Make a Arizona Last Will and Testament

Arizona State Last Will and Testament Laws

Definition of Will - §14-1201(61)

Laws - Title 14 - Trusts, Estates, and Protective Proceedings

Witnesses - According to §14-2502, the will must be signed by two (2) witnesses.

A Sample Arizona Last Will and Testament with Examples of Each Step

Step 1 - Using your FormSwift Template, provide your name, and your identified gender.

Step 2 - Provide your city and county of residence.

Step 3 - Specify your marital status from one of the following options:

• Single
• Married
• Separated
• Divorced
• Widowed

If you do not identify as single, provide the name of your spouse.

Step 4 - If you have any children, pets, property, or life insurance, provide that information here.

Step 5 - Provide the names of your children, whether they are deceased or living, and whether they will be named as beneficiaries. Also, provide the names of your pets, if you have any. If you have life insurance, you should provide that information here as well.

Step 6 - State the amount of money or percentage of the property you’d like to leave each child.

Step 7 - If there is anyone you wish to set up a trust for who is mentally ill or disabled, specify that here. Setting up a trust for a person with special needs can prevent them from experiencing any difficulties or qualification issues receiving Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Step 8 - State the age that your children must be in order to receive benefits from the trust, as well as the portion that they will receive. Finally, enter the age that your beneficiaries will be if and when the benefits will expire.

Step 9 - If there is a specific funeral home that you would like your body taken to, provide the name and address of the funeral home.

Step 10 -  If you know where the meal after the funeral service should be held, the type of food you’d like served, or you have other specific burial arrangements you want to be honored, specify that information.

Step 11 - Name your Executor - An Executor is a person in charge of administering your estate once you pass away. This can be a beneficiary in the will, or someone else that you trust, such as your attorney or friend. It is important to name an Executor. If one is not named, the court will appoint one for you. Provide the following of your Executor

• Executor’s Name
• Relationship

If you’d like to provide an alternate Executor, or if there is someone you do not want to act as your Executor, provide their name and relationship to you as well.

Step 12 - Appointing a Trustee - If your assets are already set up in a trust, be sure to name a Trustee who will be responsible for distributing the assets out of this trust to beneficiaries. If your assets are in a trust, provide the following information:

• Name of your Trustee
• Your relationship with him or her

Step 13 - Digital Executor - A Digital Executor is a person charged with distributing your digital assets. Digital assets include trademarks, copywriters, valuable photos, digital currency, etc.  If you have digital assets and wish to appoint a Digital Executor, provide the name of your Digital Executor

• Name of Digital Executor
• Relationship

Step 14 - Guardian for Your Minor Children - If you have minor children and wish to appoint a guardian for them in the event you die while they are minors, provide the name of the Guardian that you wish to care for your children should you pass away, as well as their relationship to you. You should also include information for an alternate and a conservator.

• Name
• Relationship to you

Step 15 - Additional Beneficiaries - If you wish to appoint additional beneficiaries, provide the following information:

• Beneficiary Name
• Relationship
• Inheritance amount.percentage

Step 16 - Disinheriting a Beneficiary - If there’s someone you wish to disinherit a spouse, child, or another beneficiary, provide the following information below:

• Disinherited’s Name
• Relationship to you

Step 17 - Witnesses - Provide the following information for both witnesses:

• Name
• Address (including city, state, zip code)
• Telephone Number

Remember to sign your will, and have it signed by two (2) witnesses in addition to being notarized by a Notary Public.

Why do you need an Arizona last will and testament form?

In Arizona, it is important to have a last will and testament for estate planning purposes. Any real estate, assets, personal property, pets, or dependents will be provided for and dispersed based on your will. Without a will, a person’s assets and the fate of any dependents will be decided by the courts.

The benefits of having a will

• A major advantage of having a will in place is that you can determine an executor or someone who will determine the fate of your assets and dependents. Without naming an executor, the court will appoint one for you.
• A testator (or the person who creates the will), can decide what happens to any assets, real estate, savings, or business holdings.
• Arizona laws uniquely allow for pet trusts as well.

The costs of not having a will

In Arizona, without a will (known as dying intestate), your assets will be distributed to any close family members, starting with a spouse, then children, and then grandchildren. If no living relatives can be found, the state will assume all assets.