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360-213-2040Few things are certain in life. At Andrews Terry Jeffers LLP, we make sure you are prepared for whatever may come – the expected and the unexpected – by helping you develop a comprehensive estate plan to protect what matters most to you.
Our firm’s roots in this Vancouver, Washington, area extend back to 1949, and our attorneys have a history of providing personal and friendly service to families throughout the region. We bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the estate planning process and have detailed knowledge of estate administration and probate law. Our goal is to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your assets.
What will happen to your assets after you pass on? At Andrews Terry Jeffers LLP, we help clients make smart decisions on their assets so they can build an estate plan that clearly expresses their wishes. We also help clients avoid common legal pitfalls.
For example, since Washington is a community property state, your will must account for the fact that your spouse owns a share of your assets even if your marriage ended in divorce years ago. If it doesn’t, that single mistake could render the will invalid and open the door for bitter probate litigation among your beneficiaries.
Every individual and family is unique, and our experienced attorneys can help you craft a plan that best suits your needs.
As we grow older, we begin to recognize the possibility that one day we may no longer be able to take care of ourselves or make fully rational decisions.
By establishing guardianship and powers of attorney before becoming impaired, you get to decide who will become responsible for your care. We routinely help individuals designate guardians and powers of attorney in preparation for what may come, as well as in response to sudden debilitating illnesses and injuries.
Additionally, we can help you draft a living will. A living will is a document that tells the world what you want to happen if you fall into a coma and appear unlikely ever to recover. During your initial consultation, we can help you identify the full scope of your planning needs.
Probate is the legal process of settling a decedent’s estate and transferring ownership of assets and property to recognized beneficiaries. Our probate lawyers frequently advise estate representatives and executors in paying debts and applicable taxes, as well as settling disputes. Finding the right probate attorney who is knowledgeable about the process can help you avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.
The probate process is not immune to controversy. Even with a comprehensive estate plan, disgruntled relatives and unnamed beneficiaries may believe that the deceased’s will incorrectly distributes the estate. Disputes also arise when someone passes intestate (without a will). In these situations, our lawyers are prepared to represent you and your family’s best interests and fight for a fair outcome.
Proper estate planning gives individuals and families peace of mind. Our attorneys have helped clients in both Washington and Oregon build custom estate plans that meet their unique needs. Call us today at 855-960-6065 to begin discussing options for your estate plan, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.