As your local Spokane estate planning attorney, we understand that your estate is not just a sum of its assets; it also represents your life's work, your values, and your desire to care for those you leave behind.
Our firm handles everything from simple wills to complex estates. In addition to crafting the legal documents needed to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones, we make sure you understand the practical details of your plan. Our flat-fee pricing means you’ll know up front how much your plan will cost.
Unlike most traditional estate plans, we also invite our clients to pass down family values, history and traditions, and cherished memories.
What’s your legacy?
Our Estate Planning Process is Simple:
1. Contact Us.
- Schedule a planning meeting by filling out this form or calling us.
2. Let Us Know Your Goals.
- We will provide a form to guide you.
3. Meet With Us.
- We will discuss your assets, your goals, and any challenges, then craft a plan that’s right for you. In addition to the legal documents people usually associate with an estate plan, we advise clients on non-probate assets, tax strategies, and leaving an emotional legacy.
4. Review Your Drafts. Ask Questions.
- We want you to understand your plan. Our flat-fee pricing covers the cost of questions and most changes to your drafts.
5. Execute Your Documents in a Signing Ceremony.
- We provide the witnesses and the notary. You will receive digital copies of your documents as well as a final document portfolio with your original estate planning documents, copies to share, and instructions to assist your agents in carrying out your wishes.
Why should I have an estate plan?
A. You want to ensure your loved ones get the benefit of the assets you’ve worked to build. If you do not have an estate plan, default rules determine who receives your assets and what amount they receive.
B. You want to make sure administering your estate is not a burden on friends or family. Having a plan will allow your loved ones to know what your assets are, where they are, and avoid uncertainty about your wishes.
C. You have minor children and want to choose who will care for them if you are unable to do so.
D. You want to name the person or people who will make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. If you do not have a plan, a court will name who can make your financial and medical decisions. Your end-of-life care may also be determined by default rules.
E. An estate plan can avoid unnecessary taxes and fees. Additionally, a smart plan can reduce the cost and the hassle of administering your estate.
Common Estate Planning Documents:
Last Will and Testament
Most people know that a Last Will and Testament controls where your assets go upon your death. Wills also nominate a guardian for minor children and determine who will handle your estate when you pass.
Trusts:
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Revocable living trusts can be used to avoid probate or simplify the administration of your estate, but they are not right for everyone. In our planning meeting we will discuss if a living trust is right for you.
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Minor’s trusts allow assets to be managed on behalf of a minor until they reach the age of majority.
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Trusts for blended families can ensure that assets can be used by a surviving spouse while the inheritance of children and step-children is protected.
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Special needs trusts allow for an individual receiving income-based benefits to inherit assets which would otherwise preclude them from receiving benefits.
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Pet trusts allow someone to manage money to care for and maintain a pet.
Financial Power of Attorney:
The financial power of attorney allows a trusted person to make financial decisions on your behalf. This person is called your agent. You may give your agent powers immediately or only upon your disability. In our initial planning meeting, we will discuss which form of financial power of attorney is right for you.
Health Care Power of Attorney:
A health care power of attorney allows a trusted person to make health care decisions on your behalf. This document will only become effective if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
Health Care Directive, also Known as a Living Will:
This document lets your medical providers and loved ones know your decisions for end-of-life care. It is only effective if you cannot make these decisions for yourself and if you are in a terminal condition or permanent vegetative state. If you do not have a health care directive, default rules or a guardian appointed by the court may make these decisions on your behalf.
Legacy Letter We help our clients leave a legacy beyond their finances by encouraging them to write a legacy letter, a message that imparts wisdom, values, and cherished memories to their loved ones.
More Than Just Assets
At Spokane Wills, Trusts, and Probate, we understand that your estate is not just a sum of assets; it represents your life's work, your values, and your desire to care for those you leave behind. We create wholistic estate plans which protect your assets, provide for your loved ones and plan for your legacy.
Choose Spokane Wills, Trusts, and Probate for Peace of Mind
Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to provide you with a comprehensive estate plan which fits your unique needs and aspirations. Call us today to schedule a consultation or click here to request an appointment.