We honor your legacy through comprehensive, intentional, and compassionate legal guidance
Our team is committed to guiding you through the development of your estate plan or the settlement of your loved one’s affairs with clarity and empathy. Through compassionate, connected, and intentional legal services, NW Legacy Law strives to ensure every client feels thoroughly understood, deeply valued, and confidently equipped.
Meet Your Advocates for Legacy and Law
Vancouver, Washington Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorneys
At NW Legacy Law, our dedicated team combines legal expertise with deep compassion. We specialize in estate planning and estate settlement services, focusing on your family’s needs and values to ensure a seamless and respectful transition of your legacy. Our approach is personal, understanding, and tailored to each client’s unique situation.
our proven legacy
planning process
Through our comprehensive three-step approach,
we provide personalized legal guidance that honors your family’s unique values and goals.
1 Consultation
We begin with an initial consultation to discuss your needs and goals. During this meeting, we gather essential information to tailor our approach specifically to your situation.
2 Design
Following our consultation, we’ll provide either a detailed proposal for your estate plan or offer to represent you in settling your loved one’s estate. For either situation, we design a detailed plan that focuses on your objectives and specific legal requirements, so that each element aligns with your goals.
3 Implementation
We help you execute and implement your proposed estate plan or settlement of your loved one’s estate. We carefully review and adjust the plan as necessary so that everything is properly executed.
Solutions for Life
Legal Services
We offer specialized legal support designed to give you peace of mind and clarity during significant moments in your life.
Estate Planning
We help you develop a clear strategy to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones. This process provides peace of mind by creating a plan that honors your personal wishes and family values.
Estate Planning
Estate Settlement
We provide dedicated support to manage the legal process following the death of a loved one. Our team handles every detail with sensitivity and precision for a dignified resolution of their affairs.
Estate Settlement
Elder Law
We offer legal assistance for seniors and their families facing decisions about long-term care and healthcare. Our goal is to protect your autonomy and assets while planning for future needs with dignity.
Elder Law
Probate
Our firm manages the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets. We work to make these proceedings straightforward and efficient to reduce the burden on your family.
Probate
Wills & Trusts
We help you create legally sound wills and trusts to direct how your legacy is managed and distributed. These foundational documents give you control over your assets and provide clarity for your beneficiaries.
Wills & Trusts
Asset Protection
We develop specific legal strategies designed to safeguard your personal and business assets from future claims. A solid plan helps preserve your wealth for your family and your intended beneficiaries.
Asset ProtectionThe Team Behind Protecting Your Legacy
Meet the NW Legacy
Law Legal Team
Our Vancouver legal team combines professional excellence with a caring approach to help families create estate plans and settle loved ones’ affairs with dignity and precision.
Over Three Decades of Combined Experience
hear from those we’ve guided
Education on Estate Planning Topics
Videos
Our team shares valuable legal insights through videos designed to help you make informed decisions about your future.
NW Legacy Law Sponsors Team For Alzheimer’s Walk on September 24th, 2023
NWLL Estate Settlement
NWLL Estate Planning
Estate Planning You Can Trust
Compassionate Legal Support for Life's Important Decisions
At NW Legacy Law, we are dedicated to safeguarding your future and honoring your legacy with dignity and care. Founded over a decade ago by Thomas Hackett, our firm has grown into a trusted team of attorneys and compassionate professionals serving families throughout Vancouver and beyond. From creating thoughtful estate plans to guiding loved ones through loss with expert legal counsel, we provide personalized support every step of the way.
Serving Washington Since 2014
frequently asked questions
What is estate planning, and why is it important?
Estate planning is the process of organizing your financial and personal affairs so that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for when you cannot manage them yourself. A strong estate plan often includes wills, trusts such as a living trust or revocable trust, powers of attorney, and strategies for estate tax planning and elder estate planning law. These tools work together to minimize confusion, reduce expenses, and protect your legacy. Estate planning is important for every family because it ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and prevents unnecessary hardship for your heirs. At NW Legacy Law our lawyers create individualized plans with clarity and compassion so families feel secure about the future.
What is the difference between wills and trusts?
Wills and trusts are both valuable tools in estate planning but they serve different purposes. A will provides instructions for how assets should be distributed after death and can name guardians for children. A trust such as a living trust or revocable trust allows you to manage assets during life and pass them to heirs outside of probate. Trusts provide additional privacy and flexibility while also helping with estate tax planning. Many people choose to use both a will and a trust to build a comprehensive plan that meets their needs. At NW Legacy Law our attorneys explain each option clearly so families understand the choices available and can design plans that protect what matters most to them.
How does estate settlement work?
