Estate Planning Attorney in Sumner, Washington

Planning for the future can be overwhelming. Creating a comprehensive estate plan can sometimes feel tremendously difficult, but a well-rounded plan is vital to help protect your assets, property, and loved ones. Above all, an estate plan can help you prepare for life's uncertainties. Whether you have a large or small estate, detailed estate planning documents can give specific instructions regarding who inherits your property and how you want your final affairs to be settled when you're gone.

If you are starting to think about estate planning or need assistance when drafting your estate plan, reach out to a knowledgeable Washington State estate planning attorney. At Terry Law Firm, P.S., Attorney Scott Terry has the diligence and resources to help clients navigate various estate planning-related matters, including wills, trusts, probate, advanced directives, and powers of attorney.

Terry Law Firm, P.S. proudly serves clients across Sumner, Washington, and surrounding areas of Puyallup, Auburn, Lake Tapps, Kent, and Orting, as well as King, Pierce, and Thurston counties.

Why Estate Planning Is Important

Estate planning involves making detailed plans in advance, naming the individuals or entities you want to receive your property and assets, and providing instructions regarding how you want your estate to be managed or distributed when you're gone. Estate planning is important because it can help you: 

• Prepare for future uncertainties

• Protect your property, assets, and investments

• Allow you to choose a trusted person as your personal representative

• Afford you control regarding who inherits your assets and property

• Choose a guardian for your minor children

• Provide for your surviving loved ones, including your spouse, children, close relatives, and other dependents

• Reduce or avoid inheritance, gift, and estate taxes

• Protect your assets and investments from frivolous lawsuits and creditors

• Avoid the costly and time-consuming probate process (with a trust)

• Mitigate possible conflicts and disputes between family members over asset distribution

• Make arrangements for business succession or business transfer at your retirement, incapacity, or death

Ultimately, with an estate plan, you can indicate how you want your final affairs to be settled or how assets should be transferred to inheritors after your death. A skilled attorney can enlighten you about some important documents to include as part of your estate plan and help you navigate key decisions.

Documents That May Be Included In Estate Plans 

Depending on your unique situation, you may include the following documents in your estate plan:

Will

A will is a legal document that contains specific instructions about how you (the testator) want your assets and property to be transferred to inheritors or disposed of after your death. You can name a personal representative in your will to help administer your estate when you're gone, in accordance with the provisions of the will.

Trust

A trust is a fiduciary relationship that allows you (the trustor or grantor) to choose another person (trustee or successor trustee) to help handle or manage trust assets – assets put into the trust – on behalf of beneficiaries. The trustee will distribute trust assets to beneficiaries upon your death or sudden incapacitation, in accordance with the provisions of the trust document.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you (the principal) to appoint another person (an agent or attorney-in-fact) to help manage your legal, property, tax, or financial affairs in the event that you become unavailable, incapable, or otherwise unable to make such decisions by yourself. You can designate such a legal duty and power to your trusted friend, advisor, attorney, or close relative.

Work With an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

It’s never too early to get your affairs in order and prepare for future uncertainties. Creating a detailed estate plan may seem like a complicated chore. However, you don't have to do it alone. A knowledgeable estate planning attorney can walk you through the estate planning process and help you draft important documents. Should you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to voice your opinion, your surviving family members can benefit and achieve peace of mind from knowing your exact wishes. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you decide on the right estate planning option for you and your family's unique needs.

For over 30 years, Attorney Scott Terry has devoted his career to providing outstanding legal services and comprehensive guidance to clients in the legal matters of estate planning. As your legal counsel, he can help you understand your various options and determine the ideal estate plan that best fits your circumstances.