Business Details
Customized Estate & Business Planning Services
Since 1982, our firm has provided comprehensive legal solutions focused on estate, business, and tax planning. Our founder, Ilene L. McCauley, brings over four decades of specialized expertise as a Certified Tax Specialist, combining technical precision with personalized client care. We prioritize maintaining client control over assets during life and ensuring seamless transitions after death through customized strategies.Our practice addresses disability planning, probate navigation, and tax optimization while emphasizing the importance of updated legal documentation. With recognition as Top Estate Planning Attorney in the Valley for nine consecutive years and a commitment to educational outreach, we blend academic rigor with practical application to serve Arizona families and businesses.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Business Planning
Tax Planning
Trust Administration
Highlights and features
- Certified Tax Specialist with 40+ years Arizona legal experience
- Recognized Top Estate Planning Attorney for 9 consecutive years
- Personalized approach combining technical expertise with compassionate guidance
- Specialized in minimizing tax liabilities through strategic planning
- Proven track record in probate administration and business succession planning
Associations and certifications
- Arizona Board of Legal Specialization (Taxation Specialist)
- AVVO Superb Rating
What people say
Personalized approach
Compassionate guidance
Tax expertise
Proven track record
Clear communication
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized legal frameworks to maintain control over assets during life and ensure proper distribution after death. We address disability planning, tax minimization, and legacy preservation while incorporating pet trusts and values transmission. With specialized tax expertise, we develop comprehensive plans that adapt to changing laws and family dynamics.
Probate Administration
We guide families through Arizona's probate process with compassionate representation and tax optimization strategies. Our services include executor selection, court document preparation, tax return review, and dispute resolution. We focus on minimizing fees while preserving maximum asset value for beneficiaries through both traditional probate and probate-avoidance strategies.
Business Planning
Our business planning addresses entity formation, growth protection, and exit strategies tailored to Arizona entrepreneurs. We assist with corporate documentation, operational structuring, and tax-efficient succession plans that ensure business continuity. Services include entity selection, document preparation, and strategic growth planning with tax implications considered.
Tax Planning
As Arizona's certified tax specialist, we implement strategies to reduce current and future tax liabilities through legal structures and timing techniques. Our approach combines estate planning with tax deferral methods to maximize wealth transfer efficiency. We explain complex tax concepts using practical examples applicable to individual and business scenarios.
Trust Administration
We administer living trusts and testamentary trusts with attention to beneficiary rights and trustee obligations. Our services include asset distribution guidance, tax compliance, and dispute resolution between trustees and beneficiaries. We emphasize clear communication and legal compliance while minimizing administrative costs.
People
Ilene L. McCauley
Attorney & Founder
Arizona-licensed attorney since 1982 with Taxation certification since 1983. Recognized Top Estate Planning Attorney in the Valley (2011-2019) and AVVO Superb-rated. Former Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University's Estate and Wealth Strategies Institute.
Cathie Corley
Office Manager
Chicago native with 20+ years office management experience. Joined practice in 2018, providing professional administrative support while maintaining client-focused service approach.
Amy Vianna
Administrative Assistant
Arizona native handling administrative tasks with focus on client communication and document management. Supports daily operations while maintaining personalized service standards.
Sallie Brigham
Receptionist (Retired)
Former social worker with Salvation Army. Transitioned to reception role after raising five children. Provided front-desk support before retirement.
Questions
What happens if I don't create an estate plan?
Without planning, Arizona's intestacy laws will determine asset distribution, potentially causing family conflicts and increased administrative costs.
How does probate work in Arizona?
Arizona's probate process involves court-supervised asset distribution. We help executors navigate documentation requirements and tax implications while minimizing delays.
What's included in comprehensive estate planning?
Our plans typically include wills, trusts, healthcare directives, power of attorney documents, and tax strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.
How can I reduce inheritance taxes?
We employ legal strategies like trust structures, timed transfers, and charitable contributions to minimize tax exposure while maintaining asset control.
What business planning services do you offer?
We assist with entity formation, succession planning, operational structuring, and exit strategies that protect both business assets and family interests.
How often should I update my estate plan?
We recommend annual reviews due to changing laws and life circumstances like births, deaths, or major financial changes.
