Premier Estate Planning & Probate Service
Securing Legacies. Guiding Families. Serving North Idaho.
Why You May Need Estate Planning or Probate Services
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to make thoughtful decisions about their assets, family, and future. At Lake City Law, our estate planning and probate attorneys provide trusted legal guidance to individuals and families in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, St. Maries, and throughout North Idaho. Whether you need a basic will, complex trust planning, or help settling an estate after the loss of a loved one, we offer the clarity, compassion, and legal precision you need.
We believe estate planning is a gift you give your family. It protects your wishes, reduces future conflict, and ensures the people you care about are supported—legally and financially. Our attorneys walk clients through each step, from drafting documents to navigating the probate process, with professionalism and care.
What Is Estate Planning and Why Does It Matter?
Estate planning is the legal process of arranging for the distribution of your property, guardianship of minors, and management of your healthcare and financial affairs in the event of incapacity or death. A well-crafted estate plan reduces uncertainty, minimizes estate taxes, and can help your family avoid probate altogether.
Key Estate Planning Tools Include:
Last Will and Testament
Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
Durable Power of Attorney
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Living Will / Advance Directive
Guardianship Designations
Charitable Giving and Legacy Planning
Business Succession Planning
At Lake City Law, we tailor each plan to reflect your values, financial situation, and family dynamics. Whether your estate is modest or complex, our attorneys ensure every legal instrument is clear, enforceable, and aligned with your goals.
Probate & Estate Administration in Idaho
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. It involves validating a will, identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to beneficiaries.
While Idaho has a streamlined probate process compared to many states, it can still be legally and emotionally challenging—especially during a time of grief. Our attorneys help families:
Navigate probate court filings and procedures
Handle disputes between heirs or beneficiaries
Resolve claims from creditors
Administer trusts and comply with fiduciary duties
Sell or transfer real estate and personal property
Whether you’re an executor needing help with probate or a family member facing a contested will, Lake City Law provides the support and legal experience needed to resolve matters smoothly and respectfully.
Why Work with an Estate Planning Attorney?
Many people delay estate planning because they assume it’s only necessary later in life. The truth is: every adult should have a basic estate plan—and the earlier you prepare, the more options you have. Estate Planning isn’t a service you can work with just anyone. It is essential to hire a professional, trusted, and experienced attorney to make sure you are being taken care of to the level of what your estate needs are.
Working with an estate planning attorney offers key advantages:
Ensures legal validity of documents under Idaho law
Reduces family conflict by clearly outlining your intentions
Minimizes estate taxes and probate costs
Protects vulnerable loved ones, including minor children and elders
Allows for advanced planning in case of incapacity or long-term care needs
At Lake City Law, we make the process approachable. We explain each document, answer your questions, and create a plan that evolves with your life and family.
Our Approach to Estate Planning & Probate
We start every estate planning engagement with a personal conversation—not a checklist. Our attorneys listen closely to understand your goals, values, family structure, and financial priorities. From there, we design a plan that’s legally sound, tax-efficient, and easy to maintain over time.
For probate and estate administration, we prioritize efficiency and clarity. We keep clients informed throughout the process and handle the legal complexities so families can focus on healing and honoring their loved ones’ wishes.
Whether you’re planning for tomorrow or managing affairs today, we provide steady, compassionate counsel grounded in years of legal experience.
Meet the Attorneys Providing Estate Planning & Probate Services
Fonda L. Jovick
Erik P. Smith
Zachary W. Jones
Nicholas Peterson
Terrun Zolman
Peter C. Erbland
Andrew P. Doman
Meet the Attorneys Providing Estate Planning & Probate Services
Fonda L. Jovick
Erik P. Smith
Zachary W. Jones
Nicholas Peterson
Terrun Zolman
Peter C. Erbland
Andrew P. Doman
Serving the Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, St. Maries Community and Beyond
We proudly serve the residents of Coeur d’Alene, from lakeside homeowners to young families building their future. As local attorneys, we understand the unique character and values of our community—and we tailor our legal counsel to reflect that.
With offices also in Sandpoint and St. Maries, Lake City Law is your trusted partner for estate planning and probate across North Idaho.
Start Your Planning Today
It’s never too early—or too late—to plan for your future. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing estate plan, we’re here to help.
Offices in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and St. Maries
Contact Lake City Law today to schedule your consultation.
Plan confidently. Protect what matters. Leave a legacy you’re proud of—with help from Lake City Law.