Specializing in All Types of Probate Litigation:

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Probate, Trust & Estate Contests & Disputes

We have helped 100s of individuals address a wide variety of probate and trust conflicts, disputes, challenges and contests. We are a firm that focuses on probate litigation.

Arizona Guardianships & Conservatorships

Guardianships & Conservatorships

If you have questions or need help with an Arizona guardianship or conservatorship, we are here to help. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling a broad scope of issues arising in Arizona guardianships and conservatorships.

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Exploitation, Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Adults

Sadly, when vulnerable or disabled adults need help the most, they can be financially exploited or abused/neglected. Theft is often committed by those who are supposed to be caring for them, such as family members, nursing home or assisted living staff or other caregivers.

Arizona Probate and Estate Dispute Lawyers

Navigating the legal waters of probate, trust and estate law in Arizona, can involve complicated matters that should typically not be handled alone. At Berk Law Group, P.C., we understand the complications that can arise after the passing or incapacitation of a loved one, be it a spouse, parent, grandparent, or even a dear friend.

Our experienced estate and trust lawyers can provide you with a wide range of legal services, aiding you with disputed estate matters such as over inheritance, wills, probate, trust, guardianship, conservatorship and elder law. We assist fiduciaries, such as personal representatives and trustees, heirs and beneficiaries in virtually all types of Arizona probate, trust, estate and elder law matters.  We are also available to assist in probate, trust and estate administration.

If you have a probate, trust or estate legal issue in Arizona, contact a team that understands and can actively respond to your needs. Reach out to us today at 480.607.7900 or contact our office.

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Arizona Elder Law Attorneys: Financial Exploitation and Abuse/Neglect of Vulnerable Adults

Our elderly friends, parents, and grandparents hold a special place in our lives. As members of the Silent Generation, or possibly even the Greatest Generation, they give us comfort, wisdom and advice based upon experience, and a window into our past. When they are not treated with the respect they deserve, it hurts us and our community. And when they are taken advantage of, that hurt often transforms into anger, frustration and confusion. This is where an attorney experienced in handling claims for financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and elder abuse/neglect can help.

At Berk Law Group, P.C., we believe the exploitation and abuse of the elderly happens far too often, sadly by those closest to the victim. This could be a family member, friend, or caregiver who greedily helps themselves to your loved one’s money, property, or assets, or who neglects or physically abuses the vulnerable adult.

We are thankful that, under Arizona law, this kind of behavior is not tolerated. Special protections are provided, potentially imposing severe penalties on those who take advantage of, abuse or neglect incapacitated or vulnerable adults.

Your loved one is not likely going to take legal action alone. It is up to you to take that step and get them the help and guidance they need. If your loved one is a victim of financial exploitation or physical abuse or neglect, or you need to defend against false allegations of such misconduct, call 480.607.7900 or contact one of our experienced Scottsdale elder law attorneys today for help and guidance.  We are here to discuss the circumstances and ways that our firm may be able to help. We understand the available routes provided by Arizona elder law and can provide answers you can trust.

Do you want to learn more about Arizona financial exploitation claims?

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Scottsdale Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorneys

Implementing and navigating an Arizona guardianship or conservatorship can be daunting. Such proceedings have the potential to deprive the ward (the person in need of protection) of his or her constitutional right to make his/her own decisions of where to live, medical care and other important issues. Understandably, the law has certain protections to ensure that someone is not deprived of their rights unless all legal requirements are satisfied.

Our Arizona attorneys regularly handle contested and uncontested adult and child guardianship and conservatorship matters. If you have any questions or need help filing, defending against or administering an guardianship or conservatorship matter in Arizona, please contact us today.

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Proud to Serve Scottsdale and All of Arizona

When selecting a law firm to help you and your family make the correct legal decision for your circumstances, what are you looking for in an attorney?

Our team of Scottsdale probate litigation lawyers provides the attentiveness, personalization, accessibility and creativity available in a small firm environment. We combine that with our many years of diverse experience.

We understand that your situation stretches beyond the legal realm, affecting your life , as well as the lives of those close to you. It is with this understanding that we approach our work, making sure that you are treated as a person—not just another file with a name on it, passed from one paralegal to the next.

If you are facing a probate, estate, trust or elder law legal matter in Scottsdale, Arizona, or anywhere within the state, contact Berk Law Group, P.C.  Our Arizona probate litigation lawyers will apply our experience, vigorous work ethic, and dedication to service to your situation.

Request an appointment via the form on our website or give our office a call today.

