Normandy Park Wills Attorney
Putting together a comprehensive estate plan is one of the best gifts you can leave to your family and loved ones. Whether your estate is simple or complex, I can help. I am attorney Darcel Lobo, and I can assist you in preparing your estate plan to ensure it reflects your intentions and wishes regarding your estate.
The Makeup Of An Estate Plan Is Complicated
At DAL Law Firm, I want to ensure that you have an estate plan that you understand, reflects your wishes and will protect the assets that you’ve worked hard to build. I can help you with all aspects of your estate plan, including:
- Wills
- Revocable living trusts
- Avoiding Washington state estate tax
- Providing for minors
- Appointing guardians for minor children
- Powers of attorney
- Living wills/POLST Form
- Community property agreements
- Directives to control remains
- Transfer on death deeds
However, having the documents included in an estate plan and having a working, effective estate plan are two very different things. That is why you need me to help you craft the right plan for you.
What Are The Legal Requirements For A Will?
To write a will, you must first be at least 18 years old and have the capacity create a valid will. Then you must intend for the document to be your final will and testament. The will must be written, signed by you and witnessed, according to the legal requirements of Washington state. The final step in Washington state is to have witnesses to the document. The state requires at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries to attest to the signing of the will.
Once created, there will be several benefits to your estate plan, including:
- Control over asset distribution: Ensures that your wishes are followed regarding the distribution of your assets.
- Guardianship of minor children: Allows you to designate a trusted person to care for your children.
- Minimizes family disputes: Clear instructions can help prevent disagreements among surviving family members, and can include a “no-contest” clause to disincentivize any disputes.
- Efficient estate settlement: An executor can quickly and efficiently manage the estate, paying debts and distributing assets according to the will.
It’s important to review and update a will periodically, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children or substantial changes in assets. Updates can be made through codicils (amendments to the will) or by creating a new will altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills
When you are planning your estate, the first and most well known part of that process is writing a will. But it is often more difficult than just writing down your wishes on a piece of paper. You need to make smart choices, and that’s only possible if you can get the answers you need. Most of my clients start with asking one or all of these questions.
What happens if you die without a will in Washington state?
If you die without a will in Washington state, your assets will pass through intestate administration. The state will distribute your assets according to priority of your surviving family, and give them a statutorily set percentage. Typically, the highest priority is a spouse, followed by children, then followed by grandchildren, but there are many complicated paths that such distribution can take. You can circumvent this process and assign your assets how you wish with a will.
What is the difference between a last will and a living will?
A living will is a set of directives for how to proceed if you can no longer make medical decisions for yourself. This is meant for when you are incapacitated, and includes things like do-not-resuscitate forms. However, it has no impact on the distribution of your assets and goods. It is strictly a healthcare directive.
Does a last will and testament avoid the probate process?
No. In fact, a major piece of the probate process is to validate the last will and testament of an individual. To avoid probate entirely, you can rely on me to craft an estate plan that meets your needs.
I Can Help You With Your Will. Call Today To Learn More.
It’s always difficult to have conversations about your will, but I will make this process as gentle and calming as possible. I want to help you achieve your goals. Reach out to me to learn more by calling 206-408-1688 or sending an email using this form.