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Trusts and Estates

Washington trusts and estates attorney helping you plan

Whether you are planning the care or support of loved ones upon your death or dealing with the probate process while mourning the loss of a loved one, attorney Clifford L. Peterson in Gig Harbor can help. I have 29 years of experience assisting with all aspects of trusts and estates issues, including:

  • Estate planning
  • Estate tax issues
  • Executorship duties
  • Guardianship
  • Living wills
  • Living trusts
  • Probate
  • Probate and will disputes
  • Wills drafting and execution

Estate planning

You work hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you comfort. When devising an estate plan, I consider how best to protect your children, support your loved ones and contribute to the charitable causes that are special to you.

I thoroughly analyze your estate and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your pets, supporting your personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones. I can draft a will that reflects your desires and establish living trusts if that would serve your individual needs and your estate planning goals.

Probate

I understand that the process of probate follows a time of painful emotional loss. My firm can ease the stress of probating the estate.

I assist executors in all steps of the complex process of probating a will in Washington probate court, including:

  • Creating a plan of action to probate the estate fairly and expeditiously
  • Filing the will with the Washington probate court
  • Closing and opening bank accounts
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Paying taxes and other debts
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring professionals and experts when necessary

Probate disputes

The stress of a probate dispute can compound the pain of losing a loved one. When disputes arise, I strive to maintain a composed courtroom demeanor. This helps calm the emotionally-charged process of defending a valid will against erroneous claims made by unhappy beneficiaries. Preserving amiable family relationships is important. I can skillfully mediate disputes to reach just, equitable resolutions with your loved ones. When necessary, I can assertively defend your beneficiary rights in the Washington probate court.

Contact an estate planning lawyer you can trust, Clifford L. Peterson

I serve clients in Gig Harbor and throughout Washington. Call me at 253-851-8303 or contact me online.