The Law Office of Shauna Schmeisser

Second marriages and stepchildren add wonderful complexity to a family—and to an estate plan. Here's how Arizona families can provide for everyone they love.

A new place for clear, practical guidance on protecting your family, your assets, and your wishes—from our Scottsdale estate planning practice.

Many employers offer prepaid legal benefits that cover estate planning. If you have MetLife, ARAG, or LegalEASE coverage, your plan may cost far less than you think.

Probate in Arizona can be slow, public, and costly. These six strategies let more of your estate pass directly to the people you love.

Prenups aren't just for the wealthy. For Arizona couples, they're a practical way to set clear expectations and protect what matters to each of you.

If you couldn't speak for yourself, who would make your medical decisions—and would they know your wishes? Arizona's health care directives answer both.

A durable financial power of attorney keeps your finances in trusted hands if you can't manage them—and helps your family avoid court.

A beneficiary deed lets you pass Arizona real estate to your loved ones without probate—while keeping full control during your lifetime.

Die without a will or trust in Arizona and the state decides who inherits and who raises your kids. Here's what intestacy really means.

Wills and trusts do different jobs. Here's how they compare in Arizona—and how to tell which one, or both, your family actually needs.