Spokane Estate Planning Attorney

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services in Spokane, Washington

While it’s not exactly fun to plan for the possibility of getting injured or becoming ill, or the inevitability of dying, doing so can bring the peace of mind you need to be present and enjoy life to the fullest. Not to mention, failure to plan for these possibilities can have disastrous consequences. A Spokane estate planning attorney understands the necessities of planning for the future and can help you to navigate the process.

At Evergreen Elder Law, our estate planning lawyers will help you plan for the unexpected and the inevitable. Whether you are a young family with a modest income, or an older couple with substantial assets, we can help.

The most common Estate planning matters we handle include:

Your estate is comprised of all that you own, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, art, jewelry, collectibles, and other personal property. An estate plan ensures that these assets are distributed per your wishes and your family is protected from avoidable taxes and the costly process of probate. A Spokane estate planning attorney can also name guardians for minor children, and name who will make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

We can help you get your affairs in order so that you can rest easy knowing everything has been completed in advance of any emergency. Contact us today for a free consultation online or in our convenient location in Spokane, Washington.

Reasons You Need an Estate Plan in Eastern Washington

While there are a variety of reasons why people decide to meet with a Spokane estate planning attorney and create an estate plan, some of the most common include:

  1. Avoid Probate

What is Probate? A probate is the process of validating a deceased person’s estate by placing a value on their assets, paying their debts and taxes, and distributing to heirs. Avoiding probate is by far the most common reason why people seek out the advice of a Spokane estate planning attorney. Probate can be costly and time consuming. For the vast majority of people, avoiding probate is a very good reason for creating an estate plan and can be easily achieved.

  1. Avoid Estate Taxes

The significant loss of one’s estate to the payment of state and federal estate taxes or state inheritance taxes is a great motivator for many people to put an estate plan together. Through the most basic planning, married couples can reduce or even possibly eliminate estate taxes altogether by setting up Specialized Trusts. A variety of advanced estate planning techniques can be used by both married couples and individuals to reduce or completely eliminate estate or inheritance taxes.

  1. Avoid a Mess

Many clients seek advice of an estate planning attorney after personally experiencing or knowing someone who has experienced a messy estate. A messy estate can be a waste of time and money. Choosing someone to be in charge if you become mentally incapacitated or die–and deciding who will get what, when they will get it, and how they will get it-will go a long way towards avoiding family fights and costly probate court proceedings.

  1. Protect Beneficiaries

There are generally two main reasons why people put together an estate plan to protect their beneficiaries: To protect minor beneficiaries, or to protect adult beneficiaries from bad decisions, outside influences, creditor problems, and divorcing spouses. If the beneficiary is a minor, you want to make the provisions for the distribution at certain ages and provisions for an adult to oversee the inheritance. If the beneficiary is already an adult that’s bad with money or has an overbearing spouse or partner who you fear will squander the beneficiary’s inheritance or take it in a divorce, you can create an estate plan that will protect the beneficiary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Spokane, Washington

What Shall I Include in my Estate Planning?

Evergreen Elder Law can help you determine if you need a Will, Revocable Living Trust, Power of Attorney, or Healthcare Directive. We ensure that your wishes are clearly defined even if you can’t verbalize decisions yourself. Don’t leave these important decisions to your family and friends.

Why Do I Need an Estate Planning Lawyer?

The laws can be complex. Don’t risk making a mistake by doing it yourself. Evergreen Elder Law is here to guide you through the process, answer any questions, and plan for the future. If there are mistakes in your documents your friends and family could find themselves with a mess. One of our priorities is making sure you and your estate stay protected in times of incapacity or death.

What Does My Estate Consists of Of?

Your estate consists of all the assets that you own. This includes investment properties, real property, vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, bank accounts, securities, and retirement accounts. Let our estate planning attorneys help you ensure that all of your belongings are distributed according to your wishes.

How Many Kinds of Trusts Are There?

