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.
What Are The Key Components Of A Comprehensive Estate Plan?
An effective estate plan in Washington encompasses multiple essential elements that collectively ensure your assets are allocated as per your intentions and your loved ones are provided for.
As experienced Tacoma estate planning attorneys, we emphasize the importance of understanding and incorporating each of these elements:
- Last Will and Testament: This crucial document outlines the distribution of your assets upon your passing, assigns guardians for any minor children, and designates an executor to handle the administration of your estate.
- Trusts (Testamentary Trusts, Revocable Living Trusts, and more): By establishing a trust, you can bypass the probate process, which offers greater privacy and can help minimize expenses and delays. It gives you control over your assets during your lifetime and details instructions for their management and distribution after your death.
- Durable Power of Attorney: This important legal instrument appoints a trusted individual to handle your financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. It plays a vital role in ensuring that your affairs are managed and your assets are safeguarded.
- Healthcare Directive (Living Will): This document specifies your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care, often incorporating a durable power of attorney for healthcare. It designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes.
- Beneficiary Designations: It's crucial to keep the beneficiary information on your retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other financial assets current. These designations allow assets to pass directly to your chosen beneficiaries, avoiding the probate process.
- Guardianship Designations: If you have minor children, designating a guardian is essential to ensure they will be cared for by someone you trust in the event of your untimely passing.
- Letter of Intent: While not legally binding, this document serves as a valuable guide for your executor or trustee, outlining your personal wishes and any special instructions that may not be addressed in your other estate planning documents.
Partnering with a Tacoma estate planning lawyer allows you to craft a customized estate plan that incorporates all essential elements, ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding your legacy. 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. Our skilled team of estate planning attorneys in Tacoma is dedicated to guiding you through each step of the process, empowering you to make well-informed decisions about your future.
Client Testimonials
We Treat Our Clients Like People, Not Numbers
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From the first interaction to the final delivery, Conor was professional and courteous, took time to understand the legal issues, walked me through multiple scenarios and drafted the document I needed ahead of an aggressive timeline. He also took extra time to work with my legal plan to ensure it was a covered charge. I would gladly recommend him to friends and family.- Former Client
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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.