Our Thinking
Staying informed about changes in the law and emerging legal issues can be challenging in today’s fast-moving environment. Fowler St. Clair’s attorneys provide timely thought leadership and practical analysis to help you stay ahead. From evolving industry trends to complex regulatory developments and significant court decisions, we offer insights across a broad range of legal topics. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and perspective needed to make confident, informed decisions in an ever-changing landscape.
Will vs. Trust in Arizona: A High Level View Of Estate Planning
By Dustin Schanaker One of the most common questions I receive when talking to clients about estate planning is, “What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?” Here is how I explain the answer: Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets Think of two boxes – a probate box and a non-probate box. If you were ... Read more
What’s In An Estate Plan?
Estate planning is a critical process that allows individuals to manage their assets and provide for their loved ones after they pass away. It’s not just for the wealthy; everyone can benefit from a well-thought-out estate plan. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential components of an estate plan, including revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, pourover wills, and warranty deeds, and explain how each element plays a vital role in protecting your interests and ensuring your wishes are honored.
Arizona’s New Small Estate Affidavit Law (Effective September 26, 2025): What You Need to Know
For many Arizonans, settling a loved one’s estate can be time-consuming, emotionally difficult, and expensive. Traditionally, even modest estates required a formal or informal probate process—often involving court hearings, fees, court oversight, and significant legal costs.
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Celebrating 14 Years of Growth, Excellence, and Shared Success in 2025 This year marks our 14th anniversary—a milestone that reflects not only our longevity, but our unwavering dedication to the people we serve and the people who make our work possible. Over more than a decade, we’ve grown, adapted, and strengthened our mission. When we ... Read more
Why Hire a Real Estate Attorney?
When buying, selling, renting, or simply owning real estate in Arizona, it is easy to assume that your real estate agent, lender, or title company can handle everything. Arizona is not an “attorney-closing” state, so a lawyer is not automatically required at closing. But real estate is often your largest investment, and even small mistakes ... Read more
How Personal Representatives Handle Creditors and Claims in Arizona Probate
Serving as a personal representative (PR)—sometimes called an executor—comes with serious responsibilities under Arizona probate law. One of the most important duties is making sure creditors and taxes are handled properly before distributing assets to heirs.
Ten Tips Every Business Lawyer Should Give You
Small businesses have enough to do just to succeed. In this day and age, you’re no longer competing with local small businesses, but world-wide small businesses. In addition, each year brings new regulations and requirements from all levels, federal to municipal. As a firm with a dedicated business law department, we’ve put together 10 simple ... Read more
Why We Charge For Legal Consultations
At our firm, we believe in delivering high-quality, personalized legal guidance from the very first interaction.
Representing Yourself – 10 Common Litigation Mistakes
Litigation is expensive and many litigants try to avoid the cost of hiring an attorney by representing themselves. The importance of having a litigation attorney advising you in some capacity cannot be stressed enough. Due to the intricacies of the law and the rules litigants must follow regardless of whether they are represented or not, ... Read more
A Complete Guide to Estate Planning in Arizona
This article outlines the key estate planning tools you should consider, including revocable trusts, testamentary trusts, healthcare powers of attorney, and durable general powers of attorney.