Losing a loved one is hard enough without adding on paperwork, court deadlines, and financial questions. If you’re handling probate for the first time—whether you live here in Idaho Falls or are helping a family member from afar—it’s normal to feel unsure about what comes next.
At Alan R. Harrison Law, we work with families throughout Eastern Idaho to help simplify the probate process. While every estate is different, there are some common mistakes we see over and over—missteps that can cause delays, create tension among family members, or even lead to unnecessary court intervention.
The good news? Many of these issues can be avoided with the right planning and support.
Understanding Probate in Idaho
Probate is when the Court appoints a personal representative to distribute a person’s assets after they have passed. The assets are either distributed per their will, or if the person did not create a will (or a trust), their estate is called “intestate” and the court appoints a personal representative to distribute the estate according to Idaho’s intestate laws. This includes identifying assets, paying off debts, and distributing what’s left to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. In Idaho, probate is handled at the county level—so if your loved one lived in Bonneville County, the case will go through the local court system in Idaho Falls.
We can file probate in any Idaho county. And while we offer virtual meetings and representation when allowed, virtual court appearances vary by location. If you’re unsure what’s possible in your area, reach out to our office.
Four Common Probate Mistakes We Help Families Avoid
1. Waiting Too Long to Start: It’s easy to put things off after a loss—but probate doesn’t wait. Delays in filing can create legal complications, especially if bills start piling up or property needs to be managed. We help you get started on the right timeline so nothing falls through the cracks.
2. Filing Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: Probate involves a lot of paperwork, and mistakes are easy to make if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Missing signatures, the wrong forms, or incomplete inventories can all cause frustrating delays. Our team ensures everything is prepared and filed correctly the first time.
3. Overlooking Debts and Creditor Claims: Part of probate is making sure any outstanding debts are addressed before assets are distributed. Failing to follow this step can lead to legal disputes later on. We guide you through Idaho’s notice and claims process to help minimize risk.
4. Poor Communication with Family Members: Tension during probate often comes from confusion or silence. When beneficiaries don’t know what’s going on, it can lead to suspicion or even legal challenges. We help maintain clear, professional communication so everyone stays informed—and relationships stay intact.
Why Choose Alan R. Harrison Law as your Probate Attorney?
You don’t have to do this alone—and you shouldn’t have to figure it out as you go. Here’s how we support families navigating probate around Idaho:
- Local Experience: We know how the courts in Idaho handle probate—and we keep up with procedural updates and filing preferences that could affect your case.
- Conflict Prevention: If questions or disagreements arise between family members, we help keep things civil and on track.
- Steady Guidance: We’re here to answer your questions, keep you organized, and make sure every step is handled the right way.
Virtual Support, Statewide Service
While our office is based in Idaho Falls, we know families are often spread out across the state—or even across the country. That’s why we offer virtual meetings to help you get the support you need, no matter where you are. Whether you’re dealing with a probate case in Salmon, Blackfoot, Rigby, or beyond, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help with your probate needs in Idaho Falls or anywhere across the state.
