Top Estate Lawyers Near Me in Phoenix Area

I grew up in a construction family in the Midwest.  Several generations of my family are involved in the construction industry and as a result I started working in construction, surveying, and engineering when I was in grade school.  This has given me a unique perspective on the practical issues in construction, design, and environmental matters.. As a civil engineer I designed hydroelectric dams, tunnels, water treatment plants, and navigation facilities, and conducted construction site supervision of the Chicago Tunnel and Reservoir Plan and Chicago Freight Tunnel.  For instance, I was one of the original conceptual designers of the civil engineering portions of the Montgomery Point Lock and Dam, which after it was completed, was named 2007's most impressive engineering achievement in the nation with the "Grand Conceptor Award".  The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan better known as the Deep Tunnel is one of the largest civil engineering projects ever undertaken and has received numerous awards.  The awards include being named as the most significant public works project in Illinois of the 20th century, and it was named by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of the nation's top Clean Water Act success stories and is serving as a model urban water management tool worldwide.  The picture above is me in the deep tunnel - 330' below the ground.. I love being a lawyer, husband and a father.  I have the privilege of working at a fantastic law firm and working with great clients.  I am very interested and involved in legal issues related to technology including the emerging areas of renewable energy, environmental issues related to biotechnology, greenhouse gas and climate change, and the combination of environmentally friendly and sustainable construction.

I enjoy helping my clients navigate all aspects of planning their estates and helping them administer the estates of their loved ones. My clients typically begin as "clients" and end up as "friends." I cannot envision a more satisfying area of the law in which to practice. I conduct my practice from my home-office in Phoenix, Arizona.

I am your neighborhood attorney.  I have been in practice since 2000, in Arizona since 2004.  My experience includes the United States Marine Corps, large firms, and small firms, but I began my solo practice in 2011 because the only people I like to work for are my clients.  I am a single parent who successfully fought for equal time with my then-young and now-qadult daughter.  I have extensive trial and appellate experience and cannot wait to help you with your legal problems.

I am passionate about vindicating people's rights, whether in closely-held business disputes (aka, "business divorces"), aviation, personal injury/wrongful death, or intellectual property litigation (including patents).  I am down to earth, yet I understand and can communicate about even highly-technical subjects.  I practice with utmost integrity and respect for my clients.  I'm not here to make my career off of your case -- I am here to solve your problem as efficiently as possible with your full input.  I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your case with you.. Personally, I enjoy SCUBA diving, equestrian activities, camping, quad riding, and aviation.  I have a wife and two young sons who are the light of my life.

I am a fourth generation Arizona native who has been doing estate planning for almost 20 years.  My father before me has practiced almost 50 years and will be joinging my firm in a few years.  I am highly qualified to handle the most complicated estates, but also very simple estates for a good price.. I am a fixed fee lawyer, so you always know what you are going to pay before you are billed.  All of my consultations are free and I am  happy to answer your question over the phone without billing you.. I have a friendly ofice environment.  My office is in central Phoenix in a remodeled home in the historic area.  You may even get to see the office mascot, who is a little dog named Oreo.  We are dog and children friendly, so if you can't find a babysitter, feel free to bring your children.

Giancarlo Estrada is an experienced attorney, licensed to practice since 2005. He completed his legal studies at the University of Notre Dame and completed a Master in Laws in Taxation at the University of San Diego. He is a member of the Maricopa Bar Association, various networking groups and is licensed in both Arizona and California.. Giancarlo has lived in Arizona since 2008. In his spare time he volunteers with the Arizona Pug Adoption and Rescue Network, attempts to golf, and enjoys exploring Arizona’s many outdoor offerings.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Alongi practices in the areas of real estate law, business law, family law, and appellate law.  Prior to practicing law, Ms. Alongi served as a law clerk for the Honorable James B. Sult of the Arizona Court of Appeals.

Douglas Kunath concentrates his practice primarily on commercial real estate and business transactions. He counsels tenants and landlords in connection with restaurant, retail, office, and commercial leasing and lease administration, including drafting and negotiating leases, amendments, assignments, SNDAs, and estoppel certificates. He also represents clients in a variety of aspects relating to the acquisition (including title, survey and environmental due diligence), financing, and development of real property. Douglas has assisted clients with acquiring office buildings, multi-family housing developments, senior housing facilities, and vacant land. He assists clients with the formation and structuring of business entities, and counsels clients on operational matters.

