Wills are an essential estate planning tool. Without one, your legacy is at risk. At Eastside Estate Planning, we provide knowledgeable, practical, and compassionate guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that support your future and your wishes. Our Renton, WA wills lawyer has over 20 years of experience helping clients throughout the state of Washington with estate planning solutions. From explaining your options to confirming that your will is accurate and legally-binding, we partner with you through every step of the process, giving you peace of mind that your affairs are in order.
Wills Lawyer Renton, WA
The purpose of a will is to outline how you want your estate settled after you pass away. There are several elements you may include in your will, including:
- Identifying assets and valuables
- Naming heirs and how you want your estate divided amongst them
- Funeral plans
- Establishing guardianship for minor children
- And more
Many people put off making a will, thinking estate planning is for the elderly or super wealthy. This is untrue. Everyone needs to, and should, create a will. If you die without one, your estate is divided based on intestacy laws. A judge decides who inherits your finances and assets based on immediate familial connections. Generally, priority is given to spouses and children. If the deceased is single and childless, their parents or siblings may be named as heirs. Everything is decided in probate court, without accounting for your wishes, even if you expressed them informally.
Additionally, having a will expedites the probate process for your family and beneficiaries. A probate judge validates it, makes sure that outstanding debts and taxes are paid, and then instructs the distribution of assets based on the conditions in your will.
Our Renton wills lawyer recommends reviewing your will and your estate plan every five years, or after a major life event. You can update your will as many times and as often as you want. The newest version is the one that is valid. The previous document is discarded once the new one is notarized.
Why Experience Matters When Drafting A Will
There are lots of online templates and DIY estate planning tools. While these options might be convenient, they are a one-sized-fits-all approach, and aren’t meant to be customized to align with your unique circumstances. Additionally, a simple mistake could jeopardize the validity of these documents. You don’t want to take a chance that you misunderstood one of the terms and put something into action that goes against your wishes. Having our attorney write and review your will is the best way to gain clarity and confidence.
Individuals and families in Renton, WA, and the surrounding areas trust our firm because:
- We explain legal jargon in simple terms, making sure that you understand every aspect of your estate plan.
- Our attorney provides a thorough assessment of your options, including the pros and cons and a cost-benefit analysis.
- All of our legal services are personalized to align with your goals.
- We make the estate planning process as stress-free as possible, offering in-person and virtual services.
To get started, reach out to our office and request a free phone consultation. Eastside Estate Planning’s Client Services Coordinator will listen to your needs and advise if our services are a good fit. Then, you will meet with our Renton wills lawyer and begin designing documents for your unique situation. Don’t wait to get help with your estate plan. Let us provide you peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of.