Phoenix, AZ estate planning attorney Mark A. Bregman talks about his main philosophy in being an estate planning attorney. He explains that estate planning cannot be approached effectively without first understanding a client’s family, financial circumstances, and, most importantly, their intentions. His process is highly focused on gathering detailed information and engaging in meaningful conversations that reveal what clients truly want to achieve. In his view, individuals who come in simply requesting a will or a trust are not ideal clients. Instead, those who express a desire to provide for their family create the foundation for building a tailored estate plan—whether through a will, a trust, or a combination of both.

His philosophy is not to rely on standardized questionnaires that result in a generic plan prepared by the following week. Rather, he prioritizes personal dialogue, encouraging clients to share about their children, parents, and family dynamics. If those discussions do not naturally reveal deeper insights, he explores further by asking about family values, how wealth was created, and what clients hold most dear. From this approach, he is able to design estate plans that reflect the client’s goals and values.

When conversations turn to family relationships, he often asks not only whether children get along but also delves two or three levels deeper to uncover potential challenges. This process encourages clients to speak openly about themselves, often leaving the meeting with a greater sense of clarity and purpose rather than simply feeling that a legal transaction has taken place. For clients whose needs are limited to basic asset transfers, he acknowledges that online resources may suffice. However, his practice is dedicated to providing a customized, thoughtful approach to estate planning that goes far beyond standard templates.