Case Summary: Estate of Magdalena Rios De Dominguez v. Renee Kay Dominguez (CV-24-0102-PR)
In a significant April 2025 ruling, the Arizona Supreme Court clarified that a facially valid forged deed can trigger the five-year statute of limitations under A.R.S. §
Berk Law Group Blog
The Berk Law Group Blog, published by Berk Law Group, focuses on legal issues related to probate, trust, and estate litigation in Arizona. It covers topics such as probate contests, trust disputes, guardianships, conservatorships, and the financial exploitation and abuse of vulnerable adults. The blog also discusses procedural aspects of probate and estate litigation, including court rulings, statutory requirements, and best practices for legal filings. Additionally, it provides updates on local legal events, hiring opportunities within the firm, and analyses of notable cases affecting estate and trust law. The content is aimed at clients, legal professionals, and others interested in Arizona probate and trust law matters.
Latest from Berk Law Group Blog - Page 6
Connecting the Probate Legal Community: Highlights from the April 2025 Bench/Bar Conference
By Kent Berk
The Maricopa County Superior Court’s Probate and Mental Health Division held its quarterly Bench/Bar Conference on April 15, 2025, continuing its commitment to foster open dialogue and collaboration between the Maricopa County probate, trust and estate bench and bar. These…
Secrets and Scrutiny: What Estate Litigators Might Investigate About Gene Hackman’s Estate
By Kent Berk
“There is always a loose end.” “Everybody has a secret they don’t want you to find. Find it!” Rankin Fitch (by Gene Hackman), Runaway Jury.
Oddly enough, in estate litigation, that “loose end” or “secret” is often a person’s true…
PURE is Teaming Up with HonorHealth
By Kent Berk
Kent and his brother’s new business venture, PURE Pickleball & Padel, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with HonorHealth, one of Arizona’s leading nonprofit healthcare systems, to integrate elite sports medicine services into our upcoming world-class facility in Scottsdale! Under…
Matt Pinfield’s Health Crisis: A Cautionary Tale for Families Facing Emergency Conservatorship
By Kent Berk
In early January 2025, music industry veteran and former MTV host Matt Pinfield experienced a massive stroke that left him in a precarious state of health. According to news reports, Pinfield’s daughter, Jessica, responded by filing for a temporary conservatorship,…
Holding Trustees Accountable in Arizona: Understanding Trust Surcharge Laws
By Kent Berk
Trustees have a legal and ethical obligation to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries they serve. But what happens when a trustee breaches these fiduciary duties? There are consequences. Arizona’s trust laws ensure that trustees who fail to…
Guardianship: The Erosion of Disability Protections and the Duty to Safeguard Disabled Adults
Guardianship plays a crucial role in protecting disabled adults, yet as disability protections erode, guardians face increasing challenges in ensuring their loved ones receive fair treatment under the law. This article examines how judicial decisions, legislative rollbacks, and systemic biases…
2025 AFA Spring Conference
By Kent Berk
Join Kent Berk at the Arizona Fiduciaries Association’s Annual Spring Conference, where Kent will be speaking alongside the Honorable David Gass, Chief Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals, Div. 1, and ethics attorney, Lynda Shely, regarding best practices for use of…
Top 10 Red Flags: Is Your Personal Representative Misbehaving?
By Kent Berk
Power in the wrong hands can lead to chaos, and some personal representatives take full advantage. When misconduct creeps in, beneficiaries lose money, time, and peace of mind. If something feels off, don’t ignore it—watch for these top 10 signs…
10 Key Tasks When a Loved One Becomes Incapacitated in Arizona
By Kent Berk
When a loved one becomes incapacitated, the uncertainty can feel confusing and daunting. Knowing the right steps to take can mean the difference between chaos and control. Below are the ten critical actions (and a bonus tip) you should…