Law Office of Keith R. Lyman LLC

Law Office of Keith R. Lyman LLC Boutique Estate Planning and Probate Law Firm.

Navigating the Arizona probate court system can be complex. In Arizona, the probate process generally falls into two cat...
03/12/2026

Navigating the Arizona probate court system can be complex. In Arizona, the probate process generally falls into two categories: Informal and Formal. Understanding the distinction is vital for a smooth transition of assets.

Informal probate is the most common path. It is an administrative process handled by a court registrar rather than a judge. Because there are typically no court hearings, it is significantly faster and more cost-effective. This route is ideal when an original, valid will exists and there are no disputes among heirs.

Formal probate is a litigation-based process presided over by a judge. This path is required when legal issues arise, such as a contested will, a missing original document, or disagreements regarding the personal representative. Because it involves formal court hearings, it is naturally more time-consuming and costly.

Choosing the incorrect approach can lead to significant delays and depleted estate assets. For those handling an estate in the Phoenix area, professional guidance ensures the most efficient legal path.

Contact our office for a virtual consultation to discuss your specific needs.

Should every account be titled in the name of your Trust? Not necessarily. For primary checking accounts, the administra...
03/09/2026

Should every account be titled in the name of your Trust? Not necessarily. For primary checking accounts, the administrative hassle of retitling often outweighs the benefits.

Retitling a checking account into a Revocable Living Trust usually requires closing the existing account. This triggers a cascade of tasks: new account numbers, new checks, and the frustration of re-linking every direct deposit and automatic bill pay.

There is a more convenient path: The Payable on Death (POD) designation.

By naming a POD beneficiary, funds pass directly to your heirs upon your passing: completely bypassing probate court. Best of all, you keep your existing account numbers, checks, and automated finances exactly as they are.

It is a practical way to balance effective estate planning with daily convenience. While complex assets belong inside a Trust, a simple beneficiary form is often the superior choice for your daily checking.

Learn more about our virtual estate planning services or schedule a complimentary consultation at www.lymanlawaz.com.



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The 2026 federal estate tax updates have officially arrived. With the individual exemption climbing to approximately $15...
03/05/2026

The 2026 federal estate tax updates have officially arrived. With the individual exemption climbing to approximately $15 million, it is a common pitfall to assume estate planning is only for the ultra-wealthy. This misconception can lead to unintended consequences for your loved ones.

Estate planning is fundamentally about more than tax mitigation. While a higher threshold provides relief from federal taxes, it does not address the complexities of the probate process: the court-supervised procedure for distributing assets: or the protection of beneficiaries. Relying solely on exemption limits often overlooks critical tools like Revocable Living Trusts or Durable Powers of Attorney. These documents ensure your wishes are followed and provide clarity during difficult times.

Whether an estate is large or modest, the goal remains the same: maintaining control and protecting your family's future. With over 40 years of experience in the Phoenix area, Keith R Lyman LLC helps families navigate these changes through a fully virtual and secure process.

Review your plan today. Contact us for a complimentary telephone consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Did you know that your 401(k) or life insurance policy might completely ignore your Will? Many families are surprised to...
03/02/2026

Did you know that your 401(k) or life insurance policy might completely ignore your Will? Many families are surprised to learn that certain assets do not pass through the probate process or follow the instructions in an estate plan. These assets, governed by beneficiary designations, transfer directly to whoever is named on the original form, regardless of what a person's current Will or Trust states.

This demonstrates a common problem in estate planning. If an old insurance policy still names an ex-spouse or a deceased relative, the legal system will likely honor that designation over a newer Will. These forms are often referred to as "Payable on Death" (POD) or "Transfer on Death" (TOD) accounts, and their power to override other documents can create significant hidden pitfalls for your heirs.

Ensuring that these designations are properly coordinated with your overall strategy is essential to avoid unintended distribution of your hard-earned assets. A regular review of your accounts is a small step that can prevent major complications later. Talk with your attorney to confirm that your primary and contingent beneficiaries align with your current family and financial situation.

Big news for special needs planning in Arizona: ABLE accounts just became available to many more families in 2026.The ke...
01/23/2026

Big news for special needs planning in Arizona: ABLE accounts just became available to many more families in 2026.

The key change: an ABLE account can now be opened if the person’s disability began before age 46 (the old rule was before age 26).

Why this matters:
• ABLE accounts can help a person with a disability save and spend for qualified expenses without jeopardizing needs-based benefits (in many cases)
• This expansion helps individuals who developed a disability later in life: often from illness, accident, or service-related conditions

ABLE accounts and special needs trusts can work well together, but the coordination can be tricky. A quick review of the overall plan is often worth it.

To discuss options, schedule a virtual consultation with Keith R. Lyman: Phoenix-based estate planning attorney with 40+ years of experience.
www.lymanlawaz.com

No traffic on I-10. No sitting in a waiting room. No taking a half-day off work.In 2026, more Phoenix families are getti...
01/21/2026

No traffic on I-10. No sitting in a waiting room. No taking a half-day off work.

In 2026, more Phoenix families are getting their estate plans done from home: securely and efficiently: with virtual legal services.

Virtual estate planning can include the same essentials as an in-office visit (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives), but with a process that fits real life: secure online questionnaires, video consultations, and a protected client portal for document review.

The key is having an experienced attorney behind the screen. With 40+ years helping Arizona families plan ahead, Keith R Lyman LLC brings the depth of experience that helps prevent costly mistakes and missed details.

Read the new blog post here: https://www.lymanlawaz.com/blog/estate-planning-from-your-couch-why-phoenix-families-are-choosing-virtual-legal-services-in-2026

If you’d like to discuss your situation, schedule a complimentary phone consultation at www.lymanlawaz.com.

⚖️ Arizona’s Small Estate Affidavit limits have changed: here’s what you need to know.Arizona recently increased the val...
01/20/2026

⚖️ Arizona’s Small Estate Affidavit limits have changed: here’s what you need to know.

Arizona recently increased the value limits for small estate affidavits, allowing more families to settle estates without full probate. ✅ While this is great news, the mandatory waiting periods haven’t changed: 30 days for personal property (like bank accounts and cars) and 6 months for real estate. ⏳

⚠️ Important caveat: If your family needs to sell a home or property quickly to cover expenses or manage the estate, waiting 6 months can be a major hurdle. In those cases, traditional probate might actually be the preferred method to gain the legal authority to sell sooner.

Questions about how these new limits affect your plan? Schedule a complimentary phone consult at www.lymanlawaz.com.

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2550 West Union Hills Drive
Phoenix, AZ
85027

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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