Thinking about life after you are gone can be difficult, but creating a plan that provides for your family can provide peace of mind that they will be cared for properly. An estate planning lawyer in Spokane can help you get started and walk you through the decisions you need to plan for the future.
Dellino Family Law helps you protect your family should anything happen to you. We can walk you through the options that best meet your goals and customize your plan accordingly. A Spokane family law lawyer understands the importance of protecting your loved ones now and in the future, and is ready to help you accomplish that goal. We have over 180 years of combined experience.
The Purpose and Benefit of an Estate Plan
An estate plan is a valuable tool to give you peace of mind that your loved ones have what they need in the event that you can no longer manage your estate. With a plan in place, your wishes can be carried out per your instructions, and your family is not left to deal with a lengthy court process. For example, a valid will can ensure the courts are not making decisions on your behalf using formulas.
When a person dies without a will, it means they die intestate, and assets are distributed according to the closest living relative to the decedent. An estate plan ensures that your loved ones receive exactly what you want them to and are financially protected after your loss.
Estate plans are not limited to wills and can include other documents that comprehensively provide for a variety of scenarios. Making decisions early with the help of a Spokane estate planning lawyer can ensure you are prepared.
Types of Documents That Are Beneficial to Include in Your Estate Plan
Estate plans are as unique as the individual or couple establishing them. The details of a person’s estate, circumstances, and goals vary, and our team can customize an estate plan to meet your needs. However, there are a few essential components of a quality estate plan that should be included to create a solid foundation.
- Will: A will outlines how your assets are to be distributed among your named heirs and beneficiaries. This can ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your estate is not subject to Washington’s intestate laws.
- Power of attorney: This document designates an individual of your choosing to make decisions on your behalf. You can specify the degree of authority they are allowed to have.
- Health care directives: If you have specific wishes about your health care if you are incapacitated, these documents outline your desires and expectations for your care. A Do Not Resuscitate order is an example of this. You can also outline who can make medical decisions for you.
- Trust: A trust allows you to place assets into a separate entity managed by a designated individual. Assets in a trust can bypass probate and go directly to named heirs and beneficiaries. They also have different tax implications.
- Final arrangements: Your documented wishes about your funeral and burial wishes and any related actions you want taken at the end of your life.
Having a thorough estate plan can remove guesswork and legal complications for your family. It is also important to carefully consider and select a trustworthy person to make decisions on your behalf and for your estate.
Talk to a Spokane Estate Planning Attorney About Setting Up Your Estate Plan
Talking to a lawyer about creating an estate plan can be very beneficial for understanding how to protect your family. Dellino Family Law handles small and large estates and can navigate a variety of planning needs. Based on your circumstances, we can recommend which documents you will need and what to consider to ensure your estate plan is thorough and robust.
By working with a lawyer, you can also ensure that your estate plan is valid and thereby enforceable. Informal wills and other estate planning documents do not hold up in court. To be valid, your estate plan must be made willingly with soundness of mind, and must be written, signed, and witnessed by two individuals (RCW 11.12.020).
To ensure your family is protected and your wishes are documented, take the first step today by contacting a lawyer and putting your estate plan together.
Regularly Review Your Estate Plan and Communicate it to Family Members
Creating an estate plan is only one part of the equation. Once all documents are drafted and in place, you should return to them periodically to review them for changes since the last time you looked at them. These documents should particularly be evaluated after major life changes in your family, such as births, deaths, divorces, and other significant developments.
In the event of your death, the heirs and beneficiaries named in your estate plan take precedence when settling an estate. If you failed to change the name of a beneficiary after a change in the family, then that person would be set to inherit rather than the person you intended. Talk to a lawyer to make the applicable changes when you need to update your estate plan.
Additionally, it is recommended that you share your estate plan with family members and other relevant beneficiaries. Discussing your plan early can provide clarity and assurance that plans have been made. You should also share your wishes with any individual you have named to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or pass away. This helps ensure they are prepared.
Dellino Family Law Helps You Plan for Your Family’s Future
Dellino Family Law helps you protect your family by taking the pressure off of them and ensuring your wishes are carried out. An estate planning attorney in Spokane can help you identify the documents you need and what goals you have for your estate plan. Learn more about our team and estate planning services when you schedule an initial consultation to get answers to your questions.
