We create comprehensive estate plans to help individuals safeguard their assets and plan for their families' futures.

Planning for your future is a critical element of maintaining financial security and keeping your affairs in order. We create comprehensive estate plans to help individuals safeguard their assets and plan for their future. Whether you need a simple Will, Durable Power of Attorney, or more complex estate plan, we can help. Our estate planning services are normally done on a flat fee basis, with fees beginning as low as $400 for a simple Will for a single individual. Other documents can be quoted on a flat fee basis based on each individual circumstance.

WILLS. A centerpiece of all estate plans is the creation and execution of a Will. In order to be validly executed, the person making the Will must have "testamentary capacity" (the ability to understand the size and nature of their estate and the ability to identify the "natural objects of their bounty") and must sign the Will in the presence of two competent witnesses. The witnesses must also sign the document. Wills allow individuals to pass their property on their death to beneficiaries in the manner of their choosing and avoids the default rules governing intestate succession in Washington. Wills can also be used to set up Trusts to preserve assets for minor or disabled beneficiaries, to help minimize estate taxes, and other tax liabilities.

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUSTS. Many people choose to use a Revocable Living Trust as their primary estate planning tool. With a Revocable Living Trust and a Pour Over Will, you can transfer your assets to your beneficiaries without probate and without court involvement in your estate’s affairs.

COMMUNITY PROPERTY AGREEMENTS. Community Property Agreements can be used in conjunction with a Will. These instruments generally provide for the passage of all community property from one spouse to another at death. Community Property Agreements can help ease the legal process surrounding the death of one spouse, allowing for the passage of assets without probate proceedings.

DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY. The Durable Power of Attorney is another vital part of most estate plans. A DPOA allows the signer (“principal”) of the power of attorney to designate another person (the “attorney-in-fact”) to act on their behalf, should such a need arise, in both financial and health care matters. A Durable Power of Attorney can grant various different specific powers, either broad or more limited in scope, to the attorney-in-fact.

HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES. Many individuals choose to include a health care directive in their comprehensive estate plan. Health care directives are authorized and governed under the Washington Natural Death Act. Health Care Directives allow individuals to document their desires for withholding or removal of treatment in case of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness. These directives can include various details on when to withhold care or stop giving care in a terminal case.

If you have estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.