Best Probate Lawyers in Glendale

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Glendale, Arizona?

  For non-emergency concerns or to speak to a Glendale Police officer, call (623) 930-3000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Glendale, Arizona?

  To obtain a copy of your traffic accident report, call (623) 930-3100. You can also go on the website of the Glendale government, download and fill out a Public Records Request form (PDF), and email it to PDPublicRecords@glendaleaz.com. Another option is to mail the completed form to this address: Glendale Police Department Attn: Records 6835 N. 57th Drive Glendale, AZ 85301

• What are the responsibilities of a personal representative in a probate process in Glendale?

  If you are named in the will or chosen by the Glendale court as the decedent's personal representative, you will facilitate the collection of assets, including real estate, retirement and bank accounts, and business assets. After that, you will settle the decedent's debts, pay off claims, and distribute inheritances to beneficiaries. Finally, you will file the decedent’s last tax return. The decedent's estate will then be closed once it passes the judge's review.

• Can you avoid having your family go through probate when you pass in Glendale?

  Yes, your Glendale family can avoid probate through your proactive estate planning. Some estate planning tools that you can establish include the following:

  • Wills – To specify your wishes like who gets what, your will executor, or your children’s guardian
  • Trusts – To assign a person to manage your assets and specify conditions of the asset management
  • Estate tax planning – To minimize taxes on your family
  • Powers of attorney – To designate the person who will make decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated

• Do you have to go to court for the probate process in Glendale?

  Not necessarily. There are three probate types in Glendale, and only one heavily involves the court:

  • Supervised Probate - This can be requested by any party with interests in the estate. The court will supervise and must approve each action in the probate before implementation.
  • Formal Probate - The court is involved due to a legal concern or dispute with the estate's administration, such as a will contest.
  • Informal Probate - Minimal to no court participation. For estates with valid and uncontested wills.

• When is an estate subject to probate in Glendale?

  Probate is needed if the decedent has assets but no designated beneficiaries, which is usually the case for decedents with no wills. The family may also need to go through probate if there is a will, but the will needs court validation. Furthermore, estates valued over $75,000, or estates with real properties valued over $100,000 are required to go through probate in Glendale.

• Are all of the decedent’s assets subject to creditor claims during probate in Glendale?

  No, there are certain assets that are exempt from creditor claims and assets upon which heirs have priority claims in a Glendale probate. According to Arizona Revised Statutes Sections 14-2402, 14-2403, and 14-2404, these may include homestead allowance, personal effects, automobiles, household furniture, and reasonable family allowance. These exempt allowances and properties are entitled to the decedent’s living spouse and children of minor ages.