or have just welcomed a new child into your family, congratulations! The experienced Arizona estate planning attorneys at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., wish you the best. The arrival of a new family member is a key time to consider updating your estate plan. Your…