Considering drafting a will in Spokane, Washington? A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are cared for. Contact Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. at (509) 328-2150 for experienced help. We offer a consultation with a Spokane wills lawyer.
Without a will, state law decides who receives your property, which might not reflect your wishes. A will gives you control over what happens to your assets and allows you to name guardians for minor children. It’s a key part of making sure your family is protected.
Why Choose Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. for Help With My Will?
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your legacy. At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we provide experienced, thoughtful guidance tailored to your needs and goals.
Here’s why clients throughout Spokane, WA, trust us with their estate plans:
- Years of experience: Our attorneys bring over 25 years of combined experience in estate planning. We’ve helped individuals and families across all walks of life create clear, effective wills.
- Personalized experience: We take the time to understand your specific concerns, family dynamics, and long-term goals. Every plan we create is customized—never one-size-fits-all.
- Understanding of Washington law: We understand the estate laws specific to Washington State, including probate rules, community property rights, and guardianship provisions. We’ll ensure your will is valid, enforceable, and aligned with your wishes.
Let us help you draft a will with clarity, confidence, and care. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with a Spokane estate planning attorney.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that says what should happen to your belongings after death. It lets you name the people or organizations you want to receive your property. It also lets you name a guardian for your children and choose someone to manage your estate.
In Washington, a will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two other people. It doesn’t need to be notarized, but it does need to follow these rules to be valid.
Wills can be simple or detailed, depending on what you own and who you want to include. No matter your situation, a will gives you a voice in what happens when you’re no longer here.
Who Needs a Will?
Most adults can benefit from having a will, regardless of how much money they have. A will isn’t just about passing on wealth. It’s about making sure your wishes are known and honored.
You should consider having a will if:
- You have children or other dependents: A will allows you to name a guardian for your minor children or dependents with special needs. Without one, the court will decide who takes on that role.
- You’re married or in a long-term partnership: A will lets you ensure your spouse or partner is provided for, especially if you’re not legally married or have children from a previous relationship.
- You own property or have a bank account: Even modest assets—like a home, car, or savings account—should be passed on according to your wishes, not state law.
- You want to name someone specific to receive your things: A will allows you to leave personal items or family heirlooms to specific individuals, so there’s no confusion or dispute after your passing.
- You want to leave something to a friend or charity: Washington’s default inheritance rules do not account for non-family beneficiaries. A will ensures your chosen friend or cause receives what you intend.
- You want to prevent conflict among family members: Clear, written instructions reduce the risk of disagreements or misunderstandings and help keep the peace during a difficult time.
Even if your estate is small, a will can give your loved ones clarity and direction.
What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Washington?
Washington’s laws decide who gets your property if you pass away without a will. This is called dying “intestate.” The law follows a set formula, starting with your spouse and children. If you don’t have either, it moves on to other relatives—parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, etc.
The problem is, these laws might not reflect what you want. Maybe you’d prefer to leave something to a friend, a partner you’re not married to, or a local cause. Maybe you don’t want certain family members to inherit at all. Without a will, those choices aren’t yours to make.
Another concern is guardianship. If you have minor children and no will, the court decides who will raise them. That decision may not match what you would have chosen.
What Should Be Included in a Will?
A good will covers more than just who gets what. It should clearly state your wishes and name the people you trust to carry them out. Here are some things to include:
- Beneficiaries: the people or groups who will receive your assets
- Executor: the person responsible for settling your affairs
- Guardianship: who should care for your minor children, if needed
- Property list: instructions for your home, money, vehicles, or personal items
- Alternate plans: what to do if a beneficiary or executor can’t serve
The more complete your will is, the easier it will be for your loved ones to fulfill your wishes.
What Are the Benefits of a Will?
Creating a will isn’t just about dividing property—it’s about protecting your family and giving them peace of mind. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Clarity: Loved ones won’t have to guess what you wanted
- Control: You decide who inherits and who doesn’t
- Guardianship: You choose who should raise your children
- Faster probate: A will can simplify the legal process after your death
- Reduced conflict: Clear instructions can help prevent disputes among relatives
A will gives you a voice when it matters most. It’s one of the simplest ways to care for the people you leave behind.
When Should You Update Your Will?
Creating a will is a smart step, but it’s not something you should set and forget. As your life changes, your will should change with it.
It’s a good idea to review your will every few years and update it after major life events, such as:
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a child or grandchild
- Losing a loved one named in your will
- Buying or selling property
- Moving to a new state
- Changing your mind about who should inherit
Keeping your will current helps ensure your wishes are honored and your family is protected—no matter what the future holds.
How Can an Estate Planning Lawyer Help With My Will?
While do-it-yourself forms are available online, writing a will is more than just filling in blanks. Every person’s situation is unique, and one-size-fits-all documents can miss important details.
An estate planning lawyer can:
- Make sure your will follows Washington’s legal requirements
- Help you think through issues you might not have considered
- Avoid vague language that could cause confusion or legal challenges
- Coordinate your will with other documents, like a power of attorney or living will
- Review and update your plan as your life changes
Working with a lawyer gives you confidence that your will is valid, complete, and customized to your needs. It also gives your family a trusted resource when the time comes.
Schedule a Consultation With a Spokane Wills Lawyer
Writing a will may feel like a big step, but it’s also a powerful one. It’s how you make your wishes known, protect your loved ones, and leave behind a plan that brings clarity during a difficult time.
At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we help people across Spokane, Washington, create wills that reflect their values and protect what matters most. Whether you’re planning ahead or updating an old will, our team is here to guide you through every step.
Call our office or reach out online to schedule your consultation with a Spokane wills attorney today.