Platt & Westby, P.C.

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Platt & Westby, P.C. EXPERIENCED PHOENIX, ARIZONA ATTORNEYS
Real Estate, Probate, Estate Planning, Litigation, Family Law

The attorneys at the law office of Platt & Westby, P.C., offer residents of Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding communities experienced legal representation in a wide variety of legal matters including bankruptcy, business law, real estate, contracts, estate planning and family law.

10/09/2026

Arizona property owners: there's a free service you should probably know about.

One of the biggest problems with deed fraud isn't just that it happens.

It's that property owners may not realize it happened until much later.

👉 Read the full blog and consider sharing it with someone who owns vacant land, inherited property, or a home without a mortgage.

https://www.plattwestby.com/deed-fraud-is-your-property-vulnerable/

10/07/2026

The Arizona Supreme Court recently declined a proposal that would have temporarily prohibited judges from using generative AI for core judicial work.

But there’s an important distinction: AI can be a tool. It cannot be the judge.

Judicial decision-making remains a human responsibility, while Arizona continues to test where AI may improve efficiency and access to the courts.

And from a lawyer’s perspective, that creates a much bigger conversation.

We’re grateful when someone takes the time to share their experience and even more grateful they trusted our team to he...
10/05/2026

We’re grateful when someone takes the time to share their experience and even more grateful they trusted our team to help in the first place.

10/02/2026

When a legal dispute arises, your best defense is always paper trails and clear contracts.

While AI tools are transforming how we organize documents and evaluate evidence, relying on tech blindly is a huge risk. Algorithmic bias is real, and AI is only as reliable as the inputs it is given.

Using advanced tools to streamline strategy is smart. Combining them with rigorous human oversight is non-negotiable.

09/30/2026

Self-representation can work when the math makes sense and the rules are simple. But when real risk is on the line, going it alone is rarely worth the gamble.

When you do hire an attorney, fit matters just as much as credentials. You need someone whose style aligns with yours and who understands your ultimate definition of a win. If your goals do not align from the start, even a "victory" in court might not feel like a win to you.

09/28/2026

Legal advice isn’t always transferable from one state to another.

A friend, family member, or even an attorney you trust may have great advice based on their experience, but if they don’t practice in Arizona, the laws, deadlines, procedures, and even your available options may be different here.

That matters when you’re dealing with your property, business, family, or finances.

In this video, we explain why local legal experience matters and why “this is how it worked for someone I know” isn’t always the best strategy.

09/25/2026

In legal matters, the only "stupid question" is the one you were too afraid to ask before signing a document. Unasked questions turn into unchecked risks. Ask early, get total clarity, and protect your interests before a minor oversight becomes a major problem.

09/23/2026

Setting clear end goals with a client is step one, but those goals mean very little if you overlook the fine print in existing shared property contracts.

Whether it’s co-owned real estate, business assets, or intellectual property, joint agreements carry hidden restrictions, exit clauses, and buyout terms that can completely restrict your options.

Truly protecting a client’s interest means defining what success looks like on day one and immediately auditing every shared property document to make sure that outcome is actually achievable.

09/21/2026

Any attorney who promises you an easy win is telling you what you want to hear, not what you need to know. Legal disputes are dynamic, complex, and full of moving parts.

True advocacy isn't about guaranteeing smooth sailing; it's about anticipating the storm, managing risk, and fighting strategically for your interests every step of the way.

Imagine three siblings inherit the family home.One wants to sell and receive their share of the equity.One wants to keep...
09/18/2026

Imagine three siblings inherit the family home.

One wants to sell and receive their share of the equity.
One wants to keep it because of the memories.
And one is living in the house and doesn’t want anything to change.

Everyone may have a legitimate reason for what they want, but legally, someone generally can't be forced to remain a co-owner forever.

Arizona law provides a process called a partition action, which allows a property owner to ask the court to divide jointly owned property. When a property such as a single-family home can't reasonably be divided, a sale may ultimately be ordered and the proceeds divided according to the parties' interests.

But going directly to court isn't necessarily the best first move.

There may be other options: one sibling could buy out the others, the parties could agree to sell, or an arrangement could potentially be negotiated that protects everyone's interests.

The takeaway: If you're inheriting property with other people, don't assume everyone will “figure it out later.”

The house may be sentimental. The ownership is still legal.

If your family is already disagreeing about inherited property, getting advice early can help you understand your rights and potentially find a solution before the dispute becomes litigation.

Address

2916 N 7th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
85013

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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