Estate Planning Services
Protect your family. Preserve your legacy. Plan with confidence.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Estate planning gives you the opportunity to protect your loved ones, preserve your wishes, and prepare for the future. Whether you're creating your first estate plan or updating existing documents, I'll help you understand your options and develop a plan that reflects your goals.
Without an estate plan, Washington State law determines how your estate is managed and distributed, which may not align with your wishes or provide the protection your family needs. My goal is to make the process straightforward, approachable, and affordable, with flat fee options available for qualifying estate planning services.
Basic Estate Plan for an Individual - $650
Includes an initial appointment to discuss estate planning objectives; an appointment to review draft of documents; and five final documents: Will; General Durable Power of Attorney (financial); Health Care Power of Attorney; Health Care Directive; and Tangible Personal List.
Basic Estate Plan for a Married Couple - $900
(Marital Estates Valued at less than $ 3 million)
Includes an initial meeting to discuss estate planning objectives; an appointment to review draft of documents; and eleven final documents: Individual Will with trust for issue; Individual General Durable Power of Attorney (financial); Individual Health Care Power of Attorney; Individual Health Care Directive; Individual Tangible Personal List and Community Property Agreement.
Complex Estate Plan for a Married Couple- $1,250.00
In addition to the services and documents set forth under a basic estate plan for a couple, this fee includes either a disclaimer trust or a marital trust for tax planning for marital estates valued at over at $ 3 million, the current Washington estate tax exemption amount, and example beneficiary designation language for financial accounts to permit funding of the marital deduction trust upon the passing of first spouse.
Custom Estate Plans – My hourly rate is $150.00.
10% Discount Available
10% discount for active military, veterans and young adults (Under 35)
Services
Wills
A will is the foundation of many estate plans. I'll prepare a clear, legally sound will that reflects your wishes, protects your loved ones, and helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your intentions.
Trusts
Trusts can provide greater control, flexibility, and privacy when managing your estate. I help clients establish trusts that support their financial goals, protect beneficiaries, and simplify the transfer of assets.
Powers of Attorney
A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you're unable to do so. I'll help you create documents that protect your interests and provide peace of mind.
Healthcare Directives
A healthcare directive allows you to communicate your medical preferences if you're unable to make decisions for yourself. I'll help you prepare documents that clearly express your wishes and support your loved ones during difficult times.
Understanding the Different Estate Planning Documents
A will is a document that sets forth your wishes on your death including who shall receive your property, act the executor or personal representative of your estate upon your death serve as the guardian of minor children, provide for the administration of assets for a beneficiary through a testamentary trust such as a trust for minors; trust for a spouse (marital trust); or special needs trust for a beneficiary who is disabled or incapacitated.
If an individual does not draft a will, then their property shall pass pursuant to the laws of intestacy, meaning no valid will, for their state of residence. In Washington, under the laws of intestacy, if married, all community property typically passes to the surviving spouse. Separate property passes under the laws of intestacy to the surviving spouse and children or if none, then to an individual’s surviving parents.
Revocable Living Trust
All assets are titled into the name of the revocable living trust and on the death of the creator of the trust pass pursuant to the terms of the trust. If used properly, no probate will be required to move assets on the death of the individual(s) establishing the trust. My legal fee for a Revocable Living trust and the related documents is
Indviduals - $1,800
Married Couples- $2,200
This fee includes the Revocable Living Trust, Trustee Certification of Trust, Declaration of Trust, Individual Pour Over Will, Individual Last Will with a trust for issue (children, grandchildren) and special needs trust for Medicaid planning, Individual Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, Individual Durable General Power of Attorney (Financial) ; Individual Health Care Directive; and Tangible Personal Property List.
Other Will Substitutes
- Community Property Agreement
Converts all property of a married couple to community property and leaves the entire community property estate to the surviving spouse on the death of the first spouse. - Transfer on Death Deed
is a legal document that allows a real estate owner to name a beneficiary who will automatically inherit the property upon death, completely avoiding the probate process.
Special Needs Planning
Special Needs Trust. A special needs testamentary trust is drafted with many provisions that are common to all irrevocable trusts but contain additional language to prevent the value of the trust assets from disqualifying the beneficiary from his or her state entitlements and federal benefits as SSI. A special needs trust is a mechanism for clients with children or other beneficiaries who have disabilities to provide these individuals with an additional source of income but not disqualify the individual from Medicaid assistance and supplemental social security income.
Other Estate Planning Documents
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
In the event of incapacity of an individual while living, this document names an agent to make health care decisions on behalf the individual. Durable General Power of Attorney (Financial)
In the event of incapacity of an individual while living, this document names an agent to handle business and financial decisions.- Health Care Directive
Also known as a living will, this document sets forth an individual’s end of life wishes in the event the individual becomes permanently incapacitated or is terminally ill. These end of life wishes include preferences regarding artificial hydration if unable to swallow; artificial nutrition if unable to swallow, CPR and assisted ventilation if determined to be permanently unconscious or terminally ill by a licensed physician. - Tangible Personal Property List
If permitted pursuant to the terms of the Will, this separate document lists items of tangible personal property to be received by specific named individuals upon the passing of the testator, person who makes and signs the Last Will and Testament.
What You Can Expect
When you work with me, you'll receive personalized legal guidance, clear communication, and direct access to your attorney throughout the estate planning process. I'll take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and help you create an estate plan tailored to your unique circumstances.
As a solo Washington attorney, I believe legal services should be transparent and accessible. Where appropriate, flat fee arrangements can give you greater predictability regarding the cost of your estate planning services.
Start Your Estate Plan Today
Schedule your free 30-minute initial consultation to discuss your estate planning goals. I'll help you understand your options and develop a practical, affordable plan that protects what matters most.
Work directly with an Experienced Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer who is committed to providing personal attention and straightforward legal guidance every step of the way.