Seattle Trust Lawyer

Trust Lawyer Seattle, WA

A trust keeps your estate out of probate court, keeps your family's affairs private, and gives you control over how assets get distributed even after you're gone. Some trusts also protect inheritances from creditors, divorces, or a beneficiary's own financial mistakes.

Our Seattle, WA trust lawyer works to meet your family's goals. Founder Robert Franco has practiced estate planning and probate law for more than ten years, and his tax background helps when the planning involves trust-based tax strategies or complex beneficiary situations. We offer free consultations and flat-fee pricing on most estate planning services, so you know the cost before we start. Reach out to learn how a trust can protect your legacy.

Why Choose Eastside Estate Planning for Trust Planning in Seattle, WA?

Over a Decade of Washington Trust Experience

Robert Franco has practiced estate planning and probate law for more than ten years. He is admitted to the Washington State Bar and holds an LL.M. in Tax Law from the University of Washington School of Law, along with a J.D. from Lewis and Clark College. Robert is also a member of the Cardozo Society of Washington State and the Washington State Bar Association's Tax Section. Trusts touch tax, property law, and fiduciary law at the same time, and that tax background changes how we draft and fund them.

Tax-Aware Drafting, Coordinated with the Rest of Your Plan

Most trust work gets handled by general estate planners. They tend to outsource the tax questions and draft the trust in isolation. Robert's LL.M. in Tax Law changes that dynamic for the better. The drafting decisions that matter most in a trust (retirement account beneficiary language, gifting provisions, generation-skipping issues, Washington estate tax exposure) are tax questions first and trust questions second. A trust also only works when it's coordinated with your will, power of attorney, and beneficiary designations, which is how we build every plan. As an estate planning lawyer in Seattle, WA, Robert works both sides of that equation with every client.

Flat-Fee Pricing on Most Services

Trust work requires thoughtful drafting and real conversation, not billable time. Flat-fee pricing means you know what the trust will cost before we start, and we have the time to draft it right.

Client Feedback That Speaks to the Work

★★★★★
"Robert and Christina did a fantastic job preparing our Trust and Healthcare directive documents. Very knowledgeable in Trust law and asked us all the right questions to assure a great final product." Cliff Van Pelt

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Trusts We Draft in Seattle

Trusts come in more varieties than most people realize. The right one depends on what you're trying to accomplish, who the beneficiaries are, and how much flexibility you want to keep. These are the main kinds of trusts we draft.

• Revocable living trust. The workhorse of modern estate planning. A revocable living trust lets you control your assets during life, avoids probate at death, and keeps the details private. You can change it any time before you lose capacity or die, which makes it the right starting point for most families. For married couples, a joint revocable trust can avoid two separate probates.
• Irrevocable trust. Once signed, an irrevocable trust generally cannot be undone. The trade-off is that assets transferred into it are removed from your estate for tax purposes and protected from most creditors. These are useful for larger estates and specific planning goals, but they require careful thought before signing.
• Special needs trust. A special needs trust holds assets for a beneficiary with a disability without disqualifying them from Medicaid, SSI, or other benefits tied to financial resources. This is specialized drafting and one wrong clause can cost the beneficiary public assistance.
• Charitable trust. Charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts let clients support causes they care about while providing for family and reducing tax exposure. We structure charitable giving to fit alongside the rest of your plan.
• See-through trust for retirement accounts. IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts need specific language if the trust is going to be the beneficiary. Without it, your beneficiaries may lose years of tax deferral.
• Custodial trust. Washington recently added a custodial trust option that provides a safety net for beneficiaries who lose capacity. It's a newer tool but the right choice in specific situations.

Washington Legal Requirements for Trusts

Washington trust law is codified primarily at RCW 11.98, the Washington Trust Act. Revocable trusts have their own chapter at RCW 11.103. Understanding how these statutes apply is what separates a trust that actually does what you want from one that fails when it matters.

Creation requirements. Under RCW 11.98.011, a valid trust requires a trustor with capacity to create it, an intent to create the trust, identifiable trust property, and ascertainable beneficiaries, with limited exceptions for charitable and certain other trust types. A trust not created by will generally must be in writing and signed by the trustor.

Revocable versus irrevocable. Under RCW 11.103.030, a trust is presumed irrevocable in Washington unless the instrument expressly states that it is revocable. This is the opposite of what many clients assume, and it's a drafting issue that trips up form documents from other states.

Trustee duties to beneficiaries. Under RCW 11.98.072, once a trust becomes irrevocable (usually at the trustor's death), the trustee must notify qualified beneficiaries within 60 days. The trustee must also keep beneficiaries reasonably informed about the trust and respond promptly to requests for information.

