Estate Planning Attorney in Kennewick, WA State
Estate planning is a delicate subject that makes some feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. However, it is one of the most important legacies that protects families, and discussing the intricate and sensitive details spares families in times of grief.
An experienced probate lawyer understands those nuances and can protect assets and ensure the estate meets the final wishes of the dearly departed.
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How Our Estate Planning Lawyers Can Help You
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for Estate Planning?
The primary reason is to protect the wishes of the estate. Estate planning isn’t just for the elderly or infirm. Estate planning law firms prepare families for emergencies and unplanned events. Estate planning isn’t just about leaving a Last Will. A competent probate lawyer in Yakima or Kennewick can also prepare supporting documents.- Durable Power of Attorney
- Revocable Living Trust
- Special Needs Trust
- Healthcare Directives
What Are the Components of Estate Planning?
Wills and Trusts
The documents of a Will and Trust take care of what’s truly important in protecting children under 18 and distributing an estate according to your wishes.Durable Power of Attorney
In the tragic event of a death or severe illness, it’s crucial to have a trusted designee to manage daily financial affairs. This designee ensures those financial tasks like paying bills, managing banking, and signing documents continues without interruption. This power can be a temporary or permanent solution. By asking a trusted person to act on your behalf, you ensure your obligations receive management according to your wishes. To prepare this type of document, contact an estate planning lawyer near me.Medical or Healthcare Power of Attorney (MPA)
Similar to a Durable Power of Attorney, a Medical Power of Attorney protects you and your family during medical emergencies. This document grants a designated person the power to act on your behalf; this is a complementary designation to Living Wills and Advance Healthcare Directives.Living Wills and Advance Directives for Medical Decisions
Living Wills and MPAs become your voice when your health (coma, serious injury, dementia, or other) prevents you from making decisions about your medical care. It ensures you receive the exact care without adding stress, confusion, or disagreement among your family.Beneficiary Designations
Finally, this vital aspect of estate planning ensures your (named) beneficiaries receive the benefits without going through the estate. Planning for a beneficiary designation ensures the funds reach the intended person.What Happens to a Property When Someone Passes Away Without a Will?
If you pass without legal documentation of your last wishes, the law declares you “died intestate” or without a Will. In those cases, the law mandates estate planning and who has the right to possess your property.
When a married person passes away, the property (real estate, personal property, cash, investments, etc.) in which the deceased person had ownership is declared either as the couple’s “net community property” or the deceased’s “net separate property.”
The intestate succession statute mandates the surviving spouse receives the portions of the deceased’s net property interests as awarded by the Probate Court.
- Deceased’s share of net community property (100%).
- Deceased’s net separate property between 50% to 100%; exceptions depend on the status of surviving relatives.
Suppose less than 100% of the deceased’s net property falls to the surviving spouse; then the Probate Court awards the remainder of the net property.
When an unmarried person passes away 100% (1) of the deceased’s net property or (2) the remainder of the net separator property (no surviving spouse), then the Probate Courts award:
- 100% to the deceased’s issue (children, grandchildren, etc.) in the exact portions declared by the intestate succession statute;
- If the deceased leaves no issue, 100% goes to surviving parent(s); or it carries forward until all issue is exhausted to prevent having to be forfeited (escheat) to the State
The best way to prepare and specify those wishes in a legally binding Will is to hire an estate planning law firm near you.
How Can I Prepare My Living Will?
Hiring a professional estate planning attorney assures you peace of mind.
Preparing a Living Will or Health Care Directive is an invaluable document. Because a Living Will also includes the action of physicians, the best way to prepare a legally binding document is to have an estate planning law firm draft the details.
Instead of procrastinating about Living Wills, discuss them openly with your family. Once you formulate a plan for a health emergency, hire an estate planning lawyer and draw up the legal documents.
In a Health Care Directive, you must specify that:
- You want artificial intervention to keep you alive or
- You want to die naturally
Health Care Directives are preventative solutions every adult should discuss with an estate planning attorney.
An estate planning attorney helps you prepare concise measures to prevent extra stress. It provides clear instructions to ensure you receive the best medical care expressed as your final wishes.
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Get Started with Skyview’s Estate Planning Attorneys
Estate planning isn’t as stressful if you have the right estate planning attorneys on your side. The Skyview Estate Planning Team is ready to help you navigate difficult decisions. It’s better to be proactive and rely on the service of a professional team.
Schedule a meeting today. You’ll feel better about it.
How Skyview Law Can Help You
Skyview Law handles family law in Kennewick and offers expertise relevant to your family’s situation. Skyview Law helps clients prepare and understand paperwork, provides support in the courtroom, and navigate challenging legal scenarios. Having competent legal aid can also increase the chance of positive outcomes in your case.
Legal Advocates
Court systems are complex, and it’s all too easy to feel intimidated. Having a lawyer by your side prevents you from being taken advantage of.
Reduce Stress
Dealing with family matters in court is often an emotional ordeal, and a lawyer will be able to explain everything that’s happening to put you at ease.
Fast Case Resolution
We save you time because we already know how to file documents properly, which minimizes paperwork slowdowns, and we get you on your way to fulfilling all the legal formalities required by the court.
Dodge Expensive Mistakes
Even non-lawyers know that legal proceedings require you to fill out lots of complicated forms correctly. Making a mistake on these forms can cost you time, as well as money. With a lawyer, you know the paperwork will be completed correctly the first time.
Understand Complicated Matters
Especially in divorce proceedings, unforeseen twists happen all the time. If you find yourself facing an unexpected complication, it’s in your best interest to have a lawyer who can help you navigate the situation.
Avoid Spousal Bullying
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for angry ex-spouses to threaten and intimidate you, but a lawyer will champion your cause and make sure you aren’t bullied into submission or silence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Entrusting your private life to a professional estate planning attorney is a momentous decision, but it protects you and your loved ones.
What Does My Estate Include?
An estate includes property or assets that you own. This could be property, investments, art and collectibles, bank assets, retirement funds, and items of no value.
Can You Help Me Decide Between a Trust or Will?
The expert team at Skyview Law in Kennewick will answer your concerns about Trusts and Wills and which is the best for you.
What are the Differences between Community Properties and Separate Properties?
Community property can only apply to married people. Therefore single or unmarried people’s assets and property fall under “separate property.”
About Skyview Law
Jarrod Hays is the founder of Skyview Law. He graduated from Northwestern School of Law in 2008 and opened his practice shortly after that. Since then, Mr. Hays has served the Tri-Cities community faithfully across a range of practice areas. He is a seasoned attorney with ample experience in family law, probate, divorce, child custody, and everything in between.
Mr. Hays is a member of the American Institute of Legal Counsel, as well as several legal groups. He was rated as one of the 10 best attorneys under 40 for client satisfaction in Washington state.
Why work with Skyview law?
Excellent Customer Service
Convenient
location
+10 years
of experience
