Free 30 Minute Consultation 602-663-9263

Knowledgeable Phoenix Probate Lawyer Settles Decedents’ Estates

Name: John Even
Address: 1221 East Osborn Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85014
Telephone: 602-277-7000
Price range: Free 30 Minute Consultation
Rating: 4.9

Arizona attorney provides advice and representation for executors and administrators

If you have recently lost a loved one, you’ve no doubt heard the word “probate” used in relation to your loved one’s estate. Probate can refer to the court process of validating a will so a personal representative (i.e., Arizona’s term for executor) can implement the decedent’s wishes, or the oversight the court provides for a personal representative who settles an intestate estate. Whether a will exists or not, the process of settling an estate can be complex, so the person who assumes those duties needs the advice of a knowledgeable probate lawyer. I have extensive experience advising clients who act as personal representatives. Personal representatives need sound guidance, since the law holds them personally liable for losses in the value of estate assets due to errors or misconduct. I can guide you through this complex process quickly and efficiently, so you maximize the value of the estate for your loved one’s heirs.

Probate & Probate Litigation

I advise, guide, and represent clients in all stages of the probate and estate administration process. Many of our estate planning clients also turn to us to assist them when a family member passes away.

I can handle everything, from:

probating a Will in court
assisting a Personal Representative or other parties in this process
working with investment advisors to fund a trust.

In addition, I am experienced in helping clients to resolve disputes that arise in the probate context and in probate litigation. He not only has the experience to help families avoid a probate ahead of time, but he also can help them work through the many nuances of a probate case if they are forced to file a probate case.

Have you recently lost a loved one and need help? I’ve put together a resource for you, “A Quick Course in Probate.” Click the button below to access the resource:

Click Here to Request the Resource

Probate attorney who guides you through every step of the process

Most personal representatives have never probated a will; many are surprised to learn the decedent’s will named them as the responsible party. When there is no will, the least-reluctant close relative usually acts as personal representative of the estate, after getting court approval. In most cases, the party responsible for settling the estate has no prior experience with tasks that include:

Filing the will with the Arizona probate court
Getting court approval as personal representative and posting bond
Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously settling the estate
Finding and assembling assets
Paying creditors and claimants
Collecting amounts owed to the estate
Closing and opening bank accounts
Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
Paying current and delinquent taxes as well as estate taxes
Valuing, managing, preserving, and liquidating the estate
Locating beneficiaries
Hiring experts, when appropriate

Personal representatives can easily make mistakes due to inexperience, stress, and hasty decisions. I guide clients through every step of the probate process, with reliable, detailed advice, so you can settle your loved one’s estate as efficiently, quickly, and easily as possible.

Valuing assets within the estate

I assist executors with the arduous process of collecting, valuing, protecting, and liquidating the assets of the estate. When needed, I can call upon accountants, financial advisors, real estate agents, property managers, and other professionals to assist with executor duties and can access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, automobiles, and other collectibles for accurate valuation, management, and possible sale.

Capable management of probate disputes

Even in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes among beneficiaries or between certain beneficiaries and the personal representative. When representing the estate or the estate’s fiduciary, I demonstrate the utmost professionalism in negotiations and in the courtroom. Whether the issue is a will challenge or accusations against a fiduciary’s management of estate assets, I advocate strongly for my client’s rights.

Contact an experienced and knowledgeable probate lawyer

John Even provides probate services in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. Call 602-663-9263 or contact me online to schedule a consultation.

Testimonials

"Thank you for my peace of mind, knowing that my estate and medical attention are in place for my children to handle easily. I appreciate your expertise covering areas I was unaware I should address. John and his staff were very professional and efficient in my estate amendment. I highly recommend this office." -Chris February 28, 2025
"One of the best decisions I ever made was selecting John Even to oversee settlement of my mom’s estate/trust. His wisdom and insight on reaching a positive outcome for each family member was priceless. Without his patient encouragement over three years, I would have settled for a bad compromise early on. Each meeting was concise and educational. John only proposed a meeting when necessary, saving our estate thousands of dollars. " -Bradley December 03, 2024
"It was a pleasure to work with Attorney John B. Even and his excellent legal assistant, Emily, and paralegal, Jacqueline. This competent team seamlessly worked to develop our Will and Family Trust. Mr. Even patiently explained each document to us. John is a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney with a deep understanding of the law and a great ability to clearly explain complex legal issues. " -Rita November 22, 2024
"I enjoyed working with him and his team - everybody was delightful, and they made the process very easy. John is warm and friendly, impressively knowledgeable and explained all the details in simple terms for me to understand. I now have peace of mind about how my assets will be distributed and wishes will be carried out and know that my loved ones won't be burdened by debate, hassle, or financial hardship if I ever end up incapacitated." -Mirelle April 18, 2024
"We have known John Even for many years. So, I will say that he was our first choice. I get many advertisements in the mail for trusts and estate planning and at various prices. I called a few of them. We stayed with John for several reasons. He had a flat fee with us. So there was NO chance of getting billed extra hours for this and that. Which is often the cast once you sign on the dotted line. John was very explanatory about the process of setting up a trust, He looked at all our information. our children, accounts, and many things I had never considered. This was what I needed to get clear on the whole process. " -Thomas January 28, 2024
"Attorney Even and his staff are professional, personable, responsive, and clearly expert in the estate planning world. The time spent gathering our information allowed Mr. Even to produce thoughtful, custom documentation that will serve us well. The print and electronic versions of our records that were provided will make maintaining them, and sharing them as appropriate, very easy...a real plus." -Larrh January 24, 2024
"Our Estate Planning journey with John B. Even and his team was a “5 Star” experience! John’s character, values, and knowledge was evident throughout the entire process. John and his team listened carefully to our wishes, and yet, asked great questions to help us collaborate on exactly the right Estate Plan. We would highly recommend John and his team!" -Rob & Terri September 25, 2023
"Once I made my initial call to Mr. Even‘s office I never looked back – great decision! His staff is courteous, caring and efficient. Mr. Even is professional, highly knowledgeable, good listener and adviser. I highly recommend Mr. Even. It is a privilege to have him on my team!" -Trusts & Estates May 14, 2018
"John is an excellent wordsmith, and did a great job of putting my thoughts, ideas, and issues into a clear legal document. I have known and worked with him for 25 years on business issues, including business purchases, of two companies and then selling them for retirement. He is also a delightful person to work with and has an excellent group of to-workers." -Estate Planning May 3, 2018
"He was willing to spend time explaining things." -Estate Planning February 24, 2018

Reviews and Ratings

5.0/5.0

I have known John Even professionally for 20+ years and he displays the highest level of integrity and honesty in serving his clients.

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Marketing Partner
5.0/5.0

He is an excellent attorney, very knowledgeable, and very helpful to the community.

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Managing Partner
5.0/5.0

I have always been very impressed with John as an attorney, but perhaps most importantly, as a really great person of the highest ethics. I highly recommend John for the highest Martindale Hubbell rankings.

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Partner
5.0/5.0

John is a highly competent and ethical attorney working in the area of estate planning. I have worked with Mr. Even on several cases, both on opposite sides and the same side of issues. He is very professional, thorough and fair.

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Partner
5.0/5.0

i would hire this lawyer for my mother

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Managing Partner