When people hear “estate planning,” their minds often jump straight to taxes. And sure, taxes are part of it. With the 2025 changes from the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” plenty of families are focused on how exemptions and gifting rules are shifting. But here’s the thing—estate planning has never been only about taxes. It’s about people, families, legacies, and sometimes, about avoiding tough fights down the road.
At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we’ve seen firsthand that taxes may grab the headlines, but the deeper work of planning goes far beyond what the IRS wants.
Planning for people, not just property
Imagine two siblings inheriting the family home. On paper, it looks simple: divide the value. But what if one sibling wants to sell and the other wants to keep it? Suddenly, a piece of real estate turns into a wedge between family members. A clear estate plan—crafted long before emotions get in the way—can resolve those issues.
This is the type of challenge we talk about every day with clients. Estate planning isn’t just a spreadsheet exercise; it’s about preventing those small cracks from becoming major disputes.
Health care and decision-making
One overlooked part of estate planning is health care directives and powers of attorney. Taxes can shape the value of what you leave behind, but what happens if you can’t make medical decisions for yourself? In 2025, with medical choices getting more complex and families often scattered across states, designating who can speak for you matters more than ever.
At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we’ve worked with families who thought they’d never need such documents, only to realize during a health crisis that they had no clear plan. Having those conversations now spares loved ones from impossible decisions later.
Protecting family businesses
Washington is full of family-owned businesses—small construction firms, farms, restaurants, and rental properties. For many families, these businesses are the crown jewel of their legacy. Taxes may affect how the business is valued, but the bigger question is: who’s going to run it? Does the next generation want the responsibility? And if not, what’s the plan?
We’ve helped business owners in Tacoma and throughout the region tackle these questions head-on. Passing on a business isn’t just about balance sheets—it’s about vision, responsibility, and making sure years of work don’t collapse in a messy transition.
More than numbers on a page
One client once told us, “I thought estate planning was for rich people.” But that’s not true. If you own a home, have kids, or simply want to say who gets what when you’re gone, you need a plan. In 2025, with shifting laws and changing family dynamics, planning matters even more. Without it, you’re leaving your loved ones with court costs, delays, and sometimes, heartbreak.
That’s why at Terry Law Firm, P.S., we emphasize the personal side of planning. Taxes may be part of the conversation, but they’re not the whole story. Your plan is about peace of mind—for you and for the people you care about most.
Why start now
You don’t need to wait for Congress to pass the next big bill to begin your estate planning. In fact, the sooner you start, the more choices you’ll have. A solid plan today will still matter tomorrow, regardless of whether tax laws shift again.
The truth is, estate planning is less about predicting the future and more about preparing for it. That preparation is what keeps families strong when the unexpected happens.
Building your plan with Terry Law Firm
At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we help Washington families look beyond taxes and focus on what really matters—protecting loved ones, keeping the peace, and making sure your wishes are honored. Whether you’re reviewing an existing plan or creating one for the first time, we can guide you through the process in a way that feels approachable and practical.
Planning may not always be easy, but it’s always worth it. And with the changes 2025 has brought, now is a good time to revisit your own plan and make sure it still fits your life.
For more information, visit www.terrylawfirm.com.
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