Alan R. Harrison Law, PLLC

Alan R. Harrison Law, PLLC Alan is also an experienced estate planner, and is able to help families create wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical powers of attorney.

Helping Idaho families plan for what matters most. šŸ’›
Wills, trusts, probate, guardianship & special needs planningā€”with compassion & Idaho know-how.
šŸ“Idaho Falls + virtual across Idaho
šŸŒ www.aharrisonlaw.com Alan has been in private practice since 2007, and is an expert in helping parents with special needs children prepare for their loved oneā€™s safety and security throughout adulthood. He works e

xtensively in Eastern Idaho and is known for his caring and compassionate nature as he helps families determine the best legal options to support their loved ones with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. While Alan specializes in guardianship and conservatorship for adults with developmental disabilities, he firmly believes that everyone deserves to be safe, protected, loved, happy, and to the greatest extent possible, self-reliant. For many adults with developmental disabilities, this can be accomplished without guardianship, and Alan helps families determine the level of support their loved one needs to be successful. Alan also specializes in Supplemental Needs Trusts, also called 3rd Party Trusts, that allow assets to be left to a person who needs government benefits such as Social Security Disability and Medicaid. Alan developed the Collaborative Legal Planning Processā„¢ as a way to help families with loved ones who have special needs. Over time, this process expanded to all areas of the firmā€™s practice. Alan is active in numerous community organizations and shares this method of coordination between families and professionals in the hope that families will feel empowered by their collaborations with the professionals in their lives. Alan loves and is passionate about his family and is grateful for the lessons he has learned as a husband and father to 10 wonderful children.

06/01/2026

Choosing Between Probate and Trust

Probate in Idaho is often considered a relatively simple process compared to other states, but the decision usually comes down to whether someone wants court involvement or the benefits of a trust. A trust offers more privacy and keeps assets out of court supervision, while probate brings court oversight that some families may prefer in situations involving conflict or liability concerns. The choice depends on how much control, privacy, and structure is needed during the asset transfer process.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

Summer calendars are chaotic enough ā˜€ļøšŸ˜…Camps.Vacations.Sports.Family visits.Trying to remember what day it even is.Your ...
06/01/2026

Summer calendars are chaotic enough ā˜€ļøšŸ˜…

Camps.
Vacations.
Sports.
Family visits.
Trying to remember what day it even is.

Your estate plan should not add to the chaos.

Having your important documents organized now can help create peace of mind before life gets even busier.

Because ā€œweā€™ll get to it laterā€ has a funny way of turning intoā€¦ much later šŸ‘€

06/01/2026

How Estate Planning Moves Assets

Estate planning is described as a system for transferring assets to chosen beneficiaries after death. With a will, assets such as a home or financial accounts often become part of a court supervised process where a personal representative must first be appointed before any distribution can begin. That process can delay access and requires court approval at multiple steps. A trust works differently because assets placed inside it are already positioned for transfer, allowing the person in charge to manage and distribute them without waiting for court authorization, making the transition more direct.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

05/31/2026

Probate vs Trust Asset Delivery Process

Probate in Idaho typically takes about four to six months depending on asset complexity and family dynamics, and only after court completion can a personal representative distribute assets to beneficiaries. This creates delays in accessing and transferring property. In contrast, a trust allows the appointed trustee to manage and distribute assets immediately without waiting for court approval, making the transfer process faster and more direct.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

Alan Harrison says a trust can help families avoid long court delays. Good planning keeps loved ones focused on family, ...
05/31/2026

Alan Harrison says a trust can help families avoid long court delays. Good planning keeps loved ones focused on family, not paperwork.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

05/30/2026

What Happens Without Estate Planning

When a person does not clearly set out an estate plan, intestate laws determine how assets are distributed, which can lead to outcomes that the family did not expect. In some cases, surviving relatives may receive property in ways that conflict with what was assumed or intended. When a clear plan is in place, however, it provides direction and removes uncertainty because assets are distributed exactly as outlined in the documents. Careful planning and decision making also help families avoid confusion and prevent disagreements by making intentions clear from the start.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

05/30/2026

Will vs Trust Key Differences

The main difference between a will and a trust is how assets are handled after death. A will can require court involvement, especially when real estate or assets over a certain value are involved, which means the court must appoint a personal representative before distribution can begin. This process can delay access to assets and limit immediate action. A trust avoids this step by allowing assets to be placed into it while the person is alive, enabling smoother and faster distribution without court approval.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

05/29/2026

Privacy Differences in Wills and Trusts

A will typically becomes part of the public record once it is submitted to court, allowing others to request and view details during the probate process, including the appointment of a personal representative when no will exists. A trust operates differently because assets placed within it are generally managed outside of court supervision. Trustees can gather assets, pay debts, and distribute property without filing documents in court, which keeps the process more private compared to probate.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

05/29/2026

Will Versus Trust Explained Clearly

A clear comparison shows that both wills and trusts can direct where assets go, but they function very differently after someone passes away. With a will, real estate or larger estates often require court involvement before assets can be distributed, including the appointment of a personal representative and approval from the court. A trust, on the other hand, allows assets placed inside it to be managed and distributed without waiting for court permission, which helps the process move forward more quickly and smoothly.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

Tim Sopalski compares a trust to a moving truck that never stops at probate. That can save families months of waiting af...
05/28/2026

Tim Sopalski compares a trust to a moving truck that never stops at probate. That can save families months of waiting after a loss.

Click the bio link to listen to the full episode.
https://bio.link/alanharrison

Address

1070 Riverwalk Drive Suite 100
Idaho Falls, ID
83402

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12085521165

Website

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