Yakima Estate Planning Lawyer

One of the most important tasks on your lifetime to-do list should be estate planning. Through it, you provide your family with a road map if you become incapacitated, as well as upon your death. Contact a Yakima estate planning lawyer at Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. at (509) 328-2150 to schedule a consultation.

Proper estate planning in Yakima, WA, can help you avoid or minimize the potential for costly litigation, and you can also communicate your wishes about health care. There are numerous opportunities under Washington law to protect your health, assets, and family during your lifetime, as well as upon your passing.

Why Choose Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. for Help with Estate Planning in Yakima, WA?

Why Choose Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. for Help with Estate Planning in Yakima, WA?

Choosing Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. means partnering with a knowledgeable and compassionate team that understands the unique needs of individuals and families in Yakima, Washington. A dedicated Yakima estate planning attorney at the firm can help you take control of your future by ensuring your wishes are clearly outlined and legally protected. 

Estate planning requires creating comprehensive strategies to safeguard your assets, provide for loved ones, avoid probate delays, and reduce tax burdens. Navigating these complex areas without professional help can lead to costly mistakes or unintended outcomes. 

Our firm provides personalized guidance tailored to your goals, helping you make confident decisions about trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and more. With deep roots in the Yakima community and a strong commitment to client-centered service, the firm offers peace of mind through thorough, legally sound planning. 

Whether you’re just starting to think about the future or need to update an existing plan, working with our firm ensures your legacy is protected and your family is supported, no matter what life brings.

We Assist with All Estate Planning Options

Because our core practice area is estate planning, we are able to offer comprehensive services. 

There are three areas where planning ahead is always wise:

  • Incapacity planning: You cannot make decisions regarding health care or your finances if you become incapacitated because of illness or injury. It is important to consider a power of attorney for health care, a POA for financial matters, and living wills or advance directives.
  • Your will: This document appoints an executor to manage your final affairs at death and provides instructions on how to distribute assets to your designated beneficiaries. 
  • Asset protection: It is important to safeguard your interests in real estate and personal property for incapacity, at your death, and beyond. Some individuals may have a need to shield their assets from potential litigation and legal obligations. Asset protection options include trusts, LLCs, and solid insurance strategies.

Our Washington estate planning attorneys are ready to help address all your estate planning concerns and questions. 

Our Process for Estate Planning

At Elevated Estate Planning, P.S., we have an established approach to guiding clients with estate planning. We start by consulting with you about your family, finances, assets, debts, and related circumstances. We also need to assess your objectives and ways that we can help you meet them. 

Once we have a framework in place, a Washington estate planning lawyer will:

  • Prepare draft versions of your POAs, living will, advance directive, trusts, and other documents
  • Review individual provisions of all estate planning to ensure you understand their effect
  • Coordinate the signing of your estate planning documents, many of which require witnesses and a notary public
  • Advise you on storage and making copies 
  • Make revisions to your estate plan as appropriate

Estate Planning FAQs

You may have many questions about estate planning. Here are some common questions we see in our work, but know that the best way to answer your questions is to talk one-on-one with an estate planning lawyer in Yakima. 

What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust? 

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed and who should care for any minor children after your death. Wills must go through probate, a public and often time-consuming court process. 

On the other hand, a trust allows you to transfer assets directly to beneficiaries without probate, offering more privacy and often faster access to funds. Trusts can also be structured to manage assets during your lifetime if you become incapacitated. 

A Washington estate planning lawyer can help you decide which option or combination is right for your situation.

What Happens if I Die Without a Will?

If you pass away without a will in Washington, state law determines how your assets are distributed. This process, known as intestate succession, may not align with your wishes and can create confusion or conflict among loved ones. Appointing a personal representative or guardian for your children also becomes a court decision. 

Having a will ensures your voice is heard and your plans are honored.

Do I Need a Will if I’m Young?

It’s generally a good idea. Estate planning isn’t just for older adults. If you’re young—especially if you have children, own property, or want to control who inherits your assets—having a will is essential. It’s also an opportunity to name someone you trust to handle your affairs if something unexpected happens. Starting early helps you stay prepared and gives you peace of mind.

Contact Our Yakima Estate Planning Lawyers for a Consultation

Our team at Elevated Estate Planning, P.S. is ready to tackle everything involved with creating an estate plan that achieves your goals. We will explain the laws, make recommendations, and assist with all drafting to give you the complete package. Please contact us today to schedule a case review with a Yakima estate planning lawyer.