Hillary P. Gagnon

Hillary is certified as a Specialist in Estate and Probate Law by the State Bar of Arizona and has been licensed to practice law in Arizona since 1998. For more than 20 years, her practice has focused exclusively on probate, trust, and estate matters. Hillary provides a blend of technical precision and empathetic advocacy for clients navigating the complexities of estate planning, the administration of estates and trusts, and guardianships and conservatorships.

Estate Planning
Hillary works closely with individuals and families to develop customized estate plans that reflect their personal, financial, and family goals. Her practice includes the preparation of wills, revocable living trusts, beneficiary deeds, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related estate planning documents.

Probate and Trust Administration
Hillary advises personal representatives and trustees throughout the estate and trust administration process, including probate proceedings, trust administration, fiduciary compliance, asset distribution, and related post-death matters.

Guardianships and Conservatorships
Hillary has extensive experience in guardianship and conservatorship matters involving vulnerable adults, incapacity issues, and complex family dynamics. She represents fiduciaries and family members in uncontested guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, including matters involving appointment of a guardian and conservator and on-going financial management and healthcare decision-making. Her practice also includes the representation of fiduciaries, family members, and other interested parties in contested matters involving disputes regarding capacity, care and finances and abuse, exploitation, and the protection of vulnerable adults.  Since 2011, she has served as court-appointed counsel and guardian ad litem for the Maricopa County Superior Court. Hillary is committed to protecting vulnerable individuals while helping families navigate emotionally difficult situations with practical guidance, compassion, and respect for personal dignity.

Probate, Trust, and Fiduciary Litigation
Hillary represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, heirs, and other interested parties in complex probate, trust, and fiduciary disputes. She handles a broad range of contested matters involving estate and trust administration, fiduciary duties, contested accountings, beneficiary disputes, and related litigation. She provides practical and strategic guidance to her clients throughout the estate and trust administration, litigation and dispute resolution proceedings.

Probate Mediation
In addition to her legal practice, Hillary serves as a Mediator for contested probate and trust disputes. Probate disputes involve unique legal issues and sensitive family dynamics. Hillary’s experience as a Settlement Conference Judge Pro Tempore, combined with her extensive experience handling complex probate, trust, estate, guardianship, and conservatorship matters, allows her to approach mediation with a practical understanding of the legal and personal issues involved in resolving contested probate matters. She assists parties in realistically evaluating their positions, identifying practical avenues for resolution, and working toward informed, workable, and often creative settlement solutions.