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How Wealthy Do You Need to be Before Setting Up an Estate Plan?

By Robert J. Green, Esq. | February 27, 2018
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One of the most common reasons that people believe that they do not need to prepare an estate plan is because they are not wealthy. However, for most adults, it is important to have a Last Will and Testament or a Living Trust (used to avoid probate), Financial and Health Care Powers of Attorney, and Advanced Directive documents, regardless of your net worth. Let’s look at just one of those important documents, a Last Will and Testament, to understand why it is important to have one.

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Where Should You Keep Your Important Legal Documents?

By Robert J. Green, Esq. | February 21, 2018
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So you have done the responsible thing by getting all of your estate planning documents in order and now you have to put them somewhere.  So, where should that be?  And, what should you do with those documents if you are traveling for an extended period of time?  Let’s take a look.

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The Difference Between a Power of Attorney Document and a Last Will & Testament

By Robert J. Green, Esq. | February 21, 2018
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I’m often asked if a person needs a Power of Attorney document if that person already has a Last Will and Testament (“Will”). It is a good question. The simple answer for almost everyone is yes – you should have both a Will and a Power of Attorney document. Let’s look at what purpose each serve and why both are necessary. 

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Organ Donation Should be Addressed in Your Estate Plan

By Robert J. Green, Esq. | February 7, 2018
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As I read an article about a local family’s experience with organ donation on the front page of last Sunday’s newspaper, my mind went immediately to the many conversations I have had with my clients about this topic.  There are several things I think we should all understand about how Idaho law addresses the issue of organ donation and how we can use our estate planning documents to help make sure our wishes on this topic are followed.

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Estate Planning Can Help Seniors Remain Independent

By Robert J. Green, Esq. | January 26, 2018
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No one wants to be a burden on his or her friends and family. And no one wants to lose his or her independence. Yet, so many of my clients express deep concern about both. Seniors want to ensure that their families are not disrupted when the complications of life occur. Be it a fall and injury, the onset of dementia, an unexpected chronic illness, or just loss of energy and slowing down – seniors do not want their problems to effect those around them. Many of the seniors I work with have spent the bulk of their lives caring for others. They are rarely ready to be cared for themselves. My clients are often very realistic about the possibility that they need help with certain things or may even have to move out of their home at some point to receive adequate care.  However, they also want and deserve to have the most important voice in those decisions.

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Which do You Need -A Last Will & Testament or a Revocable Living Trust? The Answer Might be Both.

By Robert J. Green, Esq. | January 25, 2018
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For those who want to avoid the court-controlled process that takes place after a person’s death (known as “probate”) – using a Revocable Living Trust is typically the best way to do so. This document allows a married couple or a single individual to direct what shall happen to their assets and possessions. It will also indicate who will be in charge of carrying out those instructions, without the need for the involvement of a probate court judge.

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