Wills and Trusts Attorney in Washington State
Serving Tacoma, Pierce County, King County, and Spokane Valley
Wills and Trusts
When it comes to planning for the future, there’s no room for guesswork. A clear, legally sound estate plan ensures your wishes are followed, your assets are protected, and your loved ones aren’t left with unnecessary complications.
At Whalley Law, our experienced wills and trusts attorneys work closely with individuals and families throughout Washington—including Tacoma, Spokane Valley, and the greater Pierce and King County areas. Whether you’re just starting to think about a will or need to establish a trust to protect more complex assets, we’ll guide you through the process with clarity and care.
What We Help With:
- Wills: We draft and update legally valid wills that spell out how your property and assets should be handled. This includes naming guardians for minor children and assigning trusted executors.
- Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts: Trusts are powerful tools for avoiding probate, protecting privacy, and ensuring smooth transfer of wealth. We help you choose the right structure for your needs.
- Living Trusts: Ideal for those who want to maintain control of their assets while planning for future incapacity or long-term care needs.
- Special Needs Trusts: We help families ensure continued support for loved ones with disabilities, without affecting eligibility for vital public benefits.
- Powers of Attorney: Designate someone you trust to manage your finances or make healthcare decisions if you’re unable to do so.
- Advance Directives: Make your healthcare wishes known with a clear, enforceable plan.
Local Knowledge Matters
Estate laws vary by state, and in Washington, details like community property rules, estate tax thresholds, and probate procedures are critical. Our attorneys stay up to date on the latest regulations so your plan is airtight and compliant.
Why Clients Choose Whalley Law
- Personalized Service: No two families are the same. We take time to understand your situation and goals.
- Transparent Process: You’ll always know what’s happening, what it costs, and what to expect.
- Regional Experience: Whether you’re in Tacoma, Pierce County, King County, or Spokane Valley, we bring local knowledge that makes a difference.
- Future-Focused: Your estate plan isn’t just a set of documents—it’s a long-term strategy to protect what matters most.
Yes. Even with a trust, a will serves as a backup (known as a “pour-over will”) to cover any assets not transferred into the trust. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children.
A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your death. It goes through probate. A trust, on the other hand, allows you to transfer assets directly to beneficiaries without probate, which can save time and legal costs.
Not always. Smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures, but many estates in Washington—including those in Pierce and King counties—do go through probate unless steps are taken to avoid it (such as setting up a living trust).
Anytime there’s a major life change—marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, buying property, or moving to or from Washington State—you should review your estate plan. We recommend a check-in every 3–5 years.
You can, but mistakes are easy to make—and Washington has specific rules around signing and witnessing. A DIY will might not hold up in court or might create problems during probate. Working with an attorney helps ensure your plan is valid and enforceable.
We combine legal experience with local insight. Whether you’re in Tacoma, Spokane Valley, or anywhere in between, we tailor your plan to Washington State laws and your personal needs. Our goal is to make estate planning simple, clear, and effective.
Costs vary depending on complexity. We offer flat fees for many estate planning services and will always be upfront about pricing before any work begins. Schedule a consultation to get a quote based on your situation.