Estate Planning Attorney in Seattle
Thoughtful, personalized estate plans that protect your family and preserve your legacy.
Estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. At The Stoll Group, we take the time to understand your unique circumstances, family dynamics, and financial goals to craft an estate plan tailored specifically to you.
Whether you need a straightforward will or a comprehensive trust-based plan, our experienced attorneys guide you through every decision with clarity and care. We serve clients throughout Seattle, Ballard, and the greater Puget Sound region.
Estate planning is a personal matter. We all want to know that our loved ones will be secure and that the people and organizations important to us will benefit as much as possible from our hard work over the years. We want to know that our wishes will be understood and honored. At The Stoll Group, we take time to listen closely to our clients’ goals and educate them on potential options to achieve those goals.
Working with persons of high net worth to those with more modest assets, we possess broad knowledge of various planning techniques, including wills and trusts, health care directives (“living wills”), durable and special powers of attorney, community property and separate property agreements, mental health advance directives, family limited partnerships and limited liability companies, revocable living trusts, trusts for children, marital trusts, lifetime gifting and charitable giving.
In addition to handling personal planning matters, we also work with personal representatives, trustees, heirs and beneficiaries who are involved in trust and estate disputes and litigation.
What We Do
Estate Planning Services
Last Wills & Testaments
Legally binding documents that direct how your assets are distributed, name guardians for minor children, and appoint a personal representative to manage your estate.
Revocable Living Trusts
Avoid probate, maintain privacy, and ensure seamless asset transfer with a living trust customized to your estate’s complexity and your family’s needs.
Powers of Attorney
Designate trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated — an essential part of any complete estate plan.
Healthcare Directives
Document your wishes for medical care and end-of-life decisions so your family and physicians have clear guidance when it matters most.
Beneficiary Designations
Coordinate retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other beneficiary-driven assets with your overall estate plan to avoid conflicts and unintended outcomes.
Estate Tax Planning
Strategic planning to minimize Washington State estate tax liability and maximize the wealth transferred to your heirs and chosen beneficiaries.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Over 20 years of estate planning experience in Washington State
- Wills, trusts, powers of attorney and healthcare directives handled as one coordinated plan
- Deep knowledge of Washington’s community property laws and estate tax rules
- Convenient Ballard office location with Leavenworth availability
- Collaborative approach with your financial advisors and accountants
Talk to an Attorney
Call 206-456-6697 or request a consultation and we aim to respond within one business day.
Related
Attorneys: Eric Stoll, Jeannie M. Osgood, Angela Cheung
Related practice areas: Probate & Trust Administration, Business & Corporate Law
From our blog: Probate vs. Trust Administration in Washington
Offices: Seattle / Ballard and Leavenworth (by appointment)
Estate Planning FAQs
Do I need a will or a trust in Washington State?
It depends on your estate’s size, complexity, and your goals. A will goes through probate, which is a public court process. A fully funded trust avoids probate, provides privacy, and can offer more control over how assets are distributed over time. We help you evaluate which approach — or a combination — best fits your situation.
How much does estate planning cost?
Costs vary based on the complexity of your estate and the documents needed. We bill hourly, in tenths of an hour, and we will walk you through the likely scope and cost before we begin so there are no surprises.
How often should I update my estate plan?
We recommend reviewing your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, significant changes in assets, or changes in tax law.
What happens if I die without an estate plan in Washington?
Washington’s intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed — which may not align with your wishes. The court will also appoint a guardian for minor children and a personal representative for your estate, potentially someone you wouldn’t have chosen.
Does Washington have its own estate tax?
Yes. Washington has an estate tax separate from the federal one, and its threshold is far lower: $3 million for deaths on or after July 1, 2026, according to the Washington Department of Revenue. A revocable trust by itself does not reduce that tax; planning can.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your legal needs. We’re here to help you find the right path forward.