What Our Clients Say

Professional and Reliable

Kent and his team were very professional and reliable. They assisted me with my father’s probate during a difficult time of loss and grief. Our case had a challenging opposing party, but this team handled it in a strong and confident manner. I would recommend them for any litigation regarding probate, as their legal team is well versed with this subject and are willing to put in the time and effort to fight for you/your loved ones.

– Chelsea Denny

Highly Focused and Efficient

I cannot begin to convey the respect I have for the Berk Law Firm. Kent Berk is a brilliant attorney who remained calm, ethical and professional in dealing with the complexity of my case. He listened, questioned, then masterfully shaped his legal strategy. Kent and Mia Samartinen, another lawyer at the firm, always responded honestly, quickly, and thoughtfully to my many concerns, explaining every step along the way. I felt very confident in their ability to secure the best possible outcome for me, AND was not disappointed! Kent and Mia were highly focused and efficient which led to the fees being very cost effective. I am proud and happy to have been represented by the Berk Law Firm.

– Jim Dilamarter

Exceeded My Expectations

My mother passed away over four years ago and since that time Kent Berk and his firm have been helping me with my mother’s estate. Just recently we executed the final part of this effort and this wouldn’t have been possible without Kent and his firm behind me every step of the way. They exceeded my expectations!

– Heather Walker

Fantastic at Strategizing

Salim Shleef, Associate Attorney for Berk Law Group., was fantastic to work with. He represented me through a tough Trust case. Throughout our case, Salim would give us the pros and cons of each situation and allow us to decide. He always had our best interests in mind and was fantastic at strategizing and litigating our case. I called Salim the “Velvet Hammer” because he could hammer out our point without being offensive. He was a master during our mediation process. You honestly could not find a better attorney than Salim Shleef!

– Don Shoemaker

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Types of Probate in Arizona?

Arizona has four types of probate: Small Estate, Informal Probate, Formal Probate...

Arizona has four types of probate: Small Estate, Informal Probate, Formal Probate and Supervised probate. All probate proceedings are considered public records in Arizona, unless the records are defined as “confidential” under Arizona’s Rules of Probate Procedure or the Court directs that the file is sealed and private.

Types of Probate in Arizona

How Much Does Probate in AZ Cost?

The cost of the Arizona probate process varies greatly and depends on...

The cost of the Arizona probate process varies greatly and depends on several factors. Some of the issues that may affect the cost are:

Whether probate is opened within two years of the decedent’s death.
If the decedent left a will, whether the survivors have the original will or just a copy.
The size of the probate estate.
Whether there are any disputes, challenges or contests.

How Much Does AZ Probate Cost?

What Are the Steps in the AZ Probate Process?

Depending on your assets and estate planning documents, such as your will,...

Depending on your assets and estate planning documents, such as your will, when you die, your estate may have to go through probate. The probate process varies from state to state and depends on individual circumstances. Here is an overview of the Arizona probate process and what it entails.

What Are the Steps in the AZ Probate Process?

Can Life Insurance be Attached by Creditors?

Life insurance proceeds is one of the most common assets left to...

Life insurance proceeds is one of the most common assets left to an estate or trust by a person who dies. But, what happens when the proceeds are received? Can they be attached by creditors of the person who died? Fortunately for beneficiaries, certain life insurance proceeds receive special protection under Arizona law.

Creditor’s Claims in Arizona Probate

What are the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

The unfortunate truth is that the nursing facilities that are supposed to...

The unfortunate truth is that the nursing facilities that are supposed to serve and protect some of the most vulnerable members of society are sometimes the perpetrators of that abuse. Sometimes profit motive drives the abuse: short staffing and resulting infrequent contact with residents can leave the elderly just as physically and psychologically damaged as…

Nursing Home Abuse Warning Signs

What are Non-Probate Assets?

A recent unpublished probate case, In re Maynard, deals with the issue...

A recent unpublished probate case, In re Maynard, deals with the issue of failing to identify beneficiaries when using non-probate assets. A non-probate asset is defined as a financial or legal instrument that designates a beneficiary as part of its legal function. By doing so, the instrument passes outside of probate.

Non-Probate Assets and Designated Beneficiaries

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Serving Scottsdale and All of Arizona

 

Our team of Scottsdale lawyers provides the attentiveness, personalization, accessibility, and creativity available in a small firm environment. We combine that with our many years of diverse experience.

If you are facing a legal matter in Scottsdale, Arizona, or anywhere within the state, contact Berk Law Group, P.C. We will apply our experience, vigorous work ethic, and dedication to service to your situation.