Doug is a dedicated litigation attorney. He currently works on a wide array of legal issues, which include HOA and contract disputes, employment discrimination, and wrongful termination. Prior to his time at the Dessaules Law Group, Doug worked at a general litigation firm that covered personal injury, professional malpractice, contract disputes, real estate and business litigation, and appeals.. Doug has had the opportunity to write numerous appellate briefs, including one for a case in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals that was remanded down from the Supreme Court of the United States. He also attended and graduated from the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy in order to hone his trial skills. With such a diverse background, Doug has the legal expertise to handle whatever issues his clients are dealing with.

Darren Richardson grew up in the rural community of Herriman, Utah, where he worked on his Grandfather’s farm. Darren worked side-by-side with his grandfather from early childhood until he graduated high school. Working on the farm instilled in him an appreciation for hard work and doing things the right way. Most importantly, working on the farm taught him the importance of family and how proper planning can protect families for generations.. At age 19, Darren served a two-year mission for his church in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. During this time, Darren worked closely with individuals and family, affluent and indigent, to help make bad situations good, and good situations better. Through that experience, Darren developed a passion for serving others. A few years after returning from Canada, he graduated cum laude from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies. While pursuing his degree, Darren worked for USAA as an insurance advisor to military personnel and their families nationwide and abroad.. Darren earned his Juris Doctor degree from Phoenix School of Law in May 2013. During his time at law school, he served as a law clerk for the Arizona Governor’s Office of General Counsel, where he worked on all aspects of litigation that affected the Governor’s office and the State of Arizona. In addition, he served as the Sections Committee Chairman of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and as co-editor of the published work, Starting A Law Practice and Professionalism for New Lawyers. Darren started as an intern for Morris Hall in the spring of 2011, and upon passing the Arizona bar exam, accepted an associate position with the firm. Darren currently serves as the estate administration supervisor where he spends the majority of his time counseling with those who have lost a loved one. His is the privilege to provide a listening ear and a calm reassurance to the bereaved, and to ensure proper administration of the deceased’s estate – responsibilities that he takes very seriously.. Darren married his lovely wife, Melissa, in 2003 and they are the proud parents of three beautiful children, Guyene, Nolan, and Cora. Darren enjoys volunteering his time at Feed My Starving Children and St. Mary's Food Bank. He is an avid outdoorsman with a love of camping and fishing and has developed a passion for smoking brisket, ribs, turkey.... you name it!

Daniel J. Slavin, Experienced Real Estate Attorney. Daniel is a principal of the Francis J. Slavin Law Firm which has been serving Arizona for over 35 years. He practices primarily in commercial litigation matters. Representative matters include business litigation, breach of contract claims, real estate litigation, title insurance and escrow related matters, and real property owner disputes related to easements and interpretation and enforcement of property restrictions.. Mr. Slavin was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and holds a B.B.A. from the University of San Diego and received his J.D. from Creighton University. In 2006 he was admitted to the Arizona State Bar, and in 2008 he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, District of Arizona. Mr. Slavin is also a member of the Maricopa County and American Bar Associations.

Chris graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Political Science with honors.  He received his Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Arizona where he was a member of the Law Review. After law school Chris was a Captain, Judge Avocate Division, U.S. Marine Corps, and an attorney with Chief Counsel's office, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, D.C. Chris was also a director of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association. Chris has served as President of the Maricopa County Bar Association. Chris is a licensed real estate broker and a member of the Arizona State Bar Real Property Section. He writes a weekly Real Estate column for the Arizona Republic.

Chaired and lectured at seminars on asset protection planning, bankruptcy planning, wealth preservation and debtor workout negotiations. Appeared as a guest on several radio talk shows, spoken at client seminars for financial professionals, and testified as an expert witness. Works with accountants, lawyers, estate planners, insurance professionals, financial planners and other professionals in addressing the unique needs of high net worth clients. Often called upon to consult with a team of professionals to develop creative solutions to difficult problems