There are many types of trusts including testamentary, discretionary, irrevocable, and special needs trusts. Our team will help you choose the best option for you and your family.

Will You Help Me Decide Between a Trust or Will?

Evergreen Elder Law is here to answer any questions you may have when determining your estate planning. Depending on your needs we can make a recommendation on what plan will be the best for you.

Who Should I Choose for My Power of Attorney?

When you can no longer make decisions, it is critical for you to have a power of attorney to manage your finances and property. This is often a friend, family member or trusted advisor.

Further Questions About Estate Planning In Eastern Washington State?

We know estate planning can feel overwhelming or like it’s “not for you”. But estate planning is not only for the wealthy – we help people from all walks of life to ensure their assets and finances are properly managed after their death. We offer free consultations online, over the phone, or in our convenient office located in Spokane.

If you have more questions about estate planning but aren’t quite ready for a consultation, you can also choose to sign up for our free estate planning webinar. To learn more, please visit our ‘Free Webinar Recordings’ page.

Contact a Spokane Estate Planning Lawyer Today

Contact our experienced and knowledgeable staff to avoid serious mistakes. We can guide you each step of the way. Set up a free consultation so we can apply our expertise and get a comprehensive plan in place or in our convenient location in Spokane, Washington.

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Spokane Estate Planning Attorney

Our Practice Areas

Wills and Trusts

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Estate Planning

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Probate

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Medicaid and Long Term Care Planning

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Special Needs Planning

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VA Benefits-Pension Aid and Attendance

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Testimonials

I did some research and exploration and came upon the offices of Evergreen Elder Law. From the moment I spoke with the receptionist I felt respected, valued and regarded as an important client. I made an appointment for March 20, 2018. When I presented to their offices I spoke with someone who was sympathetic for my loss, confident that their offices could help and exuded competence. I was heartened to note that they were recognized as “Client Choice “Estate Law Office” for 2016.” And my experience with their offices made me a believer.

ANTHONY

When my mother retired it became apparent we as a family needed help, Holland Mcburns was recommended by an acquaintance of the family. She was professional and very thorough and informative. I felt she was very up to date on the current opportunities that would best benefit my elderly mother, and make her retirement years worry free. After working with Mrs Mcburns, it was apparent that many people would benefit from her knowledge and dedication. I highly recommend her, and look forward to working with her on my estate planning.

ANONYMOUS

Holland is very attentive and detail oriented. I felt well cared for, she returned calls promptly, and was always very sensitive to my needs. Holland gave me very good advice. She is very ethical and has legal services personalized to your needs.

ANONYMOUS

Holland is a great listener and lawyer. When we came to her with our needs, she thoughtfully listened, was helpful with all our questions, and then explained our options. Her sense of humor helped us through some long waits with the system. In the end, we ended up with a surprisingly favorable settlement and a good friend in the courts.

NADINE AND MARK HUCK

Holland is truly one of the most sincere and professional attorneys I have come to know and over many years in the legal field. Her work is innovative in the complex area of estate planning and she strives to know the latest legal strategies to protect and represent her clients. Holland is dedicated to satisfying her clients’ needs and does it in a kind manner. She is a wonderful communicator both with her clients and with her colleagues. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal services.

LEESA VAN ZANDT

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The Evergreen Elder Law Team

Evergreen Elder Law is committed to helping you create comprehensive legal, financial, and physical security for you and your loved ones. Serving the Spokane, Tri Cities and Coeur d’Alene regions, we have the knowledge, compassion and professionalism to guide you in planning for the future, giving you peace of mind as you or a loved one makes important decisions for your family and future.

Let us provide you with a free 60-minute consultation. We are available throughout the week by phone and e-mail. Contact us now to set up the initial consultation, and we will make meeting with us easy. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to come up with the best plan to meet your needs. We are available in-person or via tele-conference.

Do you need support with Estate Planning & Elder Law?

Our attorneys at Evergreen Elder Law are ready to stand by you over the long term and work hard to protect your interests. Contact us to get started!