Our law firm offers comprehensive and individualized estate planning services to meet unique circumstances. In evaluating your situation, we consider all of the specific needs of your particular family. Don’t wait to get your documents in place. Your children or loved ones could be left to pick up the pieces where you left off. Working with an experienced lawyer helps to avoid unnecessary stress or confusion.
WHY DO I NEED AN ESTATE PLAN? No one likes to think about the possibility of getting hurt, sick, or dying, much less plan for it. Most people avoid planning for such things altogether, which can have serious consequences. We can help you get your affairs in order so that you can rest easy knowing everything has been completed in advance of any emergency.
There are various types of estate planning documents such as:
* Last Will and Testament
* Durable Powers of Attorney
* Revocable Living Trust
* Special Needs Trust
* Healthcare Power of Attorney
* Directive to Physicians
* Power of Attorney for Minor Children's Healthcare
* Mental Health Power of Attorney
ESTATE PLANNING OFFERS YOUR LOVED ONES A CLEAR PLAN OF YOUR INTENTIONS. Estate planning is often the first item to be removed from our To Do list. Yet, it is easily one of the most important gifts we can leave our loved ones. When a loved one passes without proper estate planning, family members are often left in a confusing, expensive, and difficult situation.
At our law firm, we complete a personalized assessment of your estate and your needs. We work with you to customize a plan that addresses your particular family situation and your goals.
With our experience we are able to plan for the unforeseeable. Trusts, Wills, Special Needs Trusts, Guardianships, and POAs are just a few of the ways we are able to assist you and relieve any burden from your loved ones.
If you already have an estate plan and would like us to review it to ensure it's got you covered, we welcome the opportunity to serve you at the highest level.
WHAT SHOULD INCLUDE IN MY ESTATE PLAN? We can help you determine if you need a Will, Revocable Living Trust, Power of Attorney, or Healthcare Directive. We ensure that your wishes are clearly defined even if you can’t verbalize decisions yourself. Don’t leave these important decisions to your family and friends or the court.
WHY DO I NEED A LAWYER TO PREPARE AN ESTATE PLAN? The law can be complex. Don’t risk making a mistake by doing it yourself. We are here to guide you through the process, answer any questions, and plan for the future. If there are mistakes in your documents your friends and family could find themselves with a mess. One of our priorities is making sure you and your estate stay protected in times of incapacity or death.
WHAT DOES MY ESTATE CONSIST OF? Your estate consists of all the assets that you own. This includes investment properties, real estate, vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, bank accounts, securities, and retirement accounts. Let us help you ensure that all of your belongings are distributed according to your wishes.
WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR MY POWER OF ATTORNEY? When you can no longer make decisions, it is critical for you to have a Power of Attorney to manage your finances and property. This is often a friend, family member, or trusted advisor.
WHY SHOULD I MAKE ESTATE PLANNING A TOP PRIORITY? You can expose yourself, your family, and your assets to the lengthy and costly probate process and otherwise avoidable taxes. Minor children may not end up with the guardians you want. Without naming a legal guardian in your estate plan, friends and family could battle out custody in court. This can create unnecessary expenses and litigation for your estate and heirs.
If you don’t plan for the possibility of incapacity, you will have no say in who makes medical and financial decisions for you. The court will be forced to appoint a guardian, not of your choosing. This process can be very expensive and time-consuming.
We know estate planning can feel overwhelming or like you don't really need it. But estate planning is not just for the wealthy – we help people from all walks of life to ensure their assets and finances are properly managed after their death or during their disability. 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 for a free initial consultation today. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.