When you think of J.Sommer Law, you might first recall high-stakes criminal cases or the respected reputation of DUI Lawyer Boise Jared W. Sommer. But safeguarding a family’s future involves more than courtroom defense. For many Boise residents, preparing for the transfer of assets or navigating the probate process after a loved one’s passing is equally critical.
Estate planning and probate law might seem distant until the day you’re faced with decisions about wills, trusts, or Idaho’s probate courts. By then, stress and grief often compound the difficulty. Having a local attorney who not only understands the law but also takes the time to guide you through it makes all the difference.
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of legally structuring how your property, money, and personal wishes will be handled if you become incapacitated or pass away. In Idaho, this often includes:
✅ Drafting a will to specify who inherits assets
✅ Establishing trusts to control how and when heirs receive property
✅ Designating powers of attorney for healthcare and financial decisions
✅ Setting up living wills (advanced directives) to guide end-of-life care
Even modest estates can run into problems if these documents aren’t in place. Idaho’s default rules (called intestate succession) may distribute assets in ways you never intended. Worse, it could leave minor children’s guardianship to a court determination.
How Probate Works in Boise
When someone dies owning property solely in their name, their estate generally goes through probate—the court-supervised process to validate a will (if one exists), pay debts, and distribute remaining assets to heirs.
In Boise (and throughout Idaho), probate can be relatively straightforward if:
- The estate is small (under $100,000 in personal property), qualifying for simplified small estate affidavits.
- There’s a clear, uncontested will.
But larger estates, multiple heirs, business ownership interests, or disputes over assets can lead to lengthy proceedings. Creditors must be notified, assets inventoried, tax obligations handled, and property legally retitled. Without careful planning, probate can consume time and money, leaving less for beneficiaries.
How J.Sommer Law Assists with Estate & Probate
You may know Jared W. Sommer as the DUI Lawyer Boise residents trust to defend licenses and livelihoods after a criminal charge. But his mission at J.Sommer Law has always been broader: to protect what matters most to Idaho families, both now and in the future.
For estate matters, Jared helps by:
✅ Drafting comprehensive wills and trusts tailored to Boise and Idaho statutes
✅ Guiding executors through probate to ensure compliance with court timelines and filings
✅ Helping families avoid probate pitfalls, including overlooked debts or improper asset transfers
✅ Advising on business succession planning, critical for family-owned companies
✅ Handling will contests or disputes if tensions arise between heirs
With over 20 years of legal experience, Jared combines deep knowledge of Idaho courts with a personal approach. You’re not treated like a case file—he takes the time to understand family dynamics, asset concerns, and long-term goals.
Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy
One common misconception is that only wealthy people need estate planning. In reality, if you own a home, have children, or simply want to direct your healthcare or finances if you’re ever incapacitated, you need a plan.
For Boise residents, this often means:
- Ensuring the family home transfers smoothly
- Naming a guardian for children
- Avoiding forced sales of family businesses to pay taxes or creditors
- Keeping peace among siblings or extended family
Jared W. Sommer’s approach at J.Sommer Law mirrors how he handles DUI cases—meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and fierce protection of your best interests.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing an estate plan or handling probate after the loss of a loved one, don’t navigate Idaho’s legal system alone. Mistakes can lead to unintended heirs, tax penalties, or costly family disputes.
Contact J.Sommer Law to put decades of Boise legal experience on your side. From carefully drafted wills to compassionate probate representation, Jared W. Sommer stands ready to safeguard your family’s future—just as he defends clients as the trusted DUI Lawyer Boise relies on.
