Wills and Probate
Every state has enacted laws governing most aspects of estate planning and probate. This includes matters such as the legality of wills, creation of trusts, the probate process, and more. For more information about the laws in Washington State you can click on the button below and will be redirected to the RCW (Revised Code of Washington) governing Trust and Probate Law.
Even if you do not initially hire an attorney, you may decide at some point that you want expert legal advice from an attorney who is familiar with state law and how the local probate court works.
Mark's services include drafting Wills and drafting & representing Executors in Probate matters. In addition, he is able to act as Personal Representative: his includes acting as a Separate Property Personal Representative or Community Property Representative as a Probate, and advocating for heirs in probate proceedings.
Probate - Do it Yourself or Hire an Attorney?
To determine whether to hire an attorney or to handle probate on your own, you may want to ask yourself:
1. Can the assets be transferred out of probate? Depending on how much probate-avoidance planning was done (if any) by the deceased.
2. Are family members/heirs getting along? If any family members are contesting the Will or are threatening a lawsuit, you will want to contact an attorney immediately. A lawyer may help you avoid a costly probate lawsuit that can drain the estate's assets.
3. How complicated are the assets? If the estate includes commercial real estate, a business or any other asset that requires special handling, an attorney can help you set up appraisals and consultations with experts.
Please call for a free telephonic consultation for simple Will preparation.
Even if you do not initially hire an attorney, you may decide at some point that you want expert legal advice from an attorney who is familiar with state law and how the local probate court works.
Mark's services include drafting Wills and drafting & representing Executors in Probate matters. In addition, he is able to act as Personal Representative: his includes acting as a Separate Property Personal Representative or Community Property Representative as a Probate, and advocating for heirs in probate proceedings.
Probate - Do it Yourself or Hire an Attorney?
To determine whether to hire an attorney or to handle probate on your own, you may want to ask yourself:
1. Can the assets be transferred out of probate? Depending on how much probate-avoidance planning was done (if any) by the deceased.
2. Are family members/heirs getting along? If any family members are contesting the Will or are threatening a lawsuit, you will want to contact an attorney immediately. A lawyer may help you avoid a costly probate lawsuit that can drain the estate's assets.
3. How complicated are the assets? If the estate includes commercial real estate, a business or any other asset that requires special handling, an attorney can help you set up appraisals and consultations with experts.
Please call for a free telephonic consultation for simple Will preparation.
