Boise Estate Planning Lawyer

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We Provide a Full Range of Estate Planning Services in Boise and Throughout the Surrounding Region

Estate Planning is about making difficult decisions now so that your loved ones are not forced to make them later. It is about protecting your family and your hard-earned assets. Despite the knowledge and the usefulness of having an estate plan, many people avoid proper estate planning because they do not like thinking about death. Unfortunately, without proper estate planning, the IRS stands to inherit a large portion of your assets. The good news is that it is not too late to write the IRS out of your will based estate plan.

At Johnson May, our Boise estate planning lawyers are reliable, proactive, and solutions-focused advocates for people and families. We handle all types of estate planning matters—from wills and trusts to powers of attorney and healthcare directives. If you have any specific questions about estate planning, we are here as a legal resource. Contact our Boise law office today for your confidential initial consultation appointment with the expertise of a living trust attorney and an Idaho estate planning attorney. 

An Overview of Things that May Be Included Within Your Estate

a couple from Fort st meeting with an attorney.

An estate can include a wide range of different assets. When you are building an estate plan, it is important to think about all of the property, businesses and assets that you own and/or control. Understanding the components of your estate is fundamental. To be properly prepared, you need to ensure that you are well-organized. Some common items that may be included in an estate are:

  • Real estate: Primary residence, vacation home, or rental property
  • Personal property: Jewelry, artwork, and furniture
  • Bank accounts: Checking, savings, and retirement accounts
  • Investments: Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
  • Life insurance policies
  • Business interests: Shares in a company or sole proprietorship
  • Intellectual property: Patents, copyrights, and trademarks
  • Digital assets: Online accounts, social media profiles, and cryptocurrency holdings.

Whatever the size of your estate, our Wills and Trusts Attorneys in Boise, ID take the time to understand your needs and circumstances, explain the available options, your concerns, and work closely with you to develop a plan that meets your goals with minimal tax implications. We have the knowledge to help you address even the most complex estate planning issues. Our skilled lawyers frequently work with experts across various disciplines, such as financial planners and tax accountants, to establish an effective plan to protect your assets.

Our Many Lawyers Provide A Comprehensive Range Of Estate Planning Services In Boise, ID

a lawyer gives advice an elderly couple about their estate and money.

Estate plans should be comprehensive. At the Johnson May law firms, we handle the full range of estate planning matters. It is our goal to help people put the right structure in place to protect their family and their finances. Our Boise estate planning attorneys work hard to deliver practical, effective solutions to our clients. Along with other things, our estate planning services in Boise and throughout the surrounding region in Idaho include:

  • Business Succession: Small and mid-sized businesses must have the right estate planning in place. Planning for the future of your business is crucial. We help business owners outline a clear plan for who will take over your business, ensuring a smooth transition. If you have any questions about business succession planning, contact our Boise legal team for help. 
  • Estate Administration & Probate: After a loved one passes, managing their estate can be overwhelming. Our Boise estate planning attorneys simplify the process by guiding our clients through probate and ensuring an estate is settled according to the deceased’s wishes. 
  • Complex & Simple Wills: Whether your estate planning needs are straightforward or intricate, we are equipped to help. Our Boise estate planning lawyers draft detailed wills that reflect your specific desires, ensuring your assets are distributed exactly how you envision. Contact our Boise estate planning attorney for help with will planning. 
  • Codicils: Life brings changes—and your estate planning needs can change too. If you need to make changes to an existing will, a codicil is essential. Our Boise estate planning attorneys assist in updating your will through codicils, making sure every modification meets legal standards and accurately represents your current wishes.
  • Living Trusts: A will is not the only way to pass down property/assets to your heirs. In fact, it may not even be the best tool to promote a smooth transfer to beneficiaries. Living trusts are an efficient, effective tool designed to help distribute assets in an orderly manner—outside of the probate process. Our Boise estate planning lawyer designs living trusts that avoid probate and provide clear instructions for asset distribution. Contact our Boise law office today for a confidential consultation. 
  • Trust Amendments: A trust that you put in place several years ago may no longer be the right tool to protect your interests and achieve your goals. Whether it is due to changes in the law, your assets, or your beneficiaries, we provide the support you need. Contact our Boise estate planning lawyers today for help with a trust amendment. 
  • Durable Powers of Attorney (POA): Preparing for a time when you might not be able to make decisions for yourself is crucial. We prepare a durable power of attorney (POA) that designates someone you trust to manage your affairs, giving you peace of mind. A POA should be a part of every well-structured estate plan. 
  • Healthcare POA: A healthcare POA is vital for ensuring that someone you trust can make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. We guide you in selecting a trusted individual and outline your healthcare preferences. Contact our Boise estate planning lawyer for help with a healthcare POA. 
  • Living Wills: Also known as an advance healthcare directive, a living will specifies your wishes regarding medical treatment if you’re unable to communicate. We help you create a living will that clearly expresses your healthcare decisions. If you have specific questions about living wills, contact our Boise estate planning attorney today. 
  • Guardianships and Conservatorships:  In situations where an individual can’t make decisions for themselves, setting up a guardianship or conservatorship can be necessary. We assist in establishing these legal arrangements to protect your loved ones’ well-being and financial interests. As guardianships and conservatorships are especially complicated, it is imperative that you have an attorney who is well-versed with Idaho law on your side.  

