Planning Ahead

questions & answers

Question: Where do I go for help writing a will?

Answer: There are two forms of wills that a person can establish. A Living Will (End of Life Care) lets a person to state how they want medical decisions to be followed, by family and medical professionals, if they are no longer able to communicate their wishes. The other form of will deals with property after a person’s death. Any adult in Arizona may draft a will, but speaking to an attorney may help in thinking about things and troubleshoot issues the person may not have considered. The State Bar of Arizona provides a list of certified estate and trust law specialists that may be hired to assist in drafting a will - https://azbar.org/media/lpwbehyy/et_specialists_2020_3-18.pdf In Arizona a person who is older than 18 years of age and is of sound mind may make a will (ARS § ARS 14-2501). A written will should be signed by the person creating the will, notarized, and witnessed by two people who do not have a relationship with the person creating the will (ARS § 14-2502). Arizona Statute provides examples a person can use as the signature section for their will in ARS § 14-2504.