Tacoma Estate and Probate Lawyers
At Blado Kiger, our Tacoma, Washington, law firm, estate planning and probate lawyers provide solid legal services and sensitive counsel to clients who are taking measures to protect the ones they love, or who need assistance after the death of family members. If you are ready to write a will or living will, need a power of attorney, or are the designated personal representative (executor) for an estate, and would like to speak with one of our probate lawyers, please contact our office.
In Washington probate is not complicated.
Years ago probate could be a slow and discouraging process. However, Washington State has taken measures to simplify the process of transferring titles, paying creditors, and distributing assets during probate. Our attorneys help local and out-of-state residents in filing probate and administering estates. Our probate lawyers handle probate court matters in Pierce County, King County, Thurston County, Mason County, and Kitsap County.
Every adult should have a will, living will, and power of attorney.
Our lawyers have seen powerful examples demonstrating the benefit of a will, living will, and durable power of attorney for every person over eighteen years of age:
Directive to Physician / Living Will: If you are seriously injured or become gravely ill, how do you want your care handled? During the months preceding the death of Terri Schiavo, after she spent fifteen years on life support, the nation watched her family's public legal battle for control of her health care. In Washington State a Directive to Physician allows you to give specific instructions regarding the use of extreme health care measures such as a feeding tube, intravenous hydration, antibiotics, and a respirator in the event you are not able to make decisions for yourself. You will save those you care about from making agonizing health care decisions on your behalf by writing a living will. An attorney from our office will explain what can be included in a Directive to Physician.
A Will: Through your will you ensure your intentions are carried out in the event of your death.
- A carefully drafted simple will instructs the court on how to distribute your assets and personal possessions after your death. In your will you also appoint a legal guardian for your minor children.
- A trust will, appropriate for medium-size estates, includes a provision to move assets from the estate into any of a variety of trusts.
Trusts: There are a number of situations in which a trust is an appropriate way to control the distribution of assets and minimize losses to estate taxes:
- A living trust is established and funded while the grantor (person establishing the trust) is still alive.
- A testamentary trust is part of a trust will and allows assets to flow smoothly from the estate into the trust.
- A special needs trust provides for the care of a child or other family member with a disability, often while the disabled person is receiving government benefits.
- A marital deduction trust ensures that a couple gets full benefit from available tax exemptions.
Probate Litigation: When disputes arise our attorneys assist our clients in resolving will contests and trust claims, appear on behalf of out-of-state or local heirs, or assist executors / personal representatives as in-state counsel.