Chad Smith primarily practices in estate planning and probate law. He works closely with individuals and families throughout the state to assist in establishing their estate plan. His primary goal is to give them the peace of mind knowing that their estate is in order. He also meets with family members whose loved ones have passed and represents them throughout the probate process. He makes a substantial effort to ensure that they are helped through this difficult time.. Chad also represents public sector employees throughout the state in administrative matters. He focuses on assisting members of law enforcement through their administrative and criminal proceedings related to their employment. Chad also travels to union lodges throughout the state to conduct trainings and presentations regarding the rights of law enforcement.. Additionally, Chad assists former homeowners recover excess proceeds after a foreclosure of their property. He has filed into hundreds of civil cases and has collected millions for previous homeowners who have lost their housing due to a foreclosure. Chad recognizes that these homeowners are going through a difficult time and need help getting back on their feet. He ensures that their rights are protected and that they are able to claim the money that is owed to them.. Chad is licensed to practice in the state of Arizona in both the Superior Court and the District Court of Arizona. Chad attended Brigham Young University for his undergraduate degree and the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. He now lives with his wife and three kids in Phoenix.

Carla Miramontes is an attorney at Dyer Bregman & Ferris, PLLC.. Carla's legal practice focuses on estate planning, and probate and trust administration.. Carla has over 20 years of business experience building relationship and providing excellent service.. Habla español. Carla can assist clients who prefer to communicate in Spanish.. She received her Juris Doctor from Arizona Summit Law School earning the distinction of cum laude for graduating near the top of her class. While in law school, Carla served as an intern with the Probate Lawyers Assistance Project, was a recipient of the Castro Scholarship, received the CALI Excellence for the Future Awards as a top student, and was a member of the Hispanic Law Society.. In her spare time Carla enjoys hiking, biking, weight lifting, playing the guitar and spending time with her family.

By way of introduction, my name is Lucas P. Frei and I am a tax and estate planning attorney licensed in Arizona and Colorado. I was born and raised in Gilbert and am a lover of all things Arizona.. I graduated from the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2014. I then had the opportunity to attend the University of Denver and received an advanced degree in the laws of taxation (LL.M.). This intensive program required that I take one extra year of law classes, all in taxation. During this time, I was fortunate enough to work at several small law firms in the Denver area. Upon graduating from the University of Denver, I immediately began work at a large law firm in Colorado, eventually being promoted to lead tax attorney in charge of tax planning, estate planning, and tax litigation.. After many years serving the Denver area, I moved back to Arizona in 2021 and have now joined the Phillips Law Group. I chose this firm as we share the same values and approach to the practice of law. We treat clients with respect and pride ourselves on customer service. We believe in a straightforward, honest, and transparent approach to the practice of law. If I can’t help you or if you would be better served by hiring a different attorney, you will hear it from me first. Your trust is of the utmost importance to me.. I utilize my customer service background from my days as a business owner and restaurant manager, coupled with my legal experience stemming from having worked hundreds of cases, to ensure that my clients receive the best possible legal service. It is for these reasons that I was chosen as an Arizona Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2022, a peer given distinction provided to less than 2.5% of attorneys.. While the majority of my legal experience is in tax planning, estate planning, and tax litigation, I have also been involved in business, criminal, immigration, personal injury, and family law matters.. I welcome you to contact me and to schedule a free consultation to investigate your legal matter. I look forward to meeting you and to serving your legal needs.. Sincerely,. Lucas P. Frei, J.D., LL.M.,Attorney at Law. Experience. Tax planning for individuals, businesses, and non-profits including choice of entity, operating agreements, buy / sell agreements, and deduction capture.. Tax return preparation for businesses, individuals, and trusts.. Tax controversy work for individuals, businesses, and non-profits, including tax litigation, audit defense, tax resolution, offers in compromise, payroll tax defense, and criminal tax defense.. State level representation for employee misclassification, tax controversy, property tax, sales tax, and other ad volorem taxation.. Estate planning using wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and all related documents.. Medicaid planning utilizing annuities, trusts, and powers of attorney.. Education. University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, LL.M., Taxation (2016). Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, J.D. (2014). Northern Arizona University, B.S., Interdisciplinary StudieStudies / Humanities (2012)

Bryan Folger is an experienced and successful personal injury lawyer in Phoenix that specializes in taking cases to trial. His practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, and claims for breach of contract.. Hired by insurance companies to represent defendants for the first 11 years of his practice, Mr. Folger brings a unique and effective approach representing individuals and families to maximize the amount insurance companies pay to his clients.. Mr. Folger received his law degree at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2003 and his Masters in Business Administration at California State University, Sacramento in 2005. He is admitted to practice law in Arizona and California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court of Arizona and Northern District of Court California.  He has argued in front of the Arizona Court of Appeals and his appeals have resulted in numerous reported decisions.. As seen in Phoenix Magazine, Mr. Folger was selected by "Super Lawyers" in 2013 and 2014 as one of the top attorneys in Arizona and New Mexico.  He was selected by "The American Society of Legal Advocates" as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Litigation lawyers in Arizona.  Mr. Folger is a member of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association and the State Bar of Arizona, Board of Governors nominated Mr. Folger to serve on the Civil Jury Instructions Committee.

