Theut & Scaringelli, P.L.C. is a Probate, Estates, Trusts, and Guardianship law firm in Phoenix, Arizona. While the term “probate” typically refers to the establishment of the validity of a will, in Arizona, the Probate Court Department of the Superior Court has jurisdiction over Protected Person matters, such as Guardianship and Conservatorship matters, wills, trusts, and estates, elder abuse, special needs and some mental health matters.
After over twenty years as friends and colleagues, Paul and Larry decided to practice together, bringing their talent and experience in Probate matters to form Theut & Scaringelli, P.L.C., Paul Theut is known around the Valley for his experience in Protected Person matters, such as Guardianships, Conservatorships of adult and minors, and elder abuse matters. Larry Scaringelli has significant experience in trust and estate planning, litigation, and administration, fiduciary representation, and Guardianship and Conservatorship matters. Paul and Larry are both regularly appointed Guardian Ad Litem by the Courts to protect the interests of minors and protected adults. Both attorneys have significant probate court litigation experience.
Our firm proudly handles and is experienced in all phases of probate matters, from planning, to emergency matters, to litigation. We bring resolution to complex disputes, and assist families in planning for the future to prevent or minimize the possibility of such disputes.
Paul J. Theut
Paul J. Theut has been practicing law in Arizona since 1988. During his 35 years in private practice, Paul has focused his practice on Probate, Guardianship, Conservatorship, Protected Person, Severe Bodily Injury, and Guardian Ad Litem matters. Paul’s practice serving protected persons and their families frequently branches into related fields of law as diverse as marriage dissolution, dependency, family law, criminal, mental health, elder abuse, and the serious bodily injury of minors. Paul holds various contracts with Maricopa County to represent protected and incapacitated persons, the elderly, and minors in guardianship and conservatorship matters.
Paul has resolved hundreds of personal injury matters, been party to thousands of guardianship and/or conservatorship matters, and served as guardian ad litem for hundreds of incapacitated, injured, and/or minor clients in the Greater Phoenix area. For years, Paul has given seminars and participated on panels concerning the representation of the incapacitated or vulnerable in every type of legal matter, and even prepared mandated curriculum for attorneys representing protected persons in the State of Arizona. In 2018, the Probate and Trust Section of the State Bar of Arizona jointly recognized Paul and his brothers with the Eleanor Ter Horst Distinguished Service Award. He has been a sustaining member of the Arizona Association for Justice for 28 years.
Paul has been married to Maria for 33 years, and they have 5 adult children. Paul enjoys hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities in his leisure time.
Lawrence "Larry" Scaringelli
Lawrence "Larry" Scaringelli began practicing law in 1991 and has spent his legal career practicing in the areas of Guardianship, Conservatorship, special needs, Estate Planning, Probate Litigation, elder abuse and financial exploitation. Larry has significant experience representing professional fiduciaries.
Larry graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School, received his B.A. from the State University of New York at Oswego, and earned his J.D. from California Western School of Law.
Larry was born and raised in New York and moved to Arizona in 1991. He has two daughters, and enjoys sailing and wine tasting.
James X. Theut
James X. Theut is an associate attorney at Theut & Scaringelli, P.L.C. He attended undergrad at Arizona State University and law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law. While studying in Chicago, James interned for the Honorable Anthony Kyriakopoulos, Cook County Circuit Judge, and spent a great deal of time working Federal criminal defense matters under Professor Richard Kling. James' practice focuses on Trust and Estate Planning and Litigation, Probate, and Protected Person matters. James is a native Arizonan and has held an Arizona real estate license since he was 18. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and Wealth Counsel. James is admitted to practice law in Arizona and Illinois.
Jamie Beeso Mehic
Jamie Beeso Mehic is a paralegal with Theut & Scaringelli, P.L.C. Jamie has been working with Larry Scaringelli as his paralegal for over ten years.
Elizabeth Theut
Elizabeth is a paralegal with Theut & Scaringelli, P.L.C. After graduating college, she began working at Theut, Theut & Theut, P.C. as a legal assistant in 2017. In 2021 she moved with Paul Theut to Theut & Scaringelli, P.L.C. where she works as a paralegal.
Tamika Robinson
Tamika Robinson joined Theut & Scaringelli, P.L.C. in 2022. Tamika has over ten years of legal experience and works as a paralegal for Paul Theut and James Theut.
Maria Theut
Maria Theut joined Theut & Scaringelli, P.L.C. in 2023 as a legal assistant to Paul Theut and James Theut.