Wills and Estate Planning.

Who among us does not procrastinate when it comes to this matter?  The very idea of addressing the issue forces us to face our own mortality.  If we had the exact date when you were scheduled to shuffle off this mortal coil, perhaps there would be no sense of urgency in making sure that your estate has been properly allocated by YOU while you are of sound mind.

Estate planning goes much further than just doing a will.  Here is why.  It not only deals with the precise distribution of your assets, but it also follows the wishes that you have for the people that you care about most.  In the long run, it may go a long way in determining a smaller tax bill, court costs, and fees that your loved ones could pay. You may wish to plan for powers of attorney or directives to physicians.

We should all think about the inevitable.  If you are a baby-boomer, for example then you have spent decades acquiring wealth and possessions.  Isn’t it time to consider where all of that will be going when you are gone?  For over four and a half decades Lyle Clark has been a Seattle area will and estate attorney.  Call him for an appointment at his Bellevue office at (425) 452-3092.

Knowing More about Wills and Probate.

Besides that taxes thing, one other thing that is certain in this life is death.  It comes to everyone eventually and whether you are prepared for it or not, what happens after your time on this earth matters to your loved ones.  You would never consider abandoning your family while you are here, but do you want them to have peace of mind and security when you are gone?

There are some common misunderstandings about this topic.  Among them are - 

1.  The state gets it all.  Not by law, even without a will, but carefully preparing a will makes sure that your wishes are carried out.

2.  Time.  It does NOT take years to resolve probate.

3.  I will have nothing left to give.  You might be surprised.

4.  I am the oldest child so I will get all of my parent’s estate.

5.  The cost of probate will eat up my estate.  Really???  Certainly not in the state of Washington.

Find out for yourself.  Cut through the questions about wills and probate by calling a professional with over 35 years in this business.  He is Bellevue, Washington will and probate attorney Lyle Clark.  If you have a question regarding what to do with your possessions when you are no longer with us then call attorney Lyle M. Clark, Jr. at (425) 452-3092.

Smart Estate Planning.

When you are thinking ahead you are usually thinking smart.  Planning for the future of your family after you are gone is certainly no exception.  Who makes those future vital decisions that celebrate a life well lived?  Start with a clearly crafted, will written with all of the i’s dotted and t’s crossed and you have already achieved great peace of mind.

Some things to remember as you do –

1.  Don’t forget life insurance.  You don’t want expenses to pile up on your loved ones.

2.  We recommend durable powers of attorney so that someone can manage your financial affairs and make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated.

3.  Discuss probate with your attorney.  Probate in Washington State CAN be as simple as filling out some forms and paying a few hundred dollars to have the papers filed.

All of this is the purvey of an experienced attorney.  That is why you call on the veteran expertise of someone who has been dealing with estates in the Seattle area for 35 years.  That man is Lyle M. Clark Jr. - a professional estate planning attorney located in Bellevue WA.  Call him on matters of estate planning from start to finish at (425) 452-3092.

What is a Living Trust?

A trust is one way to hold and manage one’s estate. There are two ways to create a trust:  Either in a will (a testamentary trust) or by means of a written trust agreement (a living trust) that takes effect when you transfer property into the trust.  A living trust is a legal document that can act as a substitute for a will.  The function of this document is to put your assets into the trust so that they may be administered according to your wishes during your lifetime.  When you pass away these assets transfer to your beneficiaries without the necessity of probate.

 

Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding if a living trust is right for you…

1.  What does a living trust do for ME?

2.  Is it helpful if I become incapacitated?
3.  Who should I appoint as the trustee?
4.  How will my assets transfer to the living trust?
5.  What are the negatives concerning this type of trust?

If you are considering drafting a living trust, contact the law office of Lyle M. Clark Jr.  Sit down for a free consultation with Attorney Clark and he will help you decide the right course of action.

For 35+ years he has been the choice of many as a Bellevue, WA area estate planning attorney.  Pick up the phone and dial Lyle at (425) 452-3092 for any and all questions about wills and trusts in Washington.

Estate Planning Is for Everyone.

Much as we might not wish to think about our own mortality, each of us will die at some point.  Did you think that estate planning was designed for people like Bill Gates or Paul Allen?  Of course it isn’t just for the very wealthy.  A modest or mid-sized estate is just as important to the people who own it and benefit from it.  Now is the time to get serious about building an effective plan for the disposition of your estate following your death.

Estate planning may involve a variety of issues such as the drafting of a simple will.  Also to be considered are contingent trusts for minor children and the appointment of guardians for them.  If someone has special needs, a trust will for the support of disabled persons may be required.  And how about living trusts for persons who need assistance in managing their assets or who own property in states other than Washington?  Estate planning may also include powers of attorney for financial management and healthcare in the event of a disability and directives to physicians if you should at some point be in a permanent vegetative state and unable to express your wishes for termination of life support.

Dispensing a lifetime of accumulated possessions should be one of your top priorities.  Attorney Lyle M. Clark has been helping people with estate planning in the Seattle area for more than 35 years.  He understands every nuance of the process to give you the peace of mind that you deserve.  Contact Lyle Clark today at (425) 452-3092 and make an appointment to discuss your estate at his Bellevue office.