Dispute resolution. Washington has a specific framework for trust and estate disputes under RCW 11.96A, the Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA). TEDRA allows for both judicial and nonjudicial resolution, which can save significant time and cost compared to standard court litigation.

Important Aspects of a Seattle Trust Case

A trust only works if the details are right. These are the essential components we work through with every client.

Funding the Trust

A trust doesn't protect anything until assets are actually transferred into it. A signed document sitting in a drawer while the house stays titled in your individual name is a common and costly mistake. We handle funding during the planning process so the work is complete when you sign, not six months later when something has already gone wrong. Funding includes re-titling real estate, updating account ownership, and reviewing beneficiary designations.

Choosing the Right Trustee

The trustee runs the show once you're gone or incapacitated. For some families the right trustee is a spouse or an adult child. For others, a corporate trustee avoids family conflict and brings investment discipline. There's no single right answer, and we talk through the fit with every client.

Naming Successor Trustees

One trustee is never enough. We recommend naming at least one successor, and often two, to cover the possibility that the first choice cannot serve when the time comes. Co-trustee arrangements can work in some situations, but they introduce coordination issues that have to be addressed in the document up front rather than worked out after a problem arises.

Coordination with Other Documents

A trust doesn't live in isolation. It needs to work alongside your will (typically a pour-over will), your power of attorney, your healthcare directive, and your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance. A trust that isn't coordinated with these documents often fails to accomplish what the family actually wanted. We review every document together before anything gets signed.

Keeping the Trust Current

Life changes. Marriage, divorce, a child's struggles, a new grandchild, a business sale, or a move to another state can all mean the existing trust needs updates. We recommend updating your trust after any major life event rather than waiting for a routine review.

Tax-Sensitive Drafting

Trust drafting and tax planning intersect constantly. The wrong language can cost beneficiaries years of tax deferral on retirement accounts, create unintended estate tax exposure, or trigger avoidable income tax. Robert's LL.M. in Tax Law means these issues are on the table from the first draft rather than discovered later, when the options to fix them have narrowed considerably.

Contact Eastside Estate Planning

If you would like to see if trust meets your estate planning goals, our firm can help. Our Seattle team will walk you through what kind of trust fits your situation, who the right trustee is, and how the document coordinates with the rest of your plan. Free consultations and flat-fee pricing on most services mean there is no financial risk in starting the conversation.

After your initial meeting, you will know what your estate plan will look like, what it will cost, and how long it will take to complete. We typically respond to new inquiries within one business day, and evening appointments are available. Contact us to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward protecting your assets and your legacy.

Trust and Estate Planning Statistics in Seattle

Seattle is a city of longtime homeowners, and that shapes how families here approach trust planning. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Seattle's population at 784,777 as of July 2025, with 13 percent of residents age 65 or older. About 44 percent of housing units are owner-occupied, and the median value of an owner-occupied home is $938,600. Those property values matter for estate planning. A paid-off Seattle house combined with retirement savings can push an estate past Washington's estate tax threshold, which sits at a $3 million exclusion for deaths on or after July 1, 2026. That figure is far below the federal exemption, so families who owe nothing to the IRS can still owe Washington tax. For many households, a well-funded trust is part of how they hold assets out of probate and keep that exposure in view.

Questions to Ask a Seattle Trust Attorney Before Hiring

Choosing someone to draft your trust is a decision worth a few good questions. A short conversation tells you whether an attorney will build a plan around your family or hand you a template. These are the questions we suggest asking any Seattle, WA trust lawyer before you hire.

• How long have you practiced in this area? Trusts sit where property, tax, and fiduciary rules meet, and depth matters. Our founder, Robert Franco, has practiced estate planning and probate law for more than ten years.
• Do you help fund the trust, or only draft it? A trust controls only what is actually transferred into it. Ask whether the attorney handles the re-titling and beneficiary updates. We treat funding as part of the job and walk clients through before creating a trust what to gather and expect.
• Which trust actually fits my situation? A useful answer starts with your goals, not a product. For most families a revocable living trust is the starting point, while larger estates or specific goals may call for something different.
• How will the trust work with my other documents? Your trust has to coordinate with your will, your power of attorney, and your beneficiary designations. Ask how the attorney keeps those aligned so nothing works against the plan.
• What happens to my retirement accounts? IRAs and 401(k)s need specific trust language, and the wrong choice can shorten the payout window for your heirs. Ask how the attorney avoids naming the wrong trust as beneficiary.
• We are married. Does that change anything? For married couples it can. Ask whether a joint revocable trust could spare the family two separate probates down the road.
• Do you draft from scratch or use fill-in forms? Store-bought and software documents miss Washington-specific rules. Ask directly, because DIY estate planning tools rarely account for how our state treats revocability and trustee duties.
• What will this cost, and how do you bill? You should know the price before work begins. We offer free consultations and flat-fee pricing on most estate planning services, so the number is clear from the start rather than growing by the hour.

