Have you thought about which of your heirs should receive a portion of your estate after you pass away? Have you considered your end-of-life needs and made arrangements to ensure that you don’t run out of money in your Golden Years? If you haven’t written a will or created a comprehensive estate plan to cover these eventualities and more, then your estate will be divided according to Washington State Estates Code, and you may end up losing everything if you need to have Medicare coverage. Our Kirkland, WA estate planning lawyer can explain your options to preserve your finances and protect your family. Call Eastside Estate Planning today for a consultation.
Estate Planning Lawyer Kirkland, WA
Are you concerned that you’ll run out of money in retirement? Maybe you have children or other family members who depend on you to financially provide for them, and you’re up at night, worried about what will happen to them after you pass away? A robust estate plan can address these needs and other eventualities. Our Kirkland estate planning lawyer can develop the right legal protections to ensure that your retirement is comfortable and that, no matter what happens in the future, your loved ones and finances are protected.
Estate planning goes well beyond writing a will. It can also include nominating someone you trust to manage your healthcare and make medical decisions on your behalf if you become ill or incapacitated. Power of attorney designations can ensure that you aren’t placed on life support if you don’t want to live like that, or that you only receive medical procedures aligned with your values. The power of an attorney can also protect your finances if you’re unable to advocate for yourself. If you have investments, a business, or even a bank account you want to protect, a POA designates a financial decision-maker on your behalf.
Our attorneys advise you of the protections that different types of trusts can provide. You can keep your family home in the family, fund your child’ education, and enhance the life of a loved one with special needs. Our firm understands how to draft solid estate planning documents to help you protect your family and preserve your assets. We can help you build generational wealth and face the future with confidence, knowing that you have legal protections no matter what happens.
Our Experience Makes The Difference In Your Estate Planning
Estate planning goes beyond writing a will. It can include setting a guardianship for your children, creating a trust or trusts to pay for their education and other needs, and help you protect your assets while still being eligible for Medicare when you get older. Our Kirkland estate planning lawyer gets to know you and your needs, then crafts an estate plan to meet them, protect everyone you love, and help you develop strategies for wealth growth and asset management.
- Member in good standing of the Washington Bar Association | Tax Section Member
- Flat-fee packages available for essential estate planning needs
- Honored member of the Cardozo Society of Washington State
Do you need help creating an estate plan or revising an existing one? Call Eastside Estate Planning today for a consultation.
Types Of Estate Planning Cases We Handle
Estate planning involves more than preparing documents. It is about creating a structure that reflects your wishes, protects your assets, and supports your loved ones in the future. We work with individuals and families at different stages of life, from those building their first plan to those revising existing arrangements. Eastside Estate Planning focuses on clear, practical strategies that address both current needs and long-term goals. Contact us today to speak with a Kirkland estate planning lawyer.
Wills And Basic Planning Documents
Many of our clients come to us wanting to create or update a will. A properly prepared will outlines how your property will be distributed and can include instructions for guardianship of minor children. We make sure each document is tailored to the individual’s situation, taking into account family structure, asset types, and specific wishes. We also discuss the importance of reviewing and updating these documents as circumstances change.
In addition to wills, we assist with related documents such as durable powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives. These items play an important role in ensuring that your preferences are honored if you are unable to make decisions yourself.
Business Succession Planning
For business owners, estate planning also means preparing for the future of the business. This may involve creating a succession plan that outlines who will take over operations, how ownership will transfer, and how the business will be valued.
We collaborate with clients to design a plan that supports a smooth transition, protects the value of the business, and addresses potential tax considerations. This type of planning can be essential for maintaining stability for both the company and the family.
Planning For Blended Families
Families with children from previous relationships often face unique considerations in estate planning. Our approach is to create arrangements that reflect the client’s priorities while reducing the chance of conflict among heirs.
We take time to understand family dynamics, identify specific concerns, and design provisions that meet both personal and legal goals. This can include structuring asset distribution in a way that supports a spouse while also providing for children from earlier relationships.
Protecting Assets For Future Generations
Some clients are concerned about preserving assets for children, grandchildren, or other beneficiaries. We work on strategies that protect these assets from unnecessary loss, while also allowing for flexibility in how and when they are distributed.
This can involve setting up trusts, naming appropriate beneficiaries, and creating conditions that guide how the assets are used. The focus is on maintaining the value of the estate and passing it on in a way that reflects the client’s wishes.
Commitment To Clear And Effective Planning
Every Kirkland estate planning lawyer in our practice is committed to making the process clear and tailored to your needs. Whether you are preparing your first will, revising a trust, addressing business succession, or planning for future generations, we adapt our approach to suit your priorities.
If you are ready to work with a Kirkland estate planning lawyer, we encourage you to contact our office. We are here to discuss your goals, review your current arrangements, and help you create a plan that supports both your present and your future.
7 Benefits Of Estate Planning
By working with your Kirkland, WA estate planning lawyer, you can provide stability, reduce confusion, and create a smoother process for your loved ones after you’re gone. At Eastside Estate Planning, we have over a decade of legal experience to help you protect your legacy. Read on to see some major benefits of estate planning, and contact us today to get started.
1. Protecting Your Loved Ones
One of the most important benefits of estate planning is protecting the people you care about. By creating documents such as a will or trust, you can make sure your property is passed on according to your wishes. All the more reason to contact a will and trust lawyer today.
2. Avoiding Probate Delays
When someone passes away without a clear plan, their estate often goes through probate, a legal process that can take months or even years. Probate can be expensive and stressful for families. With a proper estate plan and probate counselor you can reduce the need for lengthy court involvement.
3. Reducing Taxes And Expenses
Estate planning can help reduce the taxes and costs associated with transferring property after death. Tools such as trusts, gifting strategies, and other planning techniques can help keep more of your assets with your family instead of going toward taxes or legal fees.
4. Naming Guardians For Minor Children
If you have young children, an estate plan allows you to name a guardian to care for them if something happens to you. Without this decision in place, a court will decide who takes on that responsibility. By naming a guardian in advance, you and your estate lawyer can provide clarity and peace of mind for both your children and your family.
5. Planning For Incapacity
Estate planning is not only about what happens after you pass away. It also allows you to make decisions about what should happen if you are unable to manage your affairs due to illness or injury. Your Kirkland estate planning lawyer can help you draft documents like powers of attorney and health care directives, which let you choose who will handle your finances and medical decisions if you cannot do so yourself.
6. Supporting Charitable Causes
If there are causes or organizations that are important to you, estate planning gives you the chance to include them in your legacy. You can make gifts or set up donations that continue to support these groups even after you are gone, creating a lasting impact.
7. Providing Clarity And Reducing Stress
When there is no plan in place, families are left guessing about what their loved one would have wanted. This often leads to arguments and added stress during an already emotional time. A clear estate plan provides instructions that guide your family and help them focus on healing instead of legal disputes.
Taking The Next Step With Your Plan
At Eastside Estate Planning, we’re proud to offer estate planning services and legal assistance with wills, trusts, and even probate. And with over 10 years of legal experience, we’ll make sure your future is protected. Contact us today, and get started with a Kirkland estate planning lawyer you can trust.