Last Wills & Testaments
Clear Instructions for Your Loved Ones—When It Matters Most
A Last Will and Testament is a foundational estate planning document that ensures your wishes are known and followed after your death. At Snake River Law, we help individuals and families create legally sound wills that provide clarity, direction, and peace of mind..
A well-drafted will doesn’t just distribute assets—it reduces confusion, minimizes conflict, and helps your loved ones move forward with confidence
What Is a Last Will and Testament?
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that allows you to:
- Name who will receive your property at death
- Appoint a Personal Representative (Executor) to manage your estate
- Nominate guardians for minor children
Provide instructions for handling debts and expenses
In Idaho, a valid will must meet specific legal requirements. Proper drafting matters.
Do I Need a Will in Idaho?
Most adults should have a will—especially if you:
- Own property or financial accounts
- Have minor children
- Want control over who inherits
- Want to choose who manages your estate
- Want to avoid Idaho’s default intestacy rules
Without a will, Idaho law decides who inherits and who administers your estate—often in ways families do not expect
Wills for Parents With Minor Children
For parents, a will is especially important because it allows you to:
- Nominate guardians for your children
- Provide instructions for managing a child’s inheritance
- Coordinate with trust planning to avoid lump-sum distributions
Without proper planning, children may receive an inheritance outright at age 18 through probate
Will-Based Planning vs. Trust-Based Planning
Some families are well served by a will alone. Others benefit from a trust-based plan.
- Will-based plans are simpler but require probate
- Trust-based plans avoid probate and provide added control and privacy
We help you understand the differences and choose the approach that best fits your goals—not what’s most complicated.
What a Will Does—and What It Doesn’t Do
- Direct how probate assets are distributed
- Name guardians for minor children
- Appoint a trusted Personal Representative
- Provide clarity and structure during probate
- Avoid probate
- Control assets held in a trust
- Override beneficiary designations (life insurance, retirement accounts)
- Provide management during incapacity
Understanding these limits helps families choose the right planning approach.
Updating or Creating a Will
Life changes—and your will should keep up. We regularly help clients update wills after:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of children
- Death of a spouse or beneficiary
- Changes in assets or finances
- Relocation or significant life events
An outdated will can cause as many problems as having no will at all.
Why Professional Drafting Matters
Online templates and DIY wills often fail because they:
- Don’t comply with Idaho law
- Use vague or conflicting language
- Create probate delays or disputes
- Omit critical provisions
A properly drafted will is a legal instrument—not just a form.
Our Approach to Will Planning
At Snake River Law, we focus on:
- Clear, plain-English explanations
- Customized documents—not templates
- Coordination with beneficiary designations and other planning tools
- Practical solutions that work when needed
Our goal is to give you confidence—not just paperwork.