Bellevue Estate Planning Lawyer

Dependable Trust, Will & Probate Attorneys in the Seattle Metro Area

Estate planning is all about using the proper legal instruments to ensure that your wishes are carried out according to your instructions. These tools can include:

• Wills, which are the simplest tool and can form the foundation of a much larger plan.
• Trusts, which are another method of estate transfer.
• Powers of Attorney which authorize a trusted person to act on your behalf in decisions related to property, finances, or medical care.
• Advance health care directives to direct end-of-life medical care.

Our estate planning lawyers in Bellevue start estate planning by discussing with you the best ways to protect your family and give them clear direction using the above tools.

Once we have an up-to-date picture of your current assets, we can create a thoughtful estate plan strategy. As time passes, circumstances can change that may require revisions to your plan.

Call (206) 203-8802 or contact us online to schedule your free estate planning consult with our experienced Bellevue estate planning lawyers today!

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is not about money or morbid thoughts you would rather avoid. It is about the power to provide comfort and about giving your loved ones clear direction in a time of chaos. It creates a thoughtful strategy for bestowing the final gifts of your life in a way that will benefit your loved ones the most. Estate planning is about caring enough to prepare.

The field of estate planning deals with the protection and management of your estate. Among its many aspects are the arrangements for disability, long-term care, funeral expenses, financial affairs, business transfer, guardianship, conservatorship, inheritance, and special needs planning.

While thinking about estate planning makes many people uneasy, it is truly essential. Whether you regard yourself as middle class, wealthy, or somewhere in between, a legal plan is needed. You may not know where to start. You may wonder whether you should make a will with online tools or work with an experienced estate planning attorney in Bellevue and the Seattle metro area.

Our Bellevue Estate Planning Firm

At Jerimy Kirschner & Associates, PLLC, we have seen how poorly cut-and-paste wills hold up when challenged in court. We want a better outcome for your family. Our litigation experience working primarily in estate law means we know what questions to ask about you, your family, and your estate to arrive at a plan that truly protects everyone.

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions

If you are thinking of getting started on creating an estate plan, you probably also have a lot of questions about the process and what to include. At Jerimy Kirschner & Associates, PLLC in Bellevue, we want to ensure our clients have all the essential information they need to make the best choices for their future, so we compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding estate planning.

Call our law office today at (206) 203-8802 to learn more about estate planning and how this important tool can be used to protect your loved ones.

Here are the answers to the most asked questions about estate planning:

Who needs an estate plan?

It is a common misconception that only wealthy individuals need an estate plan. The fact is that anyone, regardless of their assets or the size of their estate, can benefit from creating an estate plan. Your estate plan will allow you to designate beneficiaries and someone to manage your assets on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without a plan in place, such decisions will be left up to a judge.

What should I include in my estate plan?

There is more to creating an estate plan than simply setting up a will and trust. Some of the other important tools you should include in your estate plan include a Durable Power of Attorney, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, beneficiary designations, guardianship designations, and a letter of intent.

Can I revoke or change my will?

The needs you had when you first created your will may not remain the same, so it is a good idea to review your will to ensure it reflects your current needs and goals. A good time to review your will would be before or after a major life event, such as a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. If you decide to make minor changes, you can create a codicil, or an addition, to your will. If you are making major changes, you can revoke it, rendering it ineffective, so you can create a new one.

If I already have a living trust, will I still need a will?

Yes, generally, you will still need a will even if you have a living trust. A will affects assets that are not in your living trust and are titled in your name at the time of your death. Moreover, you can also nominate guardians for minor children in a will.

What would happen if I were to die without an estate plan?

If you die without an estate plan, the state will determine what will happen to your assets and distribute them among your family members. The results may not be what you would have wished for, so it is important not to put off creating an estate plan to ensure your assets are handled as you would have envisioned it and not passed down to a long-estranged family member.

Should I create an estate plan?

Creating an estate plan is an important step everyone should take. It is a common misconception that only the wealthy create estate plans, but the fact is that preparing for the future is something everyone should do. Not only is estate planning for anyone, regardless of wealth, it is also never too soon to start. If necessary, you can always update your estate plan as your needs change.

Get Started on Creating Your Estate Plan by Reaching Out to Our Legal Team Today!

At Jerimy Kirschner & Associates, PLLC, our experienced estate planning lawyers in Bellevue can guide you through the process of creating an effective estate plan that meets your needs and goals.

Our experienced Bellevue estate planning lawyers can be your partner in creating your estate plan implementing revisions to ensure that your legacy and family are always safeguarded. When you need help with tax planning, trusts, wills, probate, or more, call Jerimy Kirschner & Associates.

Contact us online or call (206) 203-8802 to request your free estate planning consult with our industry-leading estate planning lawyers in Bellevue & the Seattle metro area!