The Arizona Declaration of Trust is a legal document used for estate planning that establishes a trust arrangement in the state of Arizona. This trust agreement provides details on how a person's assets will be managed and distributed during their lifetime and after their death. The Arizona Declaration of Trust outlines the specific terms and conditions of the trust, including the name and identification of the trust creator, also known as the granter or settler, and the trustee who will be responsible for managing the assets within the trust. The declaration also identifies the beneficiaries who will receive the trust's assets. By creating an Arizona Declaration of Trust, individuals can effectively bypass the lengthy and expensive probate process, ensuring that their assets are transferred directly to their beneficiaries. This also helps maintain privacy, as the trust is not subject to public record, unlike wills that go through probate. There are different types of Arizona Declarations of Trust that serve specific purposes, including: 1. Revocable Living Trust: This type of declaration allows the granter to maintain control over the assets within the trust during their lifetime. The trust can be modified, updated, or revoked entirely as per the granter's wishes. 2. Irrevocable Trust: In this declaration, the granter relinquishes control over the assets and cannot make changes to the trust terms without the consent of the beneficiaries. 3. Testamentary Trust: This type of declaration is included within a person's will and only goes into effect upon their death. It allows for the distribution of assets to beneficiaries according to the instructions outlined in the will. 4. Special Needs Trust: This type of declaration is designed for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that their assets can be used to supplement their government benefits without disqualifying them from receiving assistance. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that the Arizona Declaration of Trust accurately represents an individual's intentions and aligns with their unique circumstances and objectives.