Estate Planning
Estate Planning in Utah and
Why It Is Essential
Estate planning is more than just writing a will. It is about protecting your loved ones, preserving your assets, and ensuring your wishes are honored in the event of incapacity or death. Without a proper estate plan, decisions about your property, finances, and medical care may be left to the courts, creating unnecessary stress for your family.
At Porter Law Firm, we help individuals and families create customized estate plans that provide security, reduce legal complications, and safeguard their legacies. Whether you need to draft a will, establish a trust, or update an existing plan, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Key Estate Planning Tools
- Last Will and Testament – Outlines how your assets will be distributed, who will care for minor children, and names an executor to manage your estate.
- Trusts – Helps avoid probate, protect assets, and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth to beneficiaries. Revocable living trusts allow for flexibility, while irrevocable trusts can provide tax and asset protection benefits.
- Durable Powers of Attorney – Appoints a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so.
- Health Care Planning Tools – Allows you to designate a medical decision-maker and specify your health care preferences if you become incapacitated.
- Beneficiary Designations – Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts should be reviewed to ensure they align with your overall estate plan.
Proper estate planning not only protects your assets but also ensures that your family avoids unnecessary legal battles, financial hardships, and uncertainty.
Benefits of Estate Planning
- Avoids Probate – A properly structured estate plan helps your heirs avoid the costs and delays of probate court.
- Protects Minor Children – Allows you to appoint guardians for your children instead of leaving that decision to the courts.
- Minimizes Taxes and Expenses – Proper planning can reduce estate taxes and legal fees, preserving more of your wealth for your loved ones.
- Prevents Family Disputes – Clear instructions can help prevent legal battles and disagreements among family members.
- Ensures Your Wishes Are Followed – A well-drafted estate plan ensures your medical, financial, and personal preferences are legally recognized.
FAQs
What happens if I die without an estate plan in Utah?
Without a will or trust, Utah’s intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.
Do I need a trust or is a will enough?
A will alone may not be enough, especially if you want to avoid probate or provide ongoing financial management for beneficiaries. Trusts offer additional protection and flexibility.
How often should I update my estate plan?
It is recommended to review and update your estate plan every few years or after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, having children, or acquiring significant assets.
Learn from the Experts
Our Blog
Why Every Utah Resident Needs an Estate Plan and How to Get Started
The Difference Between a Will and a Trust and Which One Is Right for You
How Estate Planning Can Protect Your Family From Probate and Legal Battles
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Cody Vine
July 23, 2024Jon and his crew were absolutely amazing with my divorce, they answered all my questions, walked me through the process, and were always friendly. I would and will recommend them to anyone who's looking for a good lawyer.
Susan Steffen
June 23, 2024Jonathan was fantastic to work with, he was professional, and so quick responding to any questions that I had!!! Thank you for everything you literally changed my life!!!!!
jared love
March 23, 2024Jonathan and his staff at Porter law firm are amazing! I was going through one of the most terrifying and uncertain times in my life. I came in with no knowledge of how this worked feeling embarrassed and ashamed. He never once made me feel like I wasn’t Deserving and he fought for me to the very end! I always felt safe and secure at a time I was most vulnerable!! Thank you for everything !
Michelle Houtz
March 23, 2024Jonathan Porter is very caring in how he handles a case. He understands what you are going through while validating your feelings on the matter. I highly recommend going through Porter Law Firm.
Sabrina Carver
October 23, 2024Jonathan helped my brother in a custody case, he was fair, kind, and caring throughout the process. Jonathan and his team were so great to work with.
Sydnee Hammer
July 23, 2024Jonathan Porter and his paralegal Cassidy are fantastic. They walked me through a messy divorce process and I felt had mine and my kids best interests at heart. I recommend them to anyone who needs a divorce attorney but especially if you have kid’s involved.
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March 23, 2024Having to Use a Lawyer is not always my Favorite thing to do, However Porter Law Firm hands down made everything so much less stressful!, Life long Customer here!!
Ryan Westwood
March 23, 2024Very helpful and patient really help me through a hard time
Austin Gambles
March 23, 2024Our journey began shortly after I returned from the last deployment of my career. I learn that my children had been moved across the country and I was being told I could only see them on/around summer break and winter breaks. This was alarming given that I was court ordered the majority custody of my children. After one hearing with Porter Law Firm my children were returned into my custody. Unfortunately, what seemed to be a simple enforcement issue, became a bit of a living nightmare. I started working initially with Cassidy, who is a really amazing and caring person, but shortly thereafter worked mostly with Stephanie and Jon directly. Stephanie has been nothing short of phenomenal, there have been too many instances in which I have needed her and Jon's expert advice, and albeit this moderately simple enforcement case became quite complex in the blink of an eye. With that being said, given the complexity, Stephanie and Jon are great at providing quick and accurate answers to the many questions I have had. We are nearing what I hope to be the conclusion of this ordeal and regardless of the outcome, I have felt that they have been there for me when I needed them the most. To be a little more descriptive, there have been many conversations derived by a lot of emotions, (and admittedly I can be a bit long winded) yet each time I am in contact with them it really feels like they are hearing me as more than that of a client, but as a person. While it has been difficult to process that sometimes things take longer than what I would hope they did, I can say that after working with Porter Law-Firm for well over a year, I am grateful for all they have done to help!
Michael Carfaro
August 23, 2024
