Gifts That Pay You Income

Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) are a great way to make a lasting difference for ministries while receiving tax-favorable income for you, your spouse and your children. Many supporters prefer charitable gift annuities because of their attractive payout rates and their significant impact.

Charitable Gift Annuities

Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) are a great way to make a lasting difference for ministries while receiving tax-favorable income for you, your spouse and your children. Many supporters prefer charitable gift annuities because of their attractive payout rates and their significant impact.

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Charitable Remainder Trusts

Income for life for you and your family while reducing your taxes. By using assets or cash to fund the trust, you receive income and an income tax credit the year in which you transfer your assets. The remaining portion of the trust, after all payments have been made, comes to you.

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Wills vs. Trusts in Arizona: Choosing the Right Path for Your Legacy

When you begin your estate planning journey in Arizona, the first crossroad you’ll encounter is the choice between a Last Will and Testament and a Revocable Living Trust. Both documents allow you to dictate who receives your assets, but they function very differently when it comes to cost, privacy, and the court system.

At GIS, we view this choice through the lens of Wealth Stewardship. It’s not just about who gets your "stuff"—it’s about protecting your family from unnecessary legal hurdles and taxes

The Arizona Will: Simple, but Subject to Probate

A Will is a legal document that speaks only after you pass away. It is often the starting point for many families because it is straightforward to create.

Pros of a Will:

Lower Upfront Cost: Generally less expensive to draft than a trust.
Guardianship: A Will is the primary place where you legally nominate guardians for your minor children.

Cons of a Will:

The Probate Requirement: In Arizona, a Will essentially acts as a letter to the probate judge. It must go through the court process to be validated and executed.
Public Record: Once filed for probate, your Will becomes a public document. Anyone can see your assets and who you chose to inherit them.

The Revocable Living Trust: The Private, Probate-Free Alternative

A Trust is a "living" entity that you own and control during your lifetime. Unlike a Will, it remains active if you become incapacitated and continues to function seamlessly after you pass away.

Pros of a Trust:

Probate Avoidance: Assets held in a properly funded trust skip the probate court entirely, saving your heirs months of delay and thousands in legal fees.
Privacy: Trust administration is a private contract. Your neighbors and the public never see the details of your estate.
Incapacity Planning: If you are unable to manage your affairs due to illness, your successor trustee can step in immediately without a court-ordered conservatorship.

Cons of a Trust:

Higher Initial Setup: Requires more detailed legal work upfront and the "funding" process (re-titling your assets).

The 2026 "Small Estate" Update: Does Your Estate Qualify?

Arizona law recently changed to make things easier for smaller estates. As of late 2025, the thresholds for skipping formal probate via a "Small Estate Affidavit" have increased significantly:

Real Estate: Up to $300,000 in equity.
Personal Property: Up to $200,000.

If your total assets in Arizona exceed these amounts, a Will guarantees a trip to probate court. For most homeowners in Tucson and Sahuarita, a Trust is now the most practical way to stay below these court-mandated triggers.

Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Arizona Will	Revocable Living Trust
Effective Date	Only after death	Immediately upon signing
Probate	Required for estates over limits	Avoids probate entirely
Privacy	Public Record	Completely Private
Incapacity	No protection	Built-in protection

Which One Is Right for You?

The right choice depends on your specific goals, the complexity of your assets, and your desire for privacy. While a Will is a foundational tool, a Trust is often the preferred "stewardship" vehicle for families looking to simplify the transition of wealth to the next generation.

Estate Planning

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Move from Uncertainty to Financial Clarity

Complex financial decisions benefit from experienced and thoughtful execution Schedule a brief date and time to discuss your goals and how we will help.