Estate Planning Made Simple: Finding the Right Lawyer for Wills - Boise, ID

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your legacy. A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, reduces family conflict, and gives you peace of mind. But many people get stuck on a simple question: What type of lawyer is best for writing a will?

While several types of attorneys may offer assistance in writing a will, choosing the right one can make all the difference. The estate attorneys at McFarland Ritter in Boise, ID, want to help you understand the different kinds of estate planning attorneys, why estate planning attorneys are typically the best choice for writing a will, and how to select the right lawyer for your needs.

Estate Attorneys for Writing a Will

In today’s world, it’s easy to find do-it-yourself “create a will” templates online. While these may look simple and cost-effective, they can create more problems than they solve. 

A will is a legally binding document that must meet your state’s specific requirements. Small mistakes, like improper wording or missing signatures, can render a will invalid.

An estate attorney doesn’t just fill in blanks on a form. They take the time to understand your family dynamics, financial situation, and long-term goals. A lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes, ensure your wishes are legally enforceable, and give you confidence that your loved ones won’t be left dealing with unnecessary legal battles after you’re gone.

Which Type of Lawyer is Best for Wills

When people begin looking for legal help with a will, they often encounter three main types of attorneys:

Estate planning attorneys are the specialists. They dedicate their practice to writing wills, trusts, and other planning tools designed to manage assets both during life and after death. Because of their narrow focus, they are typically the best choice.

Probate lawyers, on the other hand, concentrate on what happens after a person passes away. They guide families through the probate process and help settle estates, though many of them also draft wills. Their expertise is often more about estate administration than forward-looking estate planning.

General practice attorneys may also draft wills as part of their broader legal services. While they can handle simple estates, they usually don’t have the same depth of knowledge in estate planning as a dedicated specialist. For most people, especially those with property, children, or unique family circumstances, an estate planning attorney provides the most security and clarity.

What Estate Planning Attorneys Do

An estate planning attorney’s role goes far beyond writing a basic will. They look at your overall situation and design a plan that protects you and your loved ones both now and in the future. Some of the key services they provide include:

• Drafting a legally sound will that clearly states who should inherit your property and who will serve as executor.
• Creating trusts to manage assets, protect beneficiaries, or avoid probate.
• Preparing powers of attorney so that trusted individuals can make financial or medical decisions if you become unable to do so.
• Ensuring compliance with state-specific laws that govern wills and estates.

This approach is especially valuable if you own real estate, run a business, have minor children, or want to leave behind a structured legacy.

How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Will

Choosing the right lawyer for your will is as much about expertise as it is about personal fit. Experience in estate planning should be a top priority, since lawyers who regularly draft wills are better equipped to handle complex situations. It’s also important to work with someone familiar with your state’s laws, because rules around inheritance, witnesses, and probate can widely vary from place to place.

Communication style matters, too. Estate planning often involves difficult or emotional topics, so you want a lawyer who explains things clearly and makes you feel comfortable asking questions. Reputation can also guide your decision—reviews, testimonials, and referrals from friends or financial advisors can tell you a lot about how an attorney works with clients. Finally, consider whether you feel at ease discussing personal details about your family and finances. This level of trust is essential for building a reliable estate plan.

Before committing, it’s wise to ask a few direct questions, such as how many wills they’ve drafted, whether they also handle trusts and powers of attorney, and how their fees are structured. These conversations give you insight into both their knowledge and their approach to client service.

Benefits of an Estate Planning Attorney

Partnering with an estate planning attorney to create a will offers benefits that go beyond simply having a signed document. Some of the biggest advantages include:

• Peace of mind that your will is legally valid and enforceable.
• Flexibility to update your documents as life changes, such as marriage, children, or acquiring property.
• Conflict prevention by making your wishes clear and reducing the risk of disputes among family members.
• Cost savings in the long run, since a proper estate plan can minimize probate costs and reduce delays for your heirs.

Simply put, an estate planning attorney helps you create not just a will, but a comprehensive plan that safeguards your future and your family.

Why Choose McFarland Ritter Estate Attorneys?

When it comes to writing a will, the best lawyer for the job is an estate planning attorney like those at McFarland Ritter. Unlike general practitioners or probate lawyers, they focus specifically on creating plans that protect your assets, minimize complications, and ensure your wishes are carried out.

Taking the time to work with the right lawyer now means you’ll leave behind clarity instead of confusion, and peace of mind instead of disputes.

If you’re in Idaho and ready to start or update your will, our team at McFarland Ritter is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your legacy.