Administration of an estate or Trust offers many opportunities for income and estate tax savings through careful post-mortem planning.

Estate administration is an essential part of our practice. Administration of a decedent's estate offers many opportunities for income and estate tax savings through careful post-mortem planning. Valuation issues are often critical in larger estates, and we have developed strong working relationships with professionals who value many different types of property. We also maintain relationships with accountants who have significant experience in both federal and state estate tax matters. We also counsel clients in matters of probate and trust administration and post-mortem planning.

Our estate planning and probate experience includes:

(1) Development and coordination of estate plans, including:

* Succession planning for multiple generations in family businesses;

* Coordination of charitable and family gifts; and

* Creation of limited liability companies and other entities to protect family ownership, ensure continuity of management and provide an efficient means of making gifts.

(2) Drafting documents to:

* Reduce, defer, and where possible, eliminate federal estate tax liability;

* Protect family assets threatened by issues such as heirs with dependency, creditor, or immaturity problems;

* Provide for beneficiaries with special needs, while protecting their entitlement to government benefits; and

* Arrange for appropriate provisions for children from multiple marriages.

(3) Probate of Wills and assistance to Personal Representatives and Trustees in carrying out their fiduciary duties related to administration and settlement of estates and Trusts.

(4) Representing estates and Trusts and their beneficiaries in negotiation and litigation of family conflicts and disputes with third parties.

(5) Coordinating post-mortem planning, including the use of disclaimers to reduce estate tax liability or shift assets within the family without additional tax cost.

(6) Preparing cohabitation, prenuptial, and post-nuptial agreements and other intra-family documents that affect clients' estates.

If we can be of service to you, your family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers, 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.