Planning for the future can feel stressful when it involves complex financial and legal decisions. However, in many circumstances, working with an estate planning attorney can give you immense clarity and peace of mind going forward.
Estate planning in Washington State involves more than just writing a will; it’s about ensuring that your property and legacy are handled exactly the way you want.
If you’re unsure when it’s best to bring in a lawyer, read on to learn about some of the key moments when hiring an estate planning attorney may make sense for your situation.
What Is Estate Planning in Washington?
Estate planning is the process of arranging how your assets will be managed and distributed after you pass away or if you become incapacitated. It can include various components, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives.
Under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 11, individuals have broad rights to decide how their property will be handled. However, without clear legal documents, Washington’s intestate succession laws decide who inherits your assets, which may not reflect your wishes.
An estate planning attorney helps ensure that your documents meet all of the applicable legal requirements and that your plan functions as intended when the time comes.
When to Hire an Estate Planning Attorney
There’s no wrong time to start planning, but certain life events make it especially important to get professional help.
You should consider hiring an estate planning attorney if:
- You own a home or other significant assets: Property ownership often triggers probate after death, but a lawyer can help you simplify this process.
- You recently got married or divorced: Major relationship changes can impact who inherits your assets and who has legal control over healthcare decisions.
- You have children: Parents should name guardians and create financial protections for minors in case something happens unexpectedly.
- You started or sold a business: Business owners often need succession plans to protect company assets and avoid disruptions.
- You’ve recently lost a loved one: If you inherited assets or are handling someone’s estate, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- You’re facing medical concerns: Creating a living will and healthcare directive ensures your wishes are respected if you’re unable to make decisions later.
Each of these moments presents different legal challenges. Working with an attorney ensures that your plan adapts to those changes instead of leaving gaps that could cause problems later.
Avoid Probate and Minimize Future Conflict
Many people don’t realize that a basic will alone may still require their loved ones to go through Washington’s probate process. While probate isn’t always avoidable, an estate planning attorney can help structure your plan to reduce delays, expenses, and stress for your family.
Tools like revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, and proper asset titling can streamline the transfer of property and provide greater privacy. Just as importantly, clear legal planning helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes among heirs, ensuring your intentions are carried out without unnecessary conflict.
What Exactly an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
It can be tempting to use online templates for certain aspects of your estate plan, but these often fail to meet Washington’s technical requirements. A small mistake when it comes to something like a will, such as using unclear language, can invalidate your entire estate plan.
A qualified estate planning attorney will:
- Draft customized documents that reflect your personal and financial goals
- Ensure compliance with Washington’s unique probate and tax laws
- Review existing plans to make sure they still align with your current circumstances
- Coordinate with financial advisors to protect your investments and retirement accounts
- Provide guidance during probate, helping families settle their estates efficiently
Having legal representation also helps avoid disputes among family members. Clear, attorney-drafted plans leave less room for challenges in court as well.
Keeping Your Estate Plan Up to Date
Estate planning isn’t something you do once and forget. Life changes constantly, and your plan should evolve with it. As a result, getting further legal guidance can be crucial in certain circumstances.
For instance, you should review your documents with an attorney:
- Every three to five years, or
- Whenever you experience a major life change, such as marriage or the birth of a child
Failing to update your estate plan can result in outdated beneficiaries and conflicting instructions that no longer comply with current state law.
Contact Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. for More Information
An estate planning attorney can help you create and safeguard your plan so that it accurately reflects your life and your goals. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact an estate planning lawyer at Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. today, or call us at (509) 328-2150 for an initial consultation. At that time, you can receive some preliminary advice about your best course of action.