Spokane Valley Estate Planning Lawyer

Are you looking for guidance on planning your family’s future in Spokane Valley, WA? Speaking with a Spokane Valley estate planning lawyer at Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. can help you protect your estate. Contact our office today at (509) 328-2150 to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you build peace of mind.

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Families of all sizes and income levels can benefit from having a clear plan in place. With the right documents, you can decide who inherits your property, who makes decisions if you’re unable to, and how your legacy will be preserved. Contact us today to get started.

Why Choose Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. for Help With Estate Planning in Spokane Valley?

Why Choose Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. for Help With Estate Planning in Spokane Valley?

Choosing the right lawyer is an important step. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we focus on compassionate, personalized guidance for families in Spokane Valley, Washington. Our team has over 25 years of combined experience in wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other key planning tools.

They have also earned recognition for their commitment to client care, including:

  • Their Elevated Care Program, which offers ongoing support and renewal services
  • A Digital Storage Lockbox for secure, easy access to important documents
  • A Client Care University that helps educate and prepare clients throughout their planning process

We pride ourselves on listening closely to your concerns. Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every family has different needs, goals, and challenges. We take the time to create a custom plan that reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones secure.

When you work with our firm, you gain a partner who will help you understand your options and make confident decisions for your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Spokane Valley estate planning attorney.

What Does Estate Planning Cover?

Many people believe estate planning only involves writing a will. In reality, it’s much broader. A complete plan addresses your property, your health, and even your family relationships.

Common elements include:

  • A last will and testament
  • Trusts to manage or protect assets
  • Durable powers of attorney
  • Advance healthcare directives
  • Guardianship arrangements for minor children
  • Strategies to reduce taxes or avoid probate

Each of these tools plays a role in creating a complete roadmap. Together, they form a plan that will protect you and your loved ones during life and after.

Why Start Estate Planning Now?

One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting too long to plan. Accidents, illnesses, and sudden events can strike without warning. By planning early, you stay in control and spare your family from difficult decisions.

Estate planning helps you:

  • Decide who will manage your finances if you become incapacitated
  • Provide instructions for medical treatment
  • Ensure your property passes smoothly to heirs
  • Reduce family conflict and uncertainty

Waiting until later often means fewer options and higher costs. Starting now provides peace of mind.

Wills and Why They Matter

A will is one of the most basic estate planning tools. It directs how your property should be divided after death and can also name a guardian for your children.

Without a will, Washington law decides who inherits your property. That process may not match your wishes and can create conflict between family members.

Drafting a will ensures:

  • Your assets go to the people you choose
  • Minor children have a designated guardian
  • Your estate avoids unnecessary delays in probate

Even if you already have a will, reviewing it regularly is important as life circumstances change.

Understanding Trusts

Trusts are flexible legal tools that can hold and manage property for your benefit or the benefit of loved ones. They can be used during your lifetime and after your death.

Common types of trusts include:

Trusts can help avoid probate, protect assets from creditors, and ensure money is used as you intend. They are especially useful for families with complex financial or caregiving needs.

A Spokane Valley estate planning lawyer can explain which type of trust fits your goals.

Planning for Healthcare Decisions

Estate planning isn’t only about money. It also covers health and medical choices. By creating an advance directive, you can state your preferences for end-of-life care.

A healthcare power of attorney lets you name someone you trust to make decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. These documents reduce stress for family members and ensure your wishes are honored.

Clear instructions prevent confusion during difficult times.

Powers of Attorney for Finances

Just as healthcare decisions need a plan, your financial matters do too. A durable power of attorney gives someone the legal authority to handle bills, manage accounts, and sign documents on your behalf.

This becomes especially important if you are hospitalized or unable to manage your own affairs. Without it, your family may need to go to court for permission to act, which takes time and money.

A durable power of attorney helps keep your finances stable, no matter what happens.

Avoiding Probate

Probate is the court-supervised process of transferring property after death. While sometimes necessary, it can be slow, expensive, and stressful for loved ones.

Estate planning offers ways to avoid or reduce probate. Trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations are common strategies.

Avoiding probate helps:

  • Save time and money
  • Keep family matters private
  • Ensure assets are distributed smoothly

Our lawyers can review your estate and recommend strategies that work best for your situation.

