Probate Attorneys in Kirkland
Estate and probate law can be complex and confusing. At Northwest Strategy and Planning, PLLC in Kirkland, our experienced lawyers provide comprehensive guidance to individuals and families in Washington state in all aspects of probate and estate planning. If you need help creating an estate plan or navigating the process of probate administration for an estate, we are here to provide knowledgeable advice and support.
Understanding How a Probate Works
A probate is a legal process organized by the court after a person passes away. This process aims to settle any legal matters related to the deceased’s estate, including distributing assets and paying debts. With a will or without a will, probate is required if there are more than $100,000 in assets.
For probate to proceed, specific steps must be taken.
Assign a Personal Representative
The person appointed by the court to manage the probate process. The executor of a will typically serves as a Personal Representative, but if there is no will, then it can be anyone chosen by the court.
File Probate Documents
This includes filing death certificates and other essential documents with the court, like the will and any codicils (addendums to the will).
Notify the Creditors
Creditors are the people or companies the deceased owed money. They must be notified of the death and have an opportunity to claim the estate before any assets are distributed.
Manage Ownership Transfers
The Personal Representative is responsible for managing the transfer of ownership of assets to the beneficiaries, as designated by the will or as determined by state law if there is no will.
Pay Debts and Taxes
Any debts owed must be paid before any assets are distributed. These include any taxes owed at the time of death, estate, or inheritance taxes.
Settling the Beneficiaries’ Claims
The Personal Representative must protect the interests of all beneficiaries by ensuring their claims are settled according to the will or state law.
Forming or Closing Trusts
A trust is a legal arrangement for managing assets and their distribution among beneficiaries. A trust must be established and funded if included in the will. If there is an existing trust, then it must be closed or transferred to new trustees as designated by the will.
Addressing Legal Issues
The Personal Representative must address legal issues or disputes between beneficiaries.
Payment to the Attorney
The Personal Representative must pay any legal fees associated with probate before the estate can be closed. Once all debts, taxes, and claims have been settled, required documents filed with the court, and any trust closed, the estate can be closed. The Personal Representative will receive a document from the court to certify that they fulfilled their duties and the estate can be closed.
What Does Northwest Strategy and Planning Offer?
Our probate services include preparing all necessary documents to facilitate the transfer and disbursement of assets, such as wills and trusts.
At Northwest Strategy and Planning, PLLC in Kirkland, our goal is to provide comprehensive legal solutions that help families and individuals navigate the probate process easily. Our expert probate attorneys are well-versed in state and federal laws and regulations, providing you with strategies that help preserve your family’s assets while minimizing the amount of taxes owed on inherited property. We will listen to your concerns and work to develop a plan tailored to meet your specific needs. Our attorneys also guide creating trusts, asset protection plans, and other strategies to ensure your family’s future is secure.
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We accept clients on a rolling basis to avoid unnecessary delays. We conduct intakes by phone, client meeting over zoom and meet in-person to sign and notarize the final product of our work.