Estate settlement is the process of gathering and distributing the assets of a person who has passed away. If there is a will the probate court oversees the process to ensure debts are paid and property is distributed as directed. If a trust such as a revocable trust or living trust exists much of the settlement can occur outside probate which often saves time and preserves privacy. Settlement may also involve paying estate taxes and finalizing financial obligations. Families often find estate settlement challenging and benefit from experienced legal support to prevent mistakes. At NW Legacy Law our lawyers guide clients through each step with clarity and empathy so families can focus on healing while their loved one’s legacy is honored.
How can estate tax planning benefit my family?
Estate tax planning helps reduce or eliminate the taxes that may be owed when assets pass from one generation to the next. Without careful planning families can lose a significant portion of what was intended for heirs. Estate tax planning strategies may include revocable trusts, charitable giving or other tools designed to preserve wealth. These strategies are most effective when integrated into a larger estate planning process that includes wills and powers of attorney. Families who work with attorneys experienced in elder estate planning law can create plans that protect assets while honoring personal values. At NW Legacy Law our lawyers provide compassionate and thoughtful advice so families can enjoy peace of mind knowing their legacy is secure for future generations.
What role does elder law play in estate planning?
Elder law is a specialized area of practice that focuses on the needs of older adults and their families. It often addresses long term care planning, asset protection and government benefit eligibility. When combined with estate planning, elder law ensures that tools such as wills, trusts and powers of attorney work together to meet both financial and healthcare needs. A living trust or revocable trust can help manage assets while a power of attorney ensures decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated. At NW Legacy Law our team combines estate planning with elder estate planning law to give families security and dignity. We provide guidance with clarity and compassion every step of the way.
Estate Planning Challenges Facing Clark County Families
serving vancouver washington & surrounding area
Clark County residents face unique estate planning obstacles that require local legal knowledge. Washington State’s complex probate laws and estate tax threshold of $3 million create challenges for families at every income level. Unlike most states, Washington imposes its own estate tax separate from federal requirements. This affects middle-class families who may not realize their assets could trigger tax obligations.
Vancouver and surrounding Clark County communities have experienced rapid growth and rising property values. As a result, more residents now fall into taxable estate territory. Many families discover too late that their combined assets, including home values, retirement accounts, and life insurance, exceed tax thresholds. Without proper planning, surviving family members may face significant tax burdens or lengthy probate proceedings.
Local families also struggle with outdated estate documents that no longer reflect current laws or family circumstances. Blended families, business owners, and those with assets in multiple states face additional complications. Since 2014, we’ve seen firsthand how these challenges impact Vancouver families. Proactive estate planning has become more critical than ever for protecting family wealth and avoiding legal complications.
Our Client-Centered Estate Planning Process
At NW Legacy Law, we believe estate planning should be accessible and understandable, not intimidating or overwhelming. Our Vancouver estate planning team takes a straightforward approach that clarifies legal processes and focuses on what matters most to your family.
Every relationship starts with a consultation. We listen carefully to your concerns, goals, and seek to understand family dynamics. Rather than applying cookie-cutter solutions, we take time to discuss your unique situation. We learn about your assets, family relationships, business interests, and personal values. This foundation allows us to create documents that truly reflect your wishes and protect your loved ones.
We explain legal concepts in plain language and avoid confusing jargon that leaves clients uncertain. Our team walks you through each document and decision, allowing you to understand how your estate plan works and why we recommend specific strategies. We also provide organized documentation that makes important information easily accessible for you and your family.
Throughout the process, we maintain open communication and remain available to answer questions. Our goal is simple: make estate planning feel manageable and give you confidence in your decisions for your family’s future.
Protecting Clark County Families Through Effective Estate Planning
Since 2014, our Vancouver estate planning practice has helped hundreds of local families protect their assets and provide for their loved ones. We’ve assisted clients in avoiding probate delays, minimizing tax obligations, and creating clear instructions for asset distribution. Families often tell us they feel relieved knowing their affairs are properly organized and their wishes will be respected.
We regularly help families avoid costly estate planning mistakes that can create family conflicts. Our clients benefit from updated documents that reflect current Washington State laws and their changing family circumstances. We’ve helped:
- Business owners create succession plans
- Parents establish guardianship provisions
- Families with special needs members structure appropriate trusts
Our clients frequently refer friends and family members because they’ve experienced the peace of mind that comes from solid planning. They appreciate our transparent fee structure, which eliminates surprise costs and makes quality legal services more accessible.
Our client testimonials reflect the positive impact of working with our local Vancouver estate planning attorneys who understand both the legal requirements and the personal importance of protecting family legacies. We measure our success by the confidence and security our clients feel about their family’s future.
Trusted Estate Planning Services in Vancouver
Serving Vancouver &
Throughout Washington
We stay up-to-date on current estate planning law developments across Washington, keeping your
legal interests and obligations secure at all times.
Blog
Recent Legal Articles & News from Our Team
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