Good answers to these questions tend to sound specific and unhurried. If you get vague responses, that is useful information too.

Seattle Trust Lawyer FAQs

Do I still need a will if I have a trust?

Yes, a trust works alongside a pour-over will, which catches any assets you did not transfer during life and directs them into the trust. Deciding between will and a trust is rarely either-or. Most Seattle plans use both documents together.

Does a trust avoid probate in Washington?

A funded trust generally keeps assets out of probate, because the trust holds title instead of your individual name. Understanding what probate involves helps explain the appeal. Washington probate is not always long, but many families prefer to skip the court process entirely.

Will a trust keep my affairs private?

Yes. Unlike a will filed with the court, a trust is not part of the public probate record. That privacy is one reason clients use a living trust to keep an estate private. Your beneficiaries and asset details stay within the family.

How much does a trust cost in Seattle, WA?

We charge flat fees on most estate planning services, so you know the total before we begin. There is no charge for the initial consultation. The right structure depends on your assets and goals, which we review together before quoting the work.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes, we offer free consultations for trust and estate planning matters. The first meeting is a conversation about your family, your assets, and what you want to happen. There is no obligation to move forward afterward.

Can a trust protect my children's inheritance?

Yes. A trust can hold a child's inheritance until an age you choose and shield it from creditors or a divorce. We often work to protect an inheritance for young adult beneficiaries who are not ready to manage a lump sum.

Will a trust lower my estate taxes?

It can, in the right circumstances. Washington's estate tax reaches estates above a relatively low exclusion, and careful Washington estate tax planning can reduce or defer what a family owes. A Seattle estate tax attorney can model your exposure first.

What is the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts?

A revocable trust can be changed during your life. An irrevocable trust generally cannot, but it removes assets from your taxable estate and adds creditor protection. Most families start with a revocable trust, and larger estates sometimes layer in an irrevocable one.

Who should serve as my trustee?

Many clients name a spouse or adult child, while others prefer a professional to avoid family friction. The trustee manages and distributes assets under the trust terms, so choose someone organized and willing to serve. Naming successors is equally important.

Can a trust help with long-term care planning?

Certain trusts play a role in long-term care planning, though Medicaid rules are strict and timing matters a great deal. We discuss whether this approach fits your situation and coordinate it with the rest of your plan.

How long does it take to set up a trust?

Timing depends on the complexity of your assets and how quickly documents come together. After the first meeting, you will know the expected timeline and cost before any work begins.

Local Information for Seattle Trust Cases

King County Probate Court and Local Resources

Seattle sits in King County, so trust and estate matters that reach the courts are handled by King County Superior Court. When a trust becomes irrevocable at death, the trustee's work often runs parallel to probate for any assets left outside the trust. Even a well-funded trust may involve the county recorder when real estate is re-titled into the trust's name. Knowing where these offices sit helps families act without unnecessary delay.

What Are Important Local Resources for Seattle Trusts?

The offices below come up most often for Seattle families setting up or administering a trust. We list them as a convenience for residents and their families.

• King County Superior Court, Ex Parte and Probate Department — (206) 296-0100. Handles probate filings, trust matters, and guardianships for the Seattle area.
• King County Recorder's Office — (206) 477-6620. Records deeds and related documents when real estate is transferred into a trust.
• Washington State Department of Revenue, Estate Tax — (360) 704-5906. Answers questions about Washington estate tax returns and filing thresholds.
• Community Living Connections — (844) 348-5464. Connects older adults and caregivers across Seattle and King County with long-term care and support resources.

Eastside Estate Planning is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them. We provide the list only as public resources for Seattle residents.

About Eastside Estate Planning

Eastside Estate Planning is a Washington estate planning firm serving Seattle and the greater Eastside from its office in Redmond. Founder Robert Franco has practiced estate planning and probate law for more than ten years and holds an LL.M. in Tax Law, which shapes how the firm drafts and funds trusts. We work with individuals and married couples on wills, trusts, tax planning, and probate.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★
“Robert and Christina did a fantastic job preparing our Trust and Healthcare directive documents. Very knowledgeable in Trust law and asked us all the right questions to assure a great final product.” — Cliff Van Pelt

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Contact Eastside Estate Planning

If a trust is the right move for your family, our Seattle trust attorneys can help you decide and then build it correctly. We start with a free consultation, review your assets and goals, and recommend the structure that fits, whether that is a revocable trust, an irrevocable trust, or a plan that pairs a trust with the rest of your documents. Most estate planning services are billed at a flat fee, so you know the cost before we begin. New inquiries usually hear back within one business day. Contact us to set up your consultation.