Brooks was born and raised in Arizona as the second oldest of 6 children. Although he lived in Nevada and Washington for a time, he has always called Arizona his home. Prior to law school, Brooks owned and operated a small pest control business in the East Valley.. Brooks received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. He graduated cum laude from Gonzaga School of Law in Spokane, WA, where he was an editor for the Gonzaga Law Review.. Brooks brings valuable experience from several years in trust administration and wealth management at various banks to his current practice areas, which include estate planning, estate administration, and probate.. Brooks and his wife, Shelci, currently reside in Mesa, Arizona with their twin sons. He loves the outdoors, spending as much time as possible hiking and paddleboarding. He also volunteers as a coach for the high school mountain biking team. If you catch him outside, he will undoubtedly have his camera with him.

Brad Johnston is a shareholder and director of The Cavanagh Law Firm, P.A.  He has more than 20 years of diverse experience in civil litigation, including jury trials in state and federal court.  His trial experience includes matters involving personal injuries, construction/indemnity issues, insurance coverage and insurance bad faith, and breach of contract/fiduciary duty.. Mr. Johnston has broad experience in construction and real estate matters.  He  has handled a variety of real estate and construction-related lawsuits, including suits involving defective construction, purchase contracts and leases, boundary disputes and other title defects, adverse possession, and materialmen’s liens.  He has represented national construction management firms, real estate developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and property owners in contract and construction defect lawsuits.  He has handled matters involving a variety of civil, structural, and electrical engineering and also architectural standard of care issues.  He has also drafted construction contracts for developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and property owners.. In the personal injury area, Mr. Johnston has handled many personal injury and wrongful death cases for both defendants as well as plaintiffs, including dram shop, products liability, and tire cases.  He has also defended many cases for insured and self-insured clients, ranging from automobile accidents to products liability, premises liability, nursing home neglect, and elder abuse cases.. Mr. Johnston also has extensive experience in vertical transportation cases and has represented an international elevator manufacturing and service company in a variety of personal injury and contract matters.. Mr. Johnston has handled a number of appeals and has argued cases before the Arizona Court of Appeals.  Representing a Canadian governmental entity, Mr. Johnston obtained summary judgment in an action to enforce a Canadian judgment against a Canadian citizen living in Arizona, which ruling was upheld on appeal.  See Alberta Securities Comm’n v. Ryckman, 200 Ariz. 540, 121 (App. 2001).. Mr. Johnston graduated from Brigham Young University, magna cum laude, in 1991.  He is a 1994 graduate of Cornell Law School, where he served as Articles Editor for the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy.  He served as a judicial extern to the Hon. Patrick Monserrate, Supreme Court of New York.  He is admitted to practice in Arizona state courts, the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  He has served as a Maricopa County Superior Court Pro Tempore.  He is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, and the construction law sections of the Arizona State Bar and the Maricopa County Bar.. Mr. Johnston and his wife are the parents of six children.  He serves as a Unit Commissioner in the San Tan District, Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Beth is a shareholder at Jaburg Wilk and has been practicing law for more than three decades. She chairs the firm’s Estate Planning and Business Law Department. As both a Tax Specialist certified by the State Bar of Arizona – Arizona Board of Legal Specialization and a Certified Public Accountant, she has a unique expertise in assisting her clients with their estate planning as well as closely held businesses. She has assisted hundreds of families – including ones with substantial assets – with their estate needs ranging from simple estate plans to complex multi-generational gifting plans.. Her expertise and wide range of experience in structuring business entities and succession plans allows her clients to take advantage of tax and business opportunities, as well as protecting the individual business owner’s assets from the reach of creditors. She assists families, closely held businesses’ owners, and individuals by providing succession planning, business planning and estate planning. Whether trusts, wills, powers of attorneys, living wills or healthcare directives, Beth has the skills to help clients preserve the wealth they have created to benefit themselves, their family, and succeeding generations. She has also assisted in formation of (501(c)(3)) non-profits and assisted clients with charitable gifting.. Beth has represented clients from the start-up phase of their business to growing into multi-million dollar companies. These are longtime clients and Beth has been an integral part of that growth. She has assisted them with mergers, acquisitions and sales, real estate transactions, entity formation to maximize tax advantages, stock sales, leases, and like-kind exchanges. Representative transactions include:. She has appeared on various television programs to discuss estate planning topics, gifting strategies and other effective estate planning techniques. She authored Charitable Gift Planning, which appeared in the Arizona Attorney and has spoken locally on a number of estate planning topics.

