Helping You Plan for Your Family’s Future
When it comes to estate planning, you have a lot of choices. Your plan could include a variety of trusts, a will, and other strategic plans designed to save your heirs and estate both time and money.
At Riach Gese Jacobs PLLC, our goal is not to sell you as many estate planning products as possible. Rather, our goal is to help you create a specially tailored estate plan that is right for you. With offices in Lynnwood, our attorneys are available to discuss your needs and answer your estate planning questions. Please e-mail or call us at 425-329-7857.
Trustworthy Guidance From Planning to Probate
Since our establishment in 1959, Riach Gese Jacobs PLLC has helped countless people in Lynnwood, Seattle, and the surrounding areas of Washington. Our longevity can be traced to the fact that we provide honest, straightforward guidance to all our clients. No matter the situation, we provide personal attention and get to know the wishes of the people we represent.
In planning for end-of-life issues and the distribution of assets, there are numerous options and resources available. When you choose our attorneys to assist you with your estate planning needs, we listen to your goals and identify the estate planning tools that are truly right for you. These tools may include:
- Wills
- Trusts (Revocable, Irrevocable, and Others)
- Powers of Attorney
- Asset Protection Strategies
No matter what estate planning tools you choose, we want to make certain that you understand the full range of the various options. To that end, we take great care to offer honest guidance and personalized plans to meet your unique needs. That is the value of personal attention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning In Lynnwood
Here are answers to some of the questions we frequently hear from individuals and families in Lynnwood, Washington, who are thinking about estate planning or reviewing an existing plan.
Do I need an estate plan if I do not think I have a “large” estate?
Yes. Estate planning is not only for people with significant wealth. An estate plan addresses who will make decisions for you if you become incapacitated, who will manage your affairs and how your property will be distributed, regardless of size. Even modest estates can face delays, court involvement and added expenses if there is no plan in place. An estate plan can also clarify guardianship for minor children and outline health care preferences, which are important considerations for many families. Planning early allows you to control outcomes rather than leaving decisions to Washington law or the court system.
How often should I review and update my estate plan?
An estate plan should be reviewed regularly to confirm that it still reflects your wishes and personal circumstances. Many people choose to review their plan every three to five years, even if no major changes have occurred. Life events such as divorce, remarriage, the birth or adoption of a child or the death of a beneficiary often require updates to beneficiary designations, fiduciary appointments and distribution terms.
Financial shifts can also affect an estate plan. Significant changes in assets, business ownership or retirement planning may call for revisions to preserve intended distributions or tax efficiency. Relocation to another state can require updates to comply with new laws, and changes in Washington or federal law may impact how existing documents function. Regular reviews help prevent outdated provisions from creating unintended results.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will and a trust serve different purposes, though they often work together. A will outlines how your assets are distributed after death and names guardians for minor children, but it typically requires probate, which is a court-supervised process. A trust allows assets to be managed and distributed according to your instructions, often without court involvement, and can take effect during your lifetime. Trusts can offer greater privacy and continuity, especially if incapacity occurs. The right choice depends on your goals, family structure and the nature of your assets, and many estate plans include both tools working in coordination.
Resolution for All Estate and Elder Law Concerns
In addition to estate planning guidance, Riach Gese Jacobs PLLC also offers a wide range of services pertaining to estate and elder law. For more than 60 years, our attorneys have worked with individuals and families to resolve matters such as:
- Estate Administration
- Trust Administration
- Probate and Estate Litigation
- Inheritance Disputes
- Elder Law and Quality of Life Protection
- Financial Abuse of the Elderly
We can begin assisting you as soon as you tell us about your situation. Please complete our online contact form. We look forward to explaining how we can help you.