How to Make an Online Will In Idaho

What You Need to Know about Creating a Will Online in Idaho

Creating a will is one of the most meaningful ways to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. It’s important to make sure your documents meet state-specific legal requirements. Fortunately, its easier than ever to create a legally valid Last Will and Testament in Idaho online. With Trust & Will’s guided, attorney-approved platform, Idaho residents can draft, customize, and finalize their estate plan all from home. Keep reading to learn how to follow state-specific guidelines and get started today. 

How Much Does a Will Cost in Idaho?

The cost of a will in Idaho depends on how you choose to create it. Hiring an attorney can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on complexity. Creating an online will with Trust & Will starts at a much lower price, offering a simple, legally valid way to outline your wishes and protect your loved ones without the high cost of traditional legal services.

What is a Last Will and Testament in Idaho?

A Last Will and Testament in Idaho is a legal document that outlines how you want your property, money, and belongings distributed after your death. It also allows you to name a guardian for minor children and appoint an executor to carry out your wishes. To be valid in Idaho, a will must meet specific state requirements, including being signed by the person making the will and witnessed by at least two people.

Is a Living Will the Same as a Last Will and Testament in Idaho?

No, a Living Will is not the same as a Last Will and Testament in Idaho. A Living Will outlines your medical care preferences if you become unable to communicate, such as whether you want life-sustaining treatment. A Last Will and Testament, on the other hand, explains how your assets should be distributed and who should care for your dependents after your death. Both documents are important parts of a complete estate plan but serve different purposes.

Can I Write My Own Will in Idaho?

Yes, you can write your own will in Idaho. The state allows handwritten or typed wills as long as they meet legal requirements. To be valid, a typed will must be signed by you and witnessed by two people. A handwritten (also called holographic) will must be entirely in your handwriting and signed by you, even without witnesses. 

How Do You Make a Will in Idaho Online?

To make a will online in Idaho, choose a trusted platform like Trust & Will. Create an account, answer a few questions about your assets, beneficiaries, and guardians, then review and sign your completed documents. Idaho requires wills to be signed and witnessed by two people for validity, so be sure to follow those steps after printing your will.

Idaho Will Requirements You Should Know

• You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.

• The will must be in writing (typed or handwritten).

• A typed will must be signed by you and two competent witnesses.

• A handwritten (holographic) will must be entirely in your handwriting and signed by you.

• Witnesses should not be beneficiaries named in the will.

• The will should clearly state it is your intent for the document to serve as your Last Will and Testament.

While not an Idaho will requirement, it’s also a good idea to keep the signed will in a safe place and inform your executor where to find it. 

Does a Living Will Need to be Notarized in Idaho?

Yes, a Living Will in Idaho should be notarized to be legally valid. Idaho law allows you to either sign your Living Will in front of two witnesses or have it notarized. Many people choose notarization because it adds an extra layer of legal protection and helps ensure the document is accepted without question.

How to File a Will in Idaho

1. After someone passes away, locate the original signed will.

2. File the will with the probate court in the county where the person lived.

3. Submit a petition to open probate and have an executor appointed.

4. The court will review the will’s validity and oversee the distribution of assets.

How to Amend or Update Your Will in Idaho

To amend or update your will in Idaho, you can create a codicil, which is a separate legal document that changes specific parts of your existing will. A codicil must meet the same legal requirements as a will—it must be signed and witnessed by two people. You can also create a new will that clearly states it replaces any previous versions. Using an online platform like Trust & Will makes updating your will simple and ensures it stays legally valid under Idaho law.

Do All Wills Go Through Probate in Idaho?

No, not all wills go through probate in Idaho. Smaller estates that meet certain value limits may qualify for a simplified process called “small estate administration,” which avoids full probate. However, most estates with property or significant assets will need to go through probate so the court can verify the will and authorize asset distribution.

Are Wills Public Record in Idaho?

Yes, wills become public record in Idaho once they are filed with the probate court after a person’s death. Idaho maintains an online will registry, where you can file your will to ensure loved ones are able to access it in the future. 

What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will in Idaho?

If someone dies without a will in Idaho, state intestacy laws determine how their assets are distributed. Typically, property goes to the closest relatives—starting with a spouse and children, then parents, siblings, or other extended family if no immediate relatives exist. Without a will, the court also appoints someone to manage the estate, which can delay the process and may not reflect the person’s wishes.

The Difference Between a Will and a Trust in Idaho

The main difference between a will and a trust in Idaho is how and when each document takes effect. A will outlines your wishes for distributing assets and naming guardians after your death, while a trust can take effect during your lifetime and helps your assets pass directly to beneficiaries without going through probate. A trust also offers more privacy and control over when and how inheritances are distributed, while a will provides clear instructions for basic estate planning needs.

Whether you need a simple will or a more comprehensive trust, Trust & Will makes it easy to create state-specific, legally valid documents online. Our guided platform helps Idaho residents protect what matters most and plan with confidence from the comfort of home. Start your estate plan today to ensure your legacy is protected and your loved ones are cared for.