Probate, Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts Lawyer

We guide personal representatives through Washington's probate process, including filing petitions, notifying creditors, inventorying assets, managing estate property, preparing accountings, and distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state law.

Washington offers both supervised and unsupervised probate procedures. In many cases, a nonintervention powers petition allows the personal representative to administer the estate with minimal court oversight, saving time and reducing costs. We help you determine the most efficient approach for your specific situation.

Probate can involve complex issues such as disputed claims by creditors, disagreements among beneficiaries, real property in multiple states, business interests, and tax obligations. We handle all legal aspects of administration so you can fulfill your duties as personal representative with confidence.

A comprehensive estate plan protects your family and ensures your wishes are honored. We create customized plans that may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations tailored to Washington law.

Washington is a community property state, which has significant implications for estate planning. We help married couples understand how community property rules affect their estate plans and develop strategies that take full advantage of the tax and distribution options available.

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Every adult should have at minimum a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. We offer estate planning services at every level of complexity, from basic document packages to sophisticated plans involving trusts, charitable giving strategies, and multi-generational wealth transfer.

Whether you need a simple will or a complex testamentary plan, our attorneys ensure your document is properly drafted, witnessed, and compliant with Washington state requirements. We also handle will amendments (codicils) as your circumstances change.

A valid Washington will requires the testator to be at least 18 years old and of sound mind, and the document must be signed by the testator and attested by two competent witnesses. We ensure these requirements are met and that your will clearly expresses your wishes regarding property distribution, guardianship of minor children, and appointment of a personal representative.

We also help clients understand the limitations of wills — for example, assets held in joint tenancy, retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries, and life insurance proceeds pass outside of the will. A comprehensive estate plan coordinates all of these elements to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Trusts offer probate avoidance, asset protection, and tax planning benefits. We establish revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts, and provide ongoing guidance to trustees on their administration duties and fiduciary obligations.

A revocable living trust is one of the most popular estate planning tools in Washington. It allows you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime, provides for management of your affairs if you become incapacitated, and ensures a smooth transfer to your beneficiaries at death without the delays and costs of probate.

For families with members who have disabilities, a special needs trust can provide financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other government benefits. We also establish irrevocable trusts for clients seeking asset protection, estate tax reduction, or charitable giving vehicles.

When a family member can no longer manage their own affairs, we help establish guardianships for incapacitated adults and minor children under Washington law, ensuring proper care and responsible management of their assets under court supervision.

Washington's Uniform Guardianship Act (Chapter 11.130 RCW) provides a framework for appointing guardians while protecting the rights and dignity of the person subject to guardianship. The court considers the least restrictive form of intervention appropriate to the individual's needs.

We guide families through the petition process, including arranging required evaluations, notifying interested parties, and presenting evidence at hearings. We also assist appointed guardians with their ongoing reporting obligations and help them navigate the legal responsibilities of their role.