Planning for tomorrow may feel like a challenge, but it is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your family. Our Bellevue family lawyer understands that estate planning is not just about legal documents—it is about making sure your children, your finances, and your wishes are secure.
At Dellino Family Law, our team brings over 180 years of combined experience to help families create estate plans that truly reflect their needs. We know no two families are alike, which is why our approach is never one size fits all. We match each client with the right attorney for their needs.
Our Bellevue estate planning lawyer will guide you so you can make informed choices with confidence. Call us today to discuss your needs and options during a private consultation.
Why Estate Planning Matters to Your Family
Estate planning answers the big “what if” questions. Who will take care of your children if something happens to you? How will your assets be divided? Who will make decisions for you if you become incapacitated?
Without a plan, these decisions may be left to the courts. That can lead to disputes, delays, and stress for your loved ones. Having an estate plan in place means:
- Your wishes are clear and legally enforceable.
- Your family avoids unnecessary conflict.
- Your children are protected and cared for.
- Your financial legacy is distributed according to your priorities.
These are not just legal matters. They are deeply personal issues that affect the security and stability of your family.
How Our Bellevue Family and Estate Planning Attorney Can Help
At Dellino, our wills and trusts lawyers in Bellevue do more than draft documents. The right lawyer will help you think through different life scenarios and prepare for them. We tailor every plan to the individual client.
Some of the key ways we help our clients include:
- Drafting wills and trusts: We will oversee this process to make sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
- Establishing guardianship plans: We help you name who will care for your children if you cannot.
- Creating powers of attorney: We give someone you trust the legal authority to make financial or medical decisions if you are unable.
- Updating estate plans: We make sure your plan reflects changes in your family, finances, or the law.
- Planning for taxes and assets: We help protect high-value assets, such as stock options, retirement accounts, and real estate.
Our attorneys know that for many clients in the Bellevue area—especially tech workers and professionals—assets like stock options or retirement plans can be a major concern. We will work with you to confirm the proper handling of those assets within your estate plan.
What to Look for When Choosing an Estate Planning Lawyer
When deciding who to trust with your estate plan, consider more than just experience with documents.
You should look for an attorney in Bellevue who:
- Listens to you carefully and understands your goals for yourself and your family
- Offers flexible strategies tailored to your situation
- Is willing to handle high-conflict situations when needed
- Communicates clearly and is responsive when questions arise
- Provides resources and education so you understand your options
We also provide resources such as community meetups to educate families on what to do and what to avoid during separation and divorce. These same values guide our estate planning services, where we focus on giving families clarity, stability, and peace of mind for the future.
We Help With Estate Planning and Child Custody
Estate planning is crucial for parents. We will help you make decisions that protect your children’s future. If you are in the middle of a divorce, an estate plan becomes even more important.
You can work with our Bellevue divorce lawyer on the custody and property division issues in your case. Our estate planning lawyer, however, will confirm that your will, trusts, and guardianship designations reflect those changes.
For example:
- A couple going through a divorce might want to update guardianship plans to reflect new custody arrangements.
- A parent who worries about an abusive partner might want to create legal safeguards to protect the children.
- A long-term stay-at-home parent may be concerned about financial stability if something happens to their spouse.
Sensitive issues like these cannot be ignored. By planning ahead, you create stability for your children, no matter what the future holds.
Commonly Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Bellevue
Estate planning often brings up important questions for parents and guardians. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns we hear.
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
A will explains how your property should be distributed after your death and can name a guardian for your children. A trust can do these things, too, but it also allows your assets to be managed during your lifetime and transferred more smoothly after death.
We will walk you through what Washington law says about wills and trusts and explain how they affect your situation. For example, RCW § 11.12 sets out the legal requirements for creating a valid will, including rules about signatures and witnesses.
RCW § 11.98 covers the creation and use of trusts, which can help families manage assets and avoid probate proceedings. Understanding these statutes is important because they determine whether your estate plan will hold up legally and truly reflect your wishes.
When Should I Update My Estate Plan?
You should update your estate plan whenever there is a major change in your life, such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child, change in custody arrangements, or a significant shift in financial assets. Reviewing your plan every few years, even without major life events, is also a smart practice.
What Happens if I Do Not Have an Estate Plan in Washington?
If you die without an estate plan in place, Washington’s intestacy laws will decide how your property is divided. This process may not reflect your personal wishes and could leave your family with confusion or conflict.
Can Estate Planning Help if I Am Divorced or in a Custody Dispute?
Yes. Estate planning is especially important if you are divorced or share custody. It ensures that your children are provided for according to your wishes, and it can prevent an ex-partner from gaining control over your estate or your children’s inheritance.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Create an Estate Plan?
While you can find templates online, working with our attorney will make sure that your plan follows Washington law, addresses your unique family situation, and protects your high-value assets.
Working with a probate and estate lawyer in Bellevue from our team also gives you guidance on child custody issues and long-term care planning.
How Long Does Estate Planning Take?
The time we will need for estate planning depends on the complexity of your situation. A simple will could take only a few weeks, while a full plan involving trusts, guardianship arrangements, and tax planning may take longer.
We will guide you through the process step by step and complete your plan as efficiently as possible without sacrificing thoroughness.
Our Estate Planning Lawyer in Bellevue Will Work to Protect Your Future
Estate planning is not something to put off. Every family deserves clarity and security. Whether you are worried about child custody, protecting assets, or planning for medical care, a Bellevue estate planning lawyer from Dellino Family Law is here to help.
Dellino combines loyalty, diligence, and adaptability with a client-first approach. Whether your situation calls for cooperative planning or aggressive litigation, we have the experience to guide you. Our attorneys handle complex family dynamics, high-value assets, and cases involving sensitive issues.
We know these cases are never just about paperwork. They are about your life, your children, and your peace of mind. We are ready to guide you toward a plan that reflects your wishes and protects your family. Call us today for a private consultation.