Estate Taxes and Planning Ahead

Taxes are another concern. While not everyone pays estate taxes, planning ahead can minimize the risk of losing wealth to the government.

Washington is one of the few states that imposes a state-level estate tax. The tax applies to estates valued above a certain threshold, which is adjusted for inflation each year. As of July 1, 2025, the Washington estate tax threshold is $3 million (adjusted annually).

Proper planning can help reduce the tax burden on your heirs. Tools like trusts, charitable giving, and strategic gifting can make a big difference. If you own property in another state, our attorneys can also coordinate your plan to ensure compliance across jurisdictions.

Protecting Minor Children

Parents of young children often focus on day-to-day needs. But planning for the future is just as important. Naming a guardian in your will ensures your children will be cared for by someone you trust.

You can also set up trusts to provide financial support. This helps cover education, medical expenses, and everyday living costs.

Protecting your children through estate planning gives them stability even in the face of loss.

Special Needs Planning

Families with disabled loved ones face unique challenges. A special needs trust allows you to provide financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for programs like Medicaid or SSI.

This type of trust can pay for things like therapies, education, or recreational activities. It improves quality of life while keeping essential benefits intact.

A Spokane Valley estate planning attorney with experience in special needs planning can design a strategy tailored to your family.

Long-Term Care Considerations

The cost of long-term care is rising. Nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care can drain savings quickly. Estate planning can include strategies to prepare for these expenses.

Options may involve:

  • Long-term care insurance
  • Medicaid planning
  • Asset protection trusts

Thinking ahead ensures you have resources for care while preserving wealth for your family.

Updating Your Estate Plan

Estate planning is not a one-time task. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, or financial shifts all affect your plan.

We recommend reviewing your documents every few years to keep them current. Outdated plans may cause confusion or fail to meet legal requirements.

An updated plan ensures your wishes are carried out accurately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Estate planning errors can lead to major problems. 

Some common mistakes include:

  • Failing to create any plan at all
  • Forgetting to update documents after life changes
  • Naming the wrong people as executors or trustees
  • Overlooking out-of-state property

Working with an experienced lawyer helps you avoid these pitfalls and create a stronger plan.

How Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. Support Spokane Valley Families

At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we focus on families in Spokane Valley, WA. We understand the unique challenges facing local residents and provide personalized service every step of the way.

We believe estate planning should be accessible, straightforward, and tailored to your needs. Whether you want a simple will or a complex trust structure, our team is here to help.

Our goal is to make sure you and your loved ones are fully protected.

FAQs About Estate Planning in Spokane Valley

Estate planning can feel confusing, and many families in Spokane Valley have similar concerns. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear.

Do I Need a Will if I Already Have a Trust?

Yes. Even if you have a trust, a will serves as a safety net. It can cover property not included in your trust and allows you to name guardians for minor children.

What Happens if I Die Without a Will in Washington?

If you pass away without a will, your estate will be distributed under Washington’s intestacy laws. This often means property goes to your closest relatives, regardless of your wishes.

How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

You should review your estate plan every three to five years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets.

Can I Avoid Probate Completely?

Yes, in many cases. By using trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations, you can keep much of your property out of probate and transfer it directly to loved ones.

Are Estate Planning Laws the Same in Every State?

No. Each state has unique rules. For example, Washington has its own estate tax while many states do not. If you own property in multiple states, your lawyer can make sure your plan complies with each state’s laws.

How a Spokane Valley Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help

Working with a lawyer ensures your plan is valid and legally enforceable. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we explain complex terms in plain language so you always know what you’re signing.

We can help you:

  • Draft legally sound wills and trusts
  • Select appropriate trustees or guardians
  • Coordinate beneficiary designations on accounts
  • Make sure your plan complies with Washington law in every detail

Estate planning can feel overwhelming. With the right attorney by your side, you’ll have clarity and confidence every step of the way.

Contact Our Spokane Valley Estate Planning Lawyers Today for an Initial Consultation

Estate planning can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Spokane Valley estate planning attorney at Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. will guide you through the process with compassion and clarity.

Call us today to schedule your consultation. Let’s build a plan that protects your assets, secures your loved ones’ future, and gives you peace of mind.