Coeur d’Alene Estate Planning Attorney

At Evergreen Elder Law, our highly-skilled team of Coeur d’Alene estate planning attorneys offers comprehensive estate planning services tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our number one goal is asset protection. Waiting too long to ensure that your documents and affairs are in order can leave your children and loved ones with unnecessary stress, confusion, and expenses upon your passing. Working with an experienced Coeur d’Alene estate planning lawyer can ensure that the process is as quick and easy as possible.

How Will an Estate Plan Benefit Me?

It’s often difficult to imagine the possibility of becoming ill, disabled, or dying. Even fewer people enjoy planning for it. The reality is that creating an estate plan doesn’t need to be a painful process; and once it’s done, you will have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones and estate are protected. Sadly, most people avoid planning for the inevitable, resulting in potentially devastating consequences such as estate tax or no asset protection. We are here to help you avoid making mistakes. If an emergency situation arises, you will be prepared, and that is peace of mind.

Estate plans encompass several documents, including:

• Wills
• Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Healthcare Directives

Contact one of our highly-skilled Coeur d’Alene estate planning attorneys today to help you determine how to protect your assets and what type of estate plan is best for your unique situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should My Estate Plan Include?

The documents included in your estate plan will depend on your unique situation, including your age, health, assets, liabilities, and overall goals and objectives. Based on a thorough analysis of your unique situation, Evergreen Elder Law will help you determine how to create an estate plan that protects your assets. This may include a basic Will, or it may include a Revocable Living Trust, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive. We will ensure that your estate plan aligns perfectly with your goals. In this way, there should be no question about your wishes if you are unable to verbalize them yourself at a future date. Your family and friends don’t necessarily know how to make these important decisions on your behalf.

Why Do I Need an Estate Planning Lawyer?

Estate planning laws are complex and constantly evolving. By not using a qualified and experienced estate planning attorney, your assets are at risk of going to the state. Further, a poor estate plan creates a mess for your friends and family. At Evergreen Elder Law, we are here to help you navigate this process and plan for the future, both during your lifetime and upon your passing. It is our goal to ensure that your estate is protected from the high costs of long-term care, if you become incapacitated, and when you die.

What is Included in My Estate?

Every asset that you own is included in your estate. An estate consists of investment properties, real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, collectibles, art, and jewelry. Our Coeur d’Alene estate planning lawyers will review your estate to ensure that your belongings are distributed to whom you have designated, and ensure estate taxes are avoided upon your passing.

What are the Different Types of Trusts?

There are numerous types of trusts, and the option or options that are right for you and your family depend on multiple factors. We will review your situation to determine whether a testamentary, discretionary, irrevocable, or special needs trust is best for you. In some cases, you may benefit from multiple trusts.

How Do I Decide Between a Trust and a Will?

Evergreen Elder Law will help you with all aspects of the estate planning process, including deciding between a trust and a will. The best option for you will depend largely on your specific needs, goals, and what your estate includes.

Who Should I Name as My Power of Attorney?

Choosing the right power of attorney is critical. The individual you name will make important decisions on your behalf when you can no longer do so on your own. Your power of attorney, who may be a family member, friend, or trusted advisor, should be capable of managing your finances and assets in a way that aligns with your wishes. Your medical power of attorney should be someone you trust to make your medical decisions if you cannot.

Why Estate Planning Should Be a Top Priority

• Without a proper estate plan, your estate may be paying unnecessary estate tax upon your death or your estate may unnecessarily go through the often long and expensive probate process.
• Failure to plan for the possibility of becoming incapacitated could result in an expensive guardianship. Without a named power of attorney, the court will appoint a guardian for you. In addition to essentially waiving your right to choose who will make financial and medical decisions on your behalf, the process of selecting a court-appointed guardian can be long and costly.

Further Questions About Estate Planning In Northern Idaho?

We know estate planning can feel overwhelming and that it is easy to put off. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy – we help people from all earning brackets to ensure their assets and finances are properly managed after their death. We offer free consultations online, over the phone, or in our convenient office located in Coeur d’Alene.

If you have more questions about estate planning but aren’t quite ready for a consultation, you can also choose to sign up for our free estate planning webinar. To learn more, please visit our ‘Free Webinar Recordings’ page.

Contact a Coeur d’Alene Estate Planning Lawyer Today

By contacting the experienced and knowledgeable legal team at Evergreen Elder Law, you can avoid serious estate planning mistakes. Our Coeur d’Alene estate planning attorneys will ensure that you understand your options, help you navigate the process, and remain by your side every step of the way. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation. Start the process of creating a comprehensive estate plan today.