Do you have a Last Will? Are you sure that your will clearly reflects your wishes and meets Washington’s legal standards? Many people in Spokane Valley put off estate planning or assume a basic form will do the job, but leaving these matters to chance can cause big problems for your family later.
An estate planning lawyer from ELG Estate Planning can help you write or update a Will that works with the rest of your estate plan, avoids common errors, and prepares your loved ones for what comes next. We can also answer your questions about probate, personal representatives, and how to reduce the risk of disputes.
Contact us today to set up your initial consultation and take the next step toward a clearer, more complete estate plan.
A Will is a legally binding document that states how your assets should be distributed when you pass away. But it can do more than that, it can reduce stress and protect your loved ones.
Without a valid Will, Washington law determines who gets your things, which might not reflect your wishes. You can also name someone to handle your estate and care for your minor children when you create your Will. This can reduce confusion and help your loved ones avoid unnecessary court processes at a tough time.
When someone dies, their estate usually goes through probate, the legal process used to handle a person’s estate after they die. A clear, valid Will can make the probate process faster and less stressful for your loved ones.
Washington law outlines some specific requirements for a Will to be accepted by a court, which include:
Your personal representative, sometimes called an executor, is the person who administers your estate after you die. This person must gather all your assets, pay off your final debts, and distribute what’s left according to your Will. If you don’t name someone as your executor, the court will appoint a personal representative for you, and it might not be the person you’d choose.
When choosing a personal representative, it’s important to select someone you trust to carry out your wishes, stay organized, and meet court deadlines. If you live in Spokane Valley, it may be helpful to appoint someone familiar with Spokane County—especially if your estate includes local real estate or a nearby business. Be sure to name one or more alternates in case your first choice is unable to serve. A qualified estate planning attorney can help you weigh your options and choose the best representative for your situation. In some cases, that might mean selecting a professional personal representative who has the experience and resources to manage the role effectively.
A Will that is technically valid can still be vulnerable to challenges if it’s unclear, or incomplete. An experienced estate planning attorney in Washington can help you:
Your Will should always reflect your current life and family. Major events like marriage, divorce, a new child, or a move into or out of Spokane Valley can affect what happens to your estate. In Washington, some of these changes could void parts of your Will automatically, which may not be what you want.
For example, if you get divorced, your ex-spouse might lose any gift you leave them in your Will, even if you still want them to receive it. If you have another child, the court might divide your assets among all your children equally, even if the youngest child has more need. Relying on the default rules may not achieve your goals. Regularly updating your Will ensures your wishes are honored.
Reviewing your Will every five years, or after any big change, is vital for keeping it accurate and valid. A lawyer can look at your current Will and let you know if changes need to be made.
A will can account for many important things, but not everything. Many important assets pass outside your Will, including:
A complete estate plan should coordinate all these elements to ensure consistency, avoid probate complications, and protect your family. Depending on your situation, your broader plan may also include:
At ELG Estate Planning, we create comprehensive estate plans—not just your Will. A good estate plan should cover what happens if you become unable to make decisions for yourself, not just what happens when you die. It should also help your loved ones avoid delays and legal problems after you’re gone.
A Will is the foundation of most estate plans, but a comprehensive plan should fill in the gaps. Getting everything in place now can give your family clear instructions and reduce the chances of mistakes later.
If you want to create or update your Will, ELG Estate Planning is here to help. Our firm works with individuals and families in Spokane Valley and nearby communities to build clear, legally valid estate plans. Contact us now to arrange your initial consultation and get the support you need to secure your legacy.
