Estate Planning & Probate

Trusted Estate Planning and Probate Attorneys

Facing our own mortality is one of the more difficult things we must do – so difficult that we often postpone our estate planning, as if the mere acknowledgement of these documents shortens our remaining time.

Estate planning, however, is nothing to be dreaded; it is a relatively painless process when you have an experienced attorney by your side. Estate planning offers you and your loved ones a sense of security, knowing that all provisions for your own care, and theirs, are firmly in place.

Your estate plan has several elements that come together to ensure your financial goals for your family are met after you die, which includes your will, the assignment of a general power of attorney, a medical care proxy and living will, or advanced medical directive.

An estate plan might also include a trust, which allows you to put conditions on where and when your estate is distributed. Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy. They act as an asset-protection vehicle for your entire family and they can save your family thousands of dollars in probate costs, but they’re also not necessary for every situation.

Experienced Trust Planning and Estate Attorneys

Make sure your plan is mindful of both state and federal laws. State laws in particular have very specific regulations about what can or can’t be in any of the above elements. State laws also dictate who can and can’t serve as a personal representative or trustee, and our attorneys would be happy to guide you through the laws specific to Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho.

Planning your estate is serious business. Without your careful preparation, your loved ones may spend thousands of dollars fixing mistakes and wading through the muddy waters of a poorly organized estate plan, which could be avoided by working with an experienced estate planning attorney. Or worse yet, they could spend thousands of dollars in probate proceedings dividing your estate according to law because you did not take the time to execute a will or other estate plan.

At Peck Baxter Watkins & Bailey we take your estate planning very seriously. Our lawyers offer knowledgeable counseling, tempered by experience with probate and trust litigation, to help you make the best possible provisions for your end of life. Our process ensures your plan will have:

• Answers to “what if” questions, so that every angle is covered

• A contingency plan, in case of divorce

• A system to keep all your documents and designations up to date

More Than Just Your Legal Will

Your last will and testament is a powerful document, but it’s important to know that it’s only a part of your estate plan. Your last will and testament gives you the opportunity to distribute your belongings to those you choose, as well as appoint guardians and heirs. It’s part of a comprehensive plan drawn up with the assistance of your estate attorney to give you control over your belongings, medical decisions, and peace of mind. When writing your will, make sure your attorney asks the difficult questions now to save someone else from answering them later:

• If you have children, who will be their guardian if both parents die?

• Are there any other children or important relationships that have yet to be mentioned?

• Who will care for your pets?

• Do you want the plug pulled, and when?

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The answers to these questions can cause your estate plan to take on an entirely different direction, so it’s important that the lawyer helping plan your estate does a thorough job of asking them and covers all the important territory.

Our attorneys excel at carefully handling your estate planning and probate matters and can make all the difference now, saving frustration and needless expense later on.

Call us today at (435) 787-9700 or contact us online, to speak with an attorney today.

Estate Planning Attorneys

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