Wills, Powers of Attorney and Tax Planning
Comprehensive Estate Planning in Seattle, Washington
Lana Kurilova Rich PLLC can help you provide guidance to your loved ones in the event of your death or diminished capacity, as well as sophisticated planning to avoid estate and gift taxes under state and federal law.
Our Bellevue, Washington law firm can update an existing estate plan or help you build one from scratch. We represent clients in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, and throughout the state. Call or e-mail us today to arrange a consultation.
Estate Planning Basics
Our main goal is to make sure clients actually understand the documents we create on their behalf. Attorney Lana Rich explains all of the elements in a language you can understand. It is important that you clearly understand your estate plan, instead of having an attorney create the documents that have no real meaning to you. You should be able to explain to your family, if you wish, what your plan is. If you cannot verbalize your plan, this means that your attorney did inadequate job of explaining it to you. The basic plan is important because it ensures that your family knows your wishes and is not forced to make difficult decisions at the time of your death, illness or mental infirmity. We cover all the bases:
- A legal will to divide your estate among chosen heirs
- Power of attorney to run your business and financial affairs
- An advance directive (living will) for end-of-life issues
- Health care power of attorney to make medical decisions if you cannot
- Guardianship of minor children in the event of your death
Wealth Transfer Planning
Many of our clients have considerable assets that they wish to pass on to the next generation without triggering massive taxes. Washington estate taxes kick in at $2 million, and federal taxes may also apply. Lana Rich is an experienced tax lawyer who can advise on:
- Gifting programs for gradual transfer of assets to heirs
- Various types of trusts to pass assets directly to heirs without probate and with minimal taxation
- Other wealth transfer and asset protection vehicles
- Special needs trusts and charitable trusts
- Business succession planning
We take a comprehensive approach to estate planning that starts with sitting down with clients and really listening to their goals and concerns about the future. Call 425-214-4351 or toll-free at 866-418-3175 to arrange an appointment with our experienced estate planning lawyer.
