DeFord Law is a Nampa, ID law firm with more than 30 years of combined experience. Our attorneys, R. George DeFord, Jr. and Julie Adams DeFord know the law and offer sound legal counsel on a variety of family law, bankruptcy, and business matters. Making the decision to hire an attorney can sometimes be difficult. We want to put you at ease and will listen to your concerns before offering advice. Once we decide on a plan of action, we'll explain your options and expected outcomes. Of course, you'll be kept informed along every step until your case is resolved. Our primary areas of practice include: Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 & Chapter 13. Family law. Divorce and custody. Criminal defense. Real estate contracts and evictions. Business formation and dissolution. Estate planning and probate. We are advocates for you. Call DeFord Law today to schedule an appointment and understand your legal options.
You may have custody and child support issues, either from a prior divorce or without a marriage. These matters can be as emotionally taxing as divorce.
Child Custody and Visitation
At DeFord Law, we take pride in knowing the complex laws of bankruptcy and debtors rights, and the courts procedures and judges’ tendencies in divorce and child custody matters.
Guardianship
Jennifer Carter joined the DeFord Law staff in August, 2022. Jennifer assists with evictions, guardianship and family law matters. Jennifer grew up in western Kansas and also lived in Utah, California, and Washington. While Living In Utah she attended Utah Valley University. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and children, attending her children’s various activities. Jennifer has a passion for her families’ history, she has used her DNA to track her families’ genealogy. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, kayaking, working in her garden and traveling. Jennifer is a hands on person, she loves DIYing home renovation, building furniture, and trying new and creative things. She also enjoys traveling and has many places on her wish list of places to visit.
Spousal Support
In a divorce proceeding, you may deal with several issues, including: property and debt division; retirement plan division and qualified orders; tax refunds and liabilities; bankruptcy issues that coincide with divorce; custody and visitation of minor children; child support; health insurance and expenses for children; child care, if both parents work or attend school; educational and religious upbringing of the children; alimony (also called spousal maintenance in Idaho); domestic violence and protection orders to prevent it; and many other issues.
Julie Adams DeFord practices law in the areas of estate planning, probate, guardianship/conservatorship, real estate, contracts, business and business transactions. Ms. Adams DeFord is a member of the Idaho State Bar. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University, and her juris doctorate, cum laude, from the J. Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University, where she was a member of the National Moot Court Team and earned the award of Order of Barristers. After clerking for a District Judge, Ms. Adams DeFord began working in private practice in 1997. In 2016, Ms. Adams DeFord was sworn in before the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Victoria Portis joined the DeFord Law team in September, 2021. Victoria is the DeFord Law receptionist and she also assists with probates, estate planning and family law matters. Victoria began working in the legal field in 2018.
Wills
An enforceable document wherein you determine how your assets will be distributed upon your death. You also determine who will act as your personal representative (the person who will carry out the terms of your will). A Last Will and Testament, done correctly, can eliminate the hardship placed upon surviving family members in determining how to distribute assets. If an individual passes away without a Last Will and Testament, the default provisions of the Idaho Code determine who will receive assets upon an individual’s death. Often, the default provisions provide for the disposition of assets in a manner that is different than a decedent would desire.
Trusts
A trust created during your lifetime. All assets owned by the creator (Grantor) at the time of the trust’s creation are transferred into the trust. The owner of the assets becomes the trust. The Trustee, the administrator of the trust, has authority to use assets and/or transfer assets pursuant to the terms and specifications designated in the trust. The trust beneficiaries are the individuals who will benefit from the trust during the life of the Grantor and who will receive trust assets upon the death of the Grantor. A trust can contain terms and conditions regarding use and disposition of assets. A Living Trust does not need to go through the judicial probate process.
Power of Attorney
A document created by an individual (referred to as the “principal”) wherein an agent is designated to act on the principal’s behalf. A power of attorney is not affected by the incapacity or disability of the principal. Without a power of attorney it is very difficult to assist family members with their finances or personal affairs. A power of attorney ceases to be effective upon the death of the principal. A power of attorney cannot be created if the principal no longer has the mental capacity to understand what they are signing.