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The following articles are reprints of Mr. O'Steen's legal advice columns which appeared in The Arizona Republic and other newspapers across the State. We hope that they are helpful in answering some of your legal questions. If you require more specific or personalized assistance, we encourage you to consult with an attorney. |
| State Law May Satisfy Estate-Disposal Wishes Without Need for a Will | |
| Contrary to popular belief, not everyone needs a will. Arizona law has a plan for estate distribution. It applies to those who die without a valid will. | |
| Use Precise Language When Drafting Will | |
| Will drafting can be a daunting task. A variety of future circumstances often must be anticipated and considered in the drafting process. The task is to cover every possible contingency. In addition, the language of a will must be perfectly clear and precise. Ambiguous terms or provisions may give rise to legal disputes. | |
| Double-Checking Validity of Will Is Good Idea | |
| Most adults who live in Arizona moved here from other states. Many brought their wills with them. If you are one of those, you may have questions about the validity in Arizona of wills drafted in other states. | |
| Powers of Attorney Are Intended to Meet Broad or Specific Needs | |
| A power of attorney can be a helpful tool in solving many business, legal and medical problems. | |
| Trusts Avert Too-Much Too-Soon Problems | |
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James Howell once quipped that "a fool and his money are soon parted." The same can be said for many young people with too much money. A certain level of maturity is required to appreciate the importance of financial management and spending restraint. |
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| Choice of Guardian for Children Should Be Expressed in Your Will | |
| If you have minor children, you probably have strong feelings about who should raise them if you and your spouse die before they reach adulthood. In Arizona, children under age 18 are minors. | |
| Records Ease Survivors' Task | |
| If you are the type of person who changes windshield wiper blades on your car before it rains, you may not need to read this column. If, however, you typically overlook preventative maintenance, you should read further and consider my advice. | |
| Keep Vital Documents in Secure Place, Control Distribution of Copies | |
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Will storage is an important albeit unexciting legal topic. If you have a will, you should safeguard it properly. The will also should be in a place that is reasonably accessible to your personal representative (executor) after your death. |
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| Burial Requests Not Binding | |
| Post-mortem subjects are not very popular, but it may be some comfort to know that your reasonable desires regarding your final resting place or other post-mortem instructions will be followed to the extent possible. |