Thank you for your consideration regarding our input pertaining to the proposed change to the ACJA 7-208(K) fee schedule. Desert Financial Credit Union and its actively certified individual LDP certificate holders represent a total of 18 certifications. No less than 3 more teammates will apply for certification and/or sit for the exam during Q1 of 2024. We are a large team (if not the largest) providing access to thousands of Arizonans every year. Our estate planning document preparation division has grown exponentially and will continue to grow in the years ahead.

Relative to changing economic conditions, we understand the need to adjust the fees. However, our years of experience with the submission and processing of dozens of initial and renewal applications is that the processing of these applications results in 9-18 months of delays before Board review from the time the complete application and fingerprints have been submitted. This is contrary to our continuing to grow our team in a manner matching the demand for certified LDP services. May we please request/recommend the Arizona Judicial Council consider tying the increased fees to structured service expectations (i.e. establishment of processing timelines/accountabilities with the goal of timely Board presentation for certification and renewal decisioning)?

Linda Grau, AZCLDP No. 81609
Desert Financial Credit Union, AZCLDP No. 81024