Estate Planning Attorney Utah County

Thoughtful Estate Planning For Utah County Families & Businesses

Planning what will happen to your family, your home, and your business is not easy, but it is one of the most important steps you can take. A clear estate plan gives your loved ones direction, reduces the chance of conflict, and can help them avoid unnecessary stress at an already difficult time. As a dedicated estate planning attorney Utah County residents can turn to, Gibson Law Firm helps you put a practical, legally sound plan in place.

Many of our clients come to us in Lehi after a major life change. They may have welcomed a new child, bought a home, started or grown a business, or begun caring for aging parents. Others simply know it is time to get organized and want guidance from someone who understands Utah law and the realities of family and business life in this part of the state.

With more than 12 years of experience in estate planning and business law, Attorney Lance D. Gibson works closely with individuals, families, and business owners throughout Utah County. We focus on making the process understandable, efficient, and tailored to your specific goals, so you can move forward with confidence.

Why Work With Gibson Law Firm For Your Estate Plan

Choosing the right estate planning lawyer Utah County offers is about more than finding someone who can draft documents. You need a firm that listens carefully, understands your situation, and helps you make decisions that fit your family and financial picture. At Gibson Law Firm, we take time to understand what matters most to you, then build a plan that reflects those priorities.

We provide fully customized plans rather than one size fits all templates. For some clients, that may mean a straightforward will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. For others, it can include one or more trusts, planning for asset protection, and coordination with business ownership. Our goal is to design a coordinated plan that works together, not a stack of disconnected documents.

Cost is a real concern for many people who are considering hiring an estate attorney. We offer flat-rate pricing for most estate planning matters and a free initial consultation, so you know what to expect before you commit. This approach helps you focus on the quality of your plan instead of worrying about hourly billing.

Communication is also central to how we work. Attorney Lance D. Gibson speaks both English and Mandarin, which allows us to serve Mandarin speaking clients and families more effectively. Being able to discuss sensitive estate planning issues in a preferred language can reduce misunderstandings and make difficult topics easier to address.

We understand that schedules and mobility can be challenging. In addition to meeting at our Lehi office, we can travel to your home or business when necessary. We also use advanced legal technology to streamline the process, from secure document sharing to efficient communication and electronic signatures where appropriate. These tools help keep your plan moving forward while respecting your time.

Our Estate Planning Process, Step By Step

Uncertainty about the process often keeps people from calling an estate attorney Utah County residents can work with. We believe that when you understand what will happen next, it is easier to take that first step. Our process is designed to be clear, organized, and as convenient as possible.

Free Initial Consultation

Your experience typically begins with a free initial consultation. During this meeting, we talk about your family, your assets, your business interests if you have them, and your goals. You can ask questions about Utah estate planning, probate, and how different tools like wills or trusts might apply to your situation. At the end of this meeting, you should have a better picture of what kind of plan makes sense and what it may cost.

Information Gathering & Goal Setting

If you decide to move forward, we gather the details we need to design your plan. This may include information about real estate, bank and investment accounts, retirement plans, life insurance, and business ownership. We also discuss personal topics such as guardians for minor children, people you trust to make financial or medical decisions, and any charitable or legacy goals you may have.

Design, Review & Signing

We then prepare draft documents and review them with you in detail. During this stage, we explain the purpose of each document in plain language and how it works with the others. You have the opportunity to ask questions and request changes, and we refine the documents until they accurately reflect your decisions.

Once you are comfortable with the plan, we schedule a signing meeting and ensure that all documents are executed correctly under Utah law. We can also discuss where and how to store originals and how to share information with key people such as executors, trustees, or agents. As your life changes, we are available to update your documents so they continue to match your circumstances and wishes.

Key Estate Planning Tools We Use To Protect Your Legacy

Every family and business owner has a different mix of assets, relationships, and goals. A skilled estate attorney can help you select and combine planning tools so they work for your situation, rather than relying on generic forms that may not account for Utah specific rules.

Wills & Guardianship Decisions

Most estate plans begin with a will. Your will directs how certain assets will pass at your death and names an executor to handle your estate. It is also the place where you typically name guardians for minor children, which is one of the most important decisions many parents make.

Trusts & Probate Avoidance

Many people also benefit from using one or more trusts. A revocable living trust, for example, can help your estate avoid or reduce the need for formal probate for assets held in the trust, and can provide clearer instructions for how assets should be managed and distributed. For some clients, trusts can also help address blended family situations, special needs planning, or long term management of wealth.

Incapacity Planning

Planning only for death leaves a gap if you become incapacitated due to illness or injury. That is why most plans include financial powers of attorney and healthcare directives. A financial power of attorney authorizes someone you trust to handle financial matters if you cannot. Healthcare directives and medical powers of attorney address decisions about medical treatment and end of life care, according to your values.

Business Succession Considerations

If you own a business, additional tools may come into play, such as succession planning provisions and planning for key employees. We look at your business structure alongside your personal estate plan, so the two support each other instead of working at cross purposes.

