Meridian Will Based Estate Planning Lawyer

Will Based Estate Planning Attorney in Meridian, ID

Too many people make the mistake of putting off estate planning. They view estate planning as a task too overwhelming or tedious to tackle ‘today.’ This couldn’t be farther from the truth if you have the assistance of the right Meridian will-based estate planning lawyer. When your lawyer is experienced, the process can be swift and simple. If you have been putting off writing a will, reach out to our firm to make the process as smooth as possible.

Hire a Will-Based Estate Planning Lawyer With Over 30 Years of Experience

Senior Edge Legal has been meeting the needs of seniors in Meridian with their will-based estate planning cases for over three decades. We value personalization and work with each client on a personal level. Furthermore, we are an authority on Idaho will laws. No matter what stage of life you are in, our team can give you the edge you need to meet your will-based estate planning goals.

Why Will-Based Estate Planning Is Important

Even if you don’t have a great deal of assets, it is important that your loved ones have a clear explanation of your wishes following your death. Having your directions in writing can avoid disputes among your close family members later and give you a sense of peace now. If you pass away in Idaho without clear, legally binding instructions, your estate will be subject to Idaho’s intestate will laws, which ultimately leave these important decisions for a judge to make. To ensure your loved ones aren’t tied up in probate court for far too long, only to get an unexpected or disappointing outcome, hire a will-based estate planning lawyer to settle it beforehand. Working with an experienced attorney can eliminate confusion and opportunities for misinterpretation of your wishes. Ada County Probate Court is held at the Ada County Courthouse, located at 200 W Front Street in Boise. Having a qualified lawyer draft your will can eliminate legal errors and significantly reduce the time it takes for your estate to go through the probate process.

What a Will Can Do

A will explicitly describes how your assets are to be distributed when you pass away. When you write your will, you name a trusted individual to handle your estate and make sure the instructions in your will are carried out accordingly. This person is typically a family friend or a neutral relation not named in your will. A qualified Meridian will based estate planning lawyer in Meridian can help you determine a person who is a good fit to administer your will once you are gone.

Common Mistakes Seniors Make in Will-Based Estate Planning

The biggest mistake anyone can make is not having a will at all. Aside from this, there are other mistakes individuals and families make when it comes to their wills. If you are among the 15% of the Meridian population age 65 and over, avoid making these most common mistakes with your will-based estate planning:

• Using an Online Template. Many people think using a DIY service, whether free or fee-based, is sufficient for their estate planning needs. However, these services are typically generic and not state-based. They often miss important requirements of Idaho will laws, minimizing their effectiveness and causing problems in probate court.
• Failing to Update Outdated Documents. It is important to revisit your will to keep beneficiaries and other details current. The same is true for life insurance policies and 401(k) accounts. If it has been a while since you have reviewed your estate planning documents, it is a good idea to have an attorney look over them to ensure they are compliant with Idaho will laws.
• Improper Completion of Documents. There are certain requirements a will must meet in Idaho, such as those named in Idaho Statute § 15-2-502 that define how a will must be signed and who must sign it. Connecting with a Meridian will-based estate planning attorney can ensure your documents are legally executed without potential loopholes that can leave them vulnerable to disputes later on.

FAQs

What Are the Biggest Mistakes People Make With Their Will?

The biggest mistakes people make with their will have to do with failing to update out-of-date documents that were prepared a long time before major life changes or new laws were enacted. Also, wills that were prepared prior to the acquisition of certain assets can invite disputes. Another common issue with wills is that they fail to meet state-specific legal requirements or meet the requirements for another state in which the grantor no longer lived.

Do You Need Estate Planning if You Have a Will?

Yes, you do need estate planning if you have a will. In fact, a will is a basic foundational component of estate planning. More thorough estate planning may also include a trust, a power of attorney, and/or a healthcare directive. To be sure of what you need, hire a will-based estate planning lawyer.

Can I Write My Own Will in Idaho?

Yes, you can write your own will in Idaho. However, at a minimum, you should have an estate planning attorney review it to ensure compliance with Idaho will laws. If your self-written will fails to meet specific requirements, it could be problematic for your estate administrator and your beneficiaries when it goes through probate.

Why Put a House in a Trust Instead of a Will?

Some people decide to put their house in a trust instead of a will because it avoids the probate process. Probate can cause delays and leave assets vulnerable to disputes, taxes, and creditors. When you put assets in a trust, they avoid the public eye, as probate is a matter of public record. A trust provides more control over assets, in general, which better suits some people’s estate planning needs.

Partner With a Meridian Will-Based Estate Planning Lawyer

If you have been thinking about initiating will-based estate planning or updating your outdated will or other documents, do not wait any longer. Senior Edge Legal is prepared to provide the precise legal services you need for your estate planning case. Contact our office to schedule a meeting with an experienced and personable Meridian will-based estate planning attorney. We can give you the edge you need to succeed.