Augustus H. Shaw IV, affectionately known as the "HOA GUY" by his clients and friends, is a lifelong resident of Arizona and the founding attorney of Shaw & Lines, LLC. Augustus has a great deal of experience representing Community Associations, Developers of Community Associations, Developers of Professional Office Condominiums, Professional Office Condominium Associations and Timeshare Associations. His experience includes providing advice on community association document drafting, enforcement and amendment; assessment collection; general real estate and property tax matters; litigation support; and corporate formation, regulation and general corporate advice. Augustus also has experience representing clients in all aspects of general real estate law.. Augustus has published many articles and scholarly writings regarding Community Associations and their legal issues. He has written articles for the Arizona Republic and the East Valley/Scottsdale Tribune. Augustus is also a contributor and presenter of continuing legal education seminars on community association issues. Augustus is also a participant in the City of Casa Grande, City of Chandler, City of Gilbert and City of Mesa sponsored Homeowner Association Academies.. Augustus has served the Community Association Industry by participating as an active member of the Central Arizona and National Chapter of the Community Associations Institute as well as being an active participant with the Arizona Association of Community Managers. Augustus is also a Board Member of The Leadership Centre, an organization sponsored by East Valley Cities dedicated to providing Communities with educational opportunities. He was awarded the organization’s 2006 Lecturer of the Year Award.. Augustus has served his Community at large through service as a member of the Maricopa County Board of Adjustment, the Maricopa County Community Development Advisory Commission and the Maricopa County Merit Commission.. Augustus is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law and licensed to practice law before the State Supreme Court of Arizona, the State Supreme Court of Nebraska, the Unites States District Courts of Arizona and Nebraska and the United States Tax Court.

ASHLEY L. CASE practices in the areas of estate planning, tax, probate, and trust administration with a focus on making the experience pleasant and educational for her clients.  She is experienced in assisting individuals and families in the creation of estate planning documents while educating her clients about the function and necessity of each, in addition to managing the legal procedures associated with probate and trust administration.

As a sole practitioner, my clients have the benefit of individualized attention. It is important for me to execute flawlessly on behalf of my clients. I strive for excellence and hold myself to that standard. As a native Arizonan, I hold strong ties with this great state and am invested in the community. I am dependable, organized, and highly resourceful.

As a Senior Member at The Cavanagh Law Firm, Ms. Cheney practices in commercial litigation with emphasis in real estate and bankruptcy.  She has represented national REITs and small property owners in various landlord/tenant disputes in connection with shopping centers and office complexes.  She regularly negotiates amendments and assignments for commercial lease agreements.  Katie frequently litigates forcible entry and detainer actions arising from non-payment of rent to various other lease violations, handles civil proceedings to enforce contract disputes, conducts landlord lien sales, provides advice regarding lien priority and addresses defaults arising under commercial contracts.  Ms. Cheney also represents creditors in the collection of judgments and enforces creditors’ rights in bankruptcy proceedings.

Andrea received her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. After her studies at ASU, she went on to pursue a law degree at the Phoenix School of Law, where she was honored to be the recipient of the Governor Raul Castro Scholarship for Academic Excellence, and graduated Cum Laude. Andrea was published in the Phoenix Law Review and also served as a staff editor for the publication.. Andrea served two full terms on the Board of Directors for UMOM, has served on the Professional Advisor Committee for SARRC, and currently serves on the Honor Health Foundation Financial Health Advisory Council, the Board of Directors for the Arizona Planned Giving Roundtable, and the Board of Directors for the Arizona Humane Society.. Andrea knows the value of proper planning and how important it is for a person’s hard-earned assets to be protected and distributed in accordance with their wishes.  Andrea works with individuals, families, fiduciaries, and charites and is versed in estate planning and asset protection planning.  She has extensive experience in probate and trust administratoin and enjoys working with clients to make the estate administration process as easy as possible.