T.J. Ryan, Trusts Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona

T.J. Ryan's practice encompasses virtually all aspects of family estates, from estate and business planning, to probate and trust administration, to litigating contested estates – an area in which he has achieved a strong track record for positive results. His commitment to excellence in estate controversy and estate planning matters has earned his election as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

T.J. focuses his practice on personal and business planning, including trust and probate litigation, estate planning, estate administration and business entity formation.

While many lawyers litigate a wide range of issues, T.J. Ryan focuses his energies on the areas of probate and trust law. His reputation among his peers led to his selection as "Lawyer of the Year" (Trust Litigation - Phoenix) for 2015 by The Best Lawyers in America®.

He assists his clients with a broad range of disputes involving probate, trust, guardian and fiduciary matters. Matters of controversy include:

• will and trust validity interpretation issues,

• disputes between beneficiaries and fiduciaries over estate and trust operations,

• disputes regarding fiduciary fees,

• exploitation of the elderly and incapacitated or vulnerable individuals, and

• trust modification and termination.

Because of this focused approach, Mr. Ryan has achieved a strong track record for achieving positive results for his clients. Moreover, Mr. Ryan has extensive in-house resources upon which to draw, including some of Arizona’s finest estate planning lawyers, tax specialists, probate and trust administration professionals, and certified private fiduciaries. Mr. Ryan gives special attention to helping his clients gain a clear understanding of the process and the applicable legal framework.

Understanding that litigation can often be avoided between reasonable people, Mr. Ryan approaches each circumstance with a range of alternatives. He presents his clients with all of the options available to them, including alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration.

T.J. Ryan represents individuals, couples and families in the creation of a range of estate planning documents, including:

• wills,

• trusts (revocable and irrevocable),

• health care and financial powers of attorney, and

• living wills.

T.J.'s goals include ensuring that his clients' wishes are carried out upon their death or incapacity and to avoid the public, time-consuming and costly probate process. Mr. Ryan understands that there is no “one size fits all” solution, and he takes great care to ensure that the results his clients desire is translated into their documents.

Additionally, Mr. Ryan's colleagues include attorneys who can assist his clients with elder care and special needs planning. In the event of a death or incapacity, Mr. Ryan assists his clients by helping them successfully carry out their loved one’s intentions through the administrative process.

Professional and Civic Leadership

Mr. Ryan is president of the Maricopa County Bar Association and a past president of the MCBA's Young Lawyers Division.

Active in the community, Mr. Ryan volunteers with the Wills for Heroes Foundation, which provides pro bono estate planning for fire fighters, police and other first responders. He previously served as the Programs and Facilities chair of the Maricopa County Justice Museum and Learning Center Foundation, which endeavors to restore the historical jail within the Old Courthouse in downtown Phoenix and convert it for use as a museum and educational facility.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, riding his mountain bike, and maintaining his single-digit handicap on the golf course.