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
Was an amazing help, answered all my questions and concerns very quickly and easy to understand!
harli trussell
February 23, 2025Like some of us we find ourselves needing assistance when dealing with family obstacles. I fortunately found Jonathon Porter and couldn’t be more happy with the results we have obtained. We have an amazing line of communication and full transparency of what could be the possible outcomes. I couldn’t ask for a better attorney for my family’s situation. He listens and makes sure your voice is heard.
Christoph Samek
February 23, 2025Jonathan and his team are amazing. They helped me with my case. They were very professional and when I had a question they were quick to respond. I would definitely recommend them
Eder Nogueron
July 23, 2024Jonathan and Cassidy were amazing to work with! Both are extremely professional and kind. I truly felt like they cared about me as more than just their client. I can't begin to express how grateful I am for their guidance in a difficult point in my life. I hope to never go through this process again, but if it were to happen, there is no one else I would trust. HIGHLY recommend!
Allison Shaffer
September 23, 2024Jonathan was very thorough in helping me with my divorce. I had a pretty complex situation but he was planned and prepared every step of the way. We were able to come to a resolution without a trial and he had everything drafted and prepared at our pre trial scheduling conference. He had my back the whole way and I’m truly grateful for him and his fantastic paralegal, Stephanie. She was always very quick to get back to me with any questions I had. I would highly recommend Jonathan to any and everyone going through a divorce. I’m so thankful I had him and Stephanie through the process.
Chelsey Olsen
March 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.
Shaylee Perez
March 23, 2024Divorce case - I was in a hard spot with a firm that wasn't advocating for me and had already taken a huge chunk of my savings and equity from selling my marital home. I was heartbroken. I sent out a handful of new "contact us online" to different firms in Utah, and Jonathon Porter reached out to me almost instantly and we set up an in-person meeting. Less than a month after retaining Porter Law I already feel I am in better hands. I see the holes that were left open by my previous firm, and where Porter Law is picking up the pieces. They have been more proactive than the large firm I signed with from May - September. I wish I would have started here and saved my heartache and pocketbook from the beginning. If you are in a similar position, looking for new representation I highly suggest speaking with Jonathon. Even though my case is not complete, I truly look forward to working with Porter Law to until we are able to close this chapter. 12/26/2024 - UPDATE: From October when I first met with Porter Law I asked if we could get this done by the holidays and today I open up my email to see my divorce is FINAL and everything has concluded. I am so grateful to Porter Law and their diligence and communication that they had with me. My case wasn't rocket science, but felt like so from the other party. Jonathon and his staff kept things upbeat and positive and they got it done! Thank you Porter Law, you truly were a blessing during this time and I really wish I would have found you sooner!
Kindel P
January 23, 2025Having 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, 2024Jonathan and Cassidy are so amazing. They helped me out so much going through my divorce. I went through a divorce for almost 6 years. I used 2 previous lawyers that were terrible and I wish I hadn't ever used. I found Porter Law Firm and they were so awesome to work with. They were able to navigate my case and get it completely done where others couldn't come close. I was always able to reach someone about issues or questions I needed answers to. They respond super quickly which was great because things change from day to day specially in a messy divorce. I recommend Porter Law Firm to everyone for any of your Law needs.
Dustin Porter
March 23, 2024Jonathon helped my husband and I with a gestational agreement as we embark on the journey of surrogacy. He was kind and responded quickly to our questions. His staff members were supportive and took the time to answer all questions thoroughly. Jonathan was able to get our agreement validated in court and the judge praised how well the agreement was prepared. My husband and I recommend Jonathan without any reservation.
Kristen Porter
March 23, 2024
