Tacoma Estate Planning Lawyer
Ensuring that your wishes are followed regarding your estate and related matters after you are gone requires an understanding of the legal documents and instruments related to this critical matter. While you may believe that estate planning is only for the very wealthy or the very old, anyone can benefit from a comprehensive estate plan if they own anything at all. Your home, vehicles, and bank accounts are all part of your “estate.”
Probate is another matter that can arise in life, especially if you have been designated executor of a loved one’s estate. You must administer the estate according to the law and under the court’s supervision. This involves many steps for which you will likely need advice and guidance to ensure that the process is completed correctly.
At McCarthy Law Office, PLLC, we can provide the legal help you need in these critical matters. Attorney Conor McCarthy brings experience, knowledge, and a personal approach to helping you plan for the future or navigate the settlement of a loved one’s estate.
Request a free initial consultation with our Tacoma estate planning attorney about your legal needs. Use our convenient contact form or call (844) 224-5029 to get started. We serve clients in the counties of Pierce, Kitsap, Thurston, and King.
Estate Planning in Washington State
Caring for your family and protecting your assets starts with planning to be prepared for any eventuality. By thinking through how you want your assets distributed, you can give yourself and your family peace of mind and prevent unnecessary taxes and fees.
Assets that might make up an individual's estate include houses, other real estate, vehicles, stocks and bonds, paintings, life insurance, pensions, retirement accounts, and more. Estate planning aims to preserve the maximum wealth possible for your intended beneficiaries and flexibility for you before your passing.
Contrary to a common misconception, estate planning is not only for the ultra-rich or elderly. Everyone has an estate and thus needs to plan for it.
The instruments used in estate planning can include:
- Wills: Legal documents that allow you to designate how you want your estate to be distributed upon your death. It also allows you to appoint an executor to carry out these wishes.
- Trusts (Testamentary Trusts, Revocable Living Trusts, & More): Legal arrangements where a trustee holds and manages assets for the benefit of others, potentially reducing estate taxes or protecting assets from creditors. Depending on your goals, your will may need to include testamentary trusts which come into existence upon your passing. Or, given the nature of your assets and goals, you may decide that a revocable living trust is the right fit for you. In addition, you may consider various other types of trusts to meet your unique needs.
- Powers of Attorney: Allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you cannot do so.
- Health Care Power of Attorney & Directives: This can include a health care declaration ("living will") and a Power of Attorney for health care, which outline your health care preferences and designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot express your wishes.
We offer services for all aspects of estate planning, from wills and trusts preparation to gift planning, community property agreements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and resolving estate disputes.
Client Testimonials
We Treat Our Clients Like People, Not Numbers
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“I get the impression my situation was not just a legal issue to be dealt with but that he really cared that things turned out for the best.”- Jeff W.
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“I would highly recommend this firm for wills and estate documents.”- B Hayes
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“His service, follow-up and approach are second to none.”- Charles J.
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“Conor was knowledgeable, friendly and prompt. He answered all our questions and explained things thoroughly to make sure we understood.- Jay B.
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“I had Conor help with our business operating agreement and then my personal will for my wife and myself. He was very responsive, informative and pleasant to work with. He made our experience easy and quick. I would recommend him to my friends and family.“Conor McCarthy is an exceptional attorney! Among his many great talents, he will break down complex scenarios to their core issues promptly, avoiding bloated billing. Having worked with numerous attorneys over the years, it is refreshing to find one who wi”- Diogenes X.- Corky G.
I hired Attorney Conor McCarthy in 2016. I had sustained a serious work injury and was having problems communicating and understanding the process with the Washington State Labor and Industries.
Conor McCarthy was a godsend, he completely took control, worked successfully with L&I and ultimately brought my case to the best conclusion for my injury and case. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Attorney Conor McCarthy.
Conor McCarthy has been my attorney for years. He is honest, trustworthy, knowledgeable and gets the job done efficiently and effectively. He has handled a variety of issues for my mother and me and we have been more than satisfied with the results. He is easy to talk to. He listens and hears what you are telling him. We have the utmost faith in him and have recommended him to friends and family.- Linda O.