Idaho Law Blog
By Lane V. Erickson, Idaho Estate Planning Attorney
Having been an estate planning attorney for over 20 years, I can speak through personal experience in saying how important it is to use an attorney to help you create and keep your estate-planning updated. My experience is that some people what to try to save money and as a result will try to do their estate-planning themselves. In the end, this usually ends up costing more money because one of two instances usually comes up.
The first instance that usually comes up is that this individual will have a change in the circumstances of their life and will realize that they need to update their estate planning. They will then bring their estate planning into me to review and I will be able to see the specific changes that need to be made. Many times, we discover that the written estate planning documents the client did on their own have major mistakes in them that would cause serious problems for their family and loved ones after they pass away. The good news is that when it’s discovered during this time period changes can be made, and everything can be fixed.
The second instance that usually comes up is after a person passes away. When this happens, their family or loved ones will bring their estate planning documents in for us to review and help that with. It’s during this time that we sometimes have to tell our clients that the written last will and testament that their loved one prepared is not valid and cannot be used to transfer their money, property, or other assets. sometimes this creates huge problems with the family because when the written last will and testament is not valid that Idaho statutes determine who will receive the money and property of the person who passed away.
When either of these instances occur, it usually ends up being more expensive for the individual or their family and loved ones to fix the problems that exist than it would have been to have obtained the estate planning from an attorney so It would be done correctly the first time.
The good news is that getting started with your estate planning doesn’t have to be expensive. At the Racine Olson law firm, our premier team of Idaho estate planning attorneys use an Estate Planning Questionnaire to help you get started. We then offer a free 30-minute consultation to review your information and help you determine what options may be best for you and your family. We then quote the flat fee prices that we would charge to help you complete your estate-planning. This gives you all the information you need to make a decision first about what estate planning documents you need, and second whether you want to hire our firm to help you complete your estate-planning.
We have helped numerous clients complete their Estate Planning, and we are confident that we can help you too!
ENLIST AN IDAHO ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY TO HELP YOU
Our team of Idaho lawyers can help you with any of your estate planning or probate needs. Whether you are seeking to create or review an estate plan for yourself or would like to help a loved one, we are available to discuss your options and answer your questions at an initial free 30-minute consultation. Call us toll free at 877-232-6101 or 208-232-6101 for a consultation. You can also email Lane V. Erickson directly at lane@racineolson.com or stop by our office at 201 East Center Street, Pocatello, Idaho 83201. We will answer your questions and help you solve your Idaho Estate Planning problems.