Estate Planning in Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Am I Too Young to Set Up an Estate Plan?

No. If you are an adult, you should have an estate plan. All adults in Idaho can benefit from an estate plan that protects their rights. Once you have an estate plan in place, your Boise, ID attorney can easily adjust it (modify it) to account for life’s ever-changing needs. 

What Happens If I Never Set Up an Estate Plan?

An elderly woman with a disability works with her beneficiary with her probate process.

You will lose control of your own estate. If you pass away without an estate plan, your assets are distributed according to Idaho law in a process called intestacy. In other words, the court will apply state law to decide who inherits your property—and what the court decides may or may not align with your personal wishes. It can lead to unintended beneficiaries, major disputes between family members, and a longer and more complicated probate process. 

Who Should I Select as the Executor for My Will?

Choosing an executor is a personal decision and depends on whom you trust to manage your estate according to your will. It could be your spouse, a family member, or a professional like a lawyer. Consider selecting someone responsible, organized, and capable of handling financial and legal matters. You should also be sure that you pick a person who is willing to take on the responsibility. 

How Often Should I Review My Estate Plan?

It is wise to review your estate plans periodically and after major life events or complicated issues. Some major life events include marriage, divorce, the birth of minor children, significant changes in finances, or the death of a loved one. These reviews help ensure your plan remains aligned with your current wishes/needs. Your Boise estate planning lawyer can help you update the estate plan as required.

Should I Set Up a Trust?

Setting up a trust depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Trusts can be useful for avoiding probate, managing assets for minors, providing for a special needs family member, bankruptcy or maintaining privacy about your estate. Trusts offer flexibility and control over how and when your assets are distributed.

Can I Write My Own Will or Trust?

While it is possible to draft your own will or trust, it is not advisable. Idaho law is complicated. DIY estate planning—even if the law has you write a relatively straightforward will—dramatically increases the risk of an error. A top-tier Boise estate planning lawyer will protect your rights and interests.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney and Why Do I Need One?

A durable power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone you trust the authority to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated. A POA can make financial decisions and manage legal affairs. Having a durable POA in place ensures that your affairs can be managed according to your wishes—even if you are unable to make decisions yourself. 

Why Rely On the Boise Estate Planning Attorneys at Johnson May

a man in the community sits and thinks about his last will and long term care planning.

Estate planning is complicated without a knowledgeable attorney to help you avoid costly mistakes throughout the entire process. It is normal to have tons of questions about the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your assets. At Johnson May, we are a boutique law firm that is devoted to helping our clients find the best answer for their specific situation. When you reach out to our Boise law office, you will have an opportunity to consult with an Idaho estate planning attorney who can: 

  • Listen to your story and answer questions about estate planning;
  • Help you gather and prepare all of the documents and records; 
  • Ensure that your estate plan effectively protect your financial interests; 
  • Advise you on incapacity planning; and
  • Develop a comprehensive strategy to protect your rights and achieve your goals.  

A one-size-fits-all solution is not good enough for your family’s estate planning needs. Our Boise estate planning lawyers are prepared to invest the time, the resources, and the attention the client needs to provide personalized estate planning representation that you and your family can trust. 

Contact Our Boise, ID Estate Planning Attorney Today

elderly couple looks over their will through elder law.

At Johnson May, our Boise estate planning lawyers are committed to helping people find peace, security, and closure through proper planning when a person passes. If you have any questions or concerns about estate planning, we are here to help. Call our phone now or contact us online for a completely confidential and free consultation. From our office in Boise, we provide estate planning services throughout the Treasure Valley region, including in Ada County, Boise County, Elmore County, Twin Falls County, and Gem County.

Our Team