Local Insight Matters When Planning In Utah County

Estate planning is shaped by state law, and Utah’s rules are not identical to those in other states. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney Utah County residents can meet with locally means your plan is built with those laws in mind. If you pass away without a will, Utah’s intestacy laws generally determine how your property passes. These default rules may not match your wishes, particularly in blended families or when you want certain assets to go to specific people or charities. A well drafted plan lets you decide, rather than leaving decisions to a statute.

When probate is necessary, estates that involve property in this area are typically handled through the district courts that serve Utah County. Clear, properly executed documents usually make it easier for your personal representative and family members to work with the court. While each case is different, taking time to plan in advance can help reduce delays, confusion, and disagreements.

We also see certain patterns among clients here. Many are small business owners in and around Lehi, or they hold real estate in more than one Utah community. Others have family members in different parts of the state or country. We take these factors into account when designing your plan, so it reflects both your family structure and the way you actually live and work.

Estate Planning Support For Business Owners

For business owners, estate planning and business planning are deeply connected. Your company may be one of your largest assets, and it may also provide income for your family and jobs for your employees. An estate lawyer who understands both estate planning and business law can help you think through what should happen to your company if you are no longer able to run it.

Without a coordinated plan, ownership and management of the business can become unclear or contested. This can lead to disruption in operations, financial strain on your family, or tension among partners or key employees. We work with you to align your operating agreements, ownership interests, and succession goals with your personal estate plan.

We discuss questions such as who should own and control the business after you, how to treat active and non active family members fairly, and whether key employees should have an opportunity to buy in. We then help ensure that your estate documents and business documents support those decisions as closely as possible.

Because understanding your business is important, we can meet at your office or facility when helpful. Seeing how your operation works on a daily basis often gives valuable context for planning and helps us propose practical options for succession and continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need An Attorney To Create An Estate Plan?

Working with an attorney is not legally required, but it is often the best way to help ensure your plan works as intended under Utah law. Online forms and generic templates rarely account for the details of your assets, family structure, or business interests, and they may not comply fully with state requirements. When you work with us, we take time to understand your situation and explain how different options affect your family. Our goal is to help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to disputes or unexpected outcomes later.

How Much Does An Estate Plan Cost With Your Firm?

We use flat-rate pricing for most estate planning matters, so you know the cost before you decide to move ahead. The exact fee typically depends on the complexity of your situation and the types of documents your plan will include. During your free initial consultation, we talk through your goals and outline recommended options, then provide a clear quote. This approach lets you evaluate both the scope of the plan and the cost without worrying about hourly billing surprises.

How Long Will It Take To Complete My Estate Plan?

Most clients can move from the initial consultation to signed documents within several weeks, although timing depends on how quickly information is gathered and how complex the plan is. Simple plans with prompt communication may be completed relatively quickly. More involved plans, such as those involving multiple trusts or business entities, may take longer to design and review. Throughout the process, we use technology and clear communication to keep you updated and to help you focus on decisions rather than logistics.

Can You Help If I Prefer To Speak Mandarin?

Yes. Attorney Lance D. Gibson speaks both English and Mandarin, and we regularly work with clients who are more comfortable discussing legal topics in Mandarin. Being able to communicate in your preferred language can make it easier to ask questions and ensure you fully understand each part of your plan. We can also include family members in meetings when appropriate, so everyone involved hears the same information in a language they understand.

What Kinds Of Documents Will My Estate Plan Include?

Your estate plan will include the documents that best match your goals, which commonly means a combination of a will, one or more trusts, financial powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Some clients benefit from additional tools, such as specialized trusts or business succession agreements, especially if they own a company or have complex family needs. During our planning discussions, we explain what each document does and why it may be useful in your situation. We then build a coordinated set of documents rather than a collection of unrelated pieces.

How Often Should I Review Or Update My Estate Plan?

We generally recommend reviewing your estate plan every few years, or sooner if you experience a major life change. Events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, significant changes in assets, or starting or selling a business can all affect your plan. When these changes occur, it is wise to meet with an estate planning lawyer Utah County clients trust to confirm that your documents still reflect your wishes. We make the update process straightforward, focusing on the parts of your plan that need adjustment rather than rewriting everything from the ground up.

Can You Coordinate My Personal Estate Plan With My Business?

We regularly help business owners align their personal estate planning with their business structures and goals. This often involves reviewing operating agreements, ownership interests, and existing succession provisions, then coordinating them with your will, trusts, and powers of attorney. Our aim is to support a smooth transition for both your family and your company if something happens to you. By addressing these issues together, we can help reduce the risk of conflict or disruption later on.

Schedule Your Free Estate Planning Consultation

Taking the first step toward a complete estate plan can feel challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. When you meet with Gibson Law Firm, you will be able to talk through your questions with an experienced estate lawyer, learn how Utah law affects your situation, and explore options tailored to your family and business. Our goal is to help you leave that first meeting with clarity and a path forward. We offer free initial consultations, flat-rate pricing for most estate planning matters, bilingual English and Mandarin service, and flexible meeting options in Lehi or at your home or business when needed. 

If you are looking for an estate lawyer Utah County residents can turn to for clear guidance and practical planning, we invite you to contact us. To schedule your free estate planning consultation, call (877) 540-4416 today.