Estate Planning Attorneys
Estate planning is often misunderstood to be a tool for only the elderly or extremely wealthy.
In reality, various situations call for at least some estate planning documents. At Cooney Law Offices, our Spokane estate planning attorneys will provide you with straightforward advice tailored to your unique family and financial circumstances. Whether you need a wills lawyer, trust lawyer, or assistance with power of attorney documents, we are here to help.
You should consider Estate Planning if:
You have minor children
What happens to your children if both parents pass away or become incapacitated? With proper estate planning, you can appoint a trusted relative or friend as guardian to ensure your children are raised by someone you trust.
You have a child, grandchild or other relative with special needs
Government-funded programs such as Medicaid, Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have strict asset/income guidelines for benefit holders. Discuss your estate planning options with an attorney to avoid disqualifying a child or relative from receiving necessary benefits.
You have a nontraditional / blended family (stepchildren, unmarried couples with children, etc.)
In the absence of a will or other estate planning tools, Washington law provides legally mandated rules of inheritance. These laws may or may not conform to your wishes and particular family circumstances.
You are a single, divorced or widowed adult.
As an unmarried adult, it is particularly important to use durable powers of attorney so that someone you trust can make medical decisions for you and/or manage your finances if you are unable to do so.
You own property in another state.
Without the proper estate plan, your heirs may face multiple, potentially costly and time-consuming probates. Consult with an attorney about your options.
You don’t want to stay on life support.
Hospital policies or family disagreements may keep you on life support against your wishes. A health care directive can ensure your preferences are honored.
You have pets that you want to be provided for after you die.
Even though you consider Fido part of the family, legally he’s just another piece of property. If you want to make sure he’s provided for, you’ll need to plan for this.
Get Your Estate Planning Questions Answered with a Free Consultation
We want to understand your individual situation to help plan for whatever the future may hold for you and your loved ones. Remember that with estate planning, it’s important to be proactive. If you wait until you need it, it’s usually too late.
Estate Planning Results
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Estate Planning & Wills FAQs
Helping you plan for your potential needs.
If you’re an adult, yes. Estate Planning is not just for the elderly and/or wealthy. All adults should have some amount of Estate Planning; and if you wait until you “need” it, it’s probably too late.
Not necessarily. Trusts are often advertised as being better than a Will because they “avoid probate”. While this can be true, often a basic Will is just as effective and more economical than establishing a Trust. Make sure to consult with a Washington Estate Planning attorney about your specific needs.
Probably not. There is no legal requirement that your Will be drafted and/or changed by an attorney; however, there are very specific requirements when it comes to drafting, changing, and/or signing your Will. As they say, it’s difficult to know what you don’t know. Be sure you consult with an experienced estate planning attorney.
It depends. Everyone’s situation is unique, and your documents should address your specific needs. You can check out our free guides to see some of the most commonly utilized Estate Planning documents; however, when it comes time to have your Estate Plan prepared, make sure you’re not getting “one size fits all” documents.
Currently, you can pass approximately $2.2 million in assets through your estate without paying any Washington (or Federal) estate tax. If you are close to, at, or above this threshold, be sure to consult with an experienced Estate Planning attorney about your options.
What’s Next?
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Why work with Cooney Law Offices?
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