The start of a new year is one of the few moments when people naturally pause and take stock of their lives. For Arizona families, that pause often includes finances, insurance, taxes, and long-term planning. What tends to get overlooked is estate planning, especially when documents already exist. Many people assume that once their estate plan is signed, it is “done.” In reality, estate planning documents are only as effective as their accuracy, coordination, and alignment with current law and family circumstances.

Most people think their estate plan is “finished” the moment they sign their documents. They sit through the signing meeting, feel relieved that everything is finally in writing, take their binder home, and assume the job is done. But the truth is that the documents themselves are only half the work. The step that actually determines whether the plan functions the way it’s supposed to is the one most people ignore: getting the assets aligned with the plan.

The holidays have a way of bringing families together and reminding us what truly matters. Between the travel, the meals, and the conversations that stretch late into the evening, it is also a time when many people think about the bigger picture. This is when questions about the future tend to surface. Who will make decisions if I cannot? Are my wishes written down somewhere? Have I made things as easy as possible for my family?

Choosing a trustee is one of the most important decisions you will make when creating a trust. A trustee is the person or institution you appoint to manage the assets in your trust and to carry out your instructions when you can no longer do so. The role is a serious one. The trustee has a legal duty to act in the best interest of your beneficiaries, to manage trust property responsibly, and to follow the terms you have written.

In Arizona, many families try to keep estate planning simple. Instead of working with an attorney, they use shortcuts: adding children to the deed of the family home, putting kids on bank accounts, or gifting property during life. On the surface, these moves may look like an easy way to avoid probate or legal fees. In reality, they often create costly problems — from tax bills to lawsuits between siblings. Here’s why “do-it-yourself” fixes often backfire in Arizona and end up costing more in the long run.

It’s that time of year again—Targets packed with dorm supplies, IKEA lines stretching around the block, and moving vans pulling into Tempe for ASU’s move-in weekend. For parents, this season is all about making sure your student is ready for independence—new bedding, laptops, and maybe a little advice about laundry.

But college move-in season is also the perfect reminder that your estate plan needs to keep pace with your family. Once your children turn 18, guardianship provisions in your will or trust are no longer necessary. Instead, planning shifts to protecting young adults financially while preparing them to handle the responsibility of inheritance.

What happens if you and/or your partner pass away while your children are still minors? A last will and testament or living trust ensures a seamless transition for the care of your minor children. If you die without a will or living trust formally appointing a guardian for your children (intestate), the court may appoint a guardian for your child. Priority is generally given to family members. The process can be contentious if multiple relatives disagree about the best interests of the child or children.