Taking Care Of A Loved One’s Estate—Made Simpler
When a loved one passes, it can feel like piecing together a puzzle with missing parts. Figuring out their assets, debts, and locating important documents can be overwhelming. On top of that, you might be the person named to serve as their executor or the family member being asked about what to do next. If this is something you are going through or are hoping to avoid, our Camas, WA probate lawyer is here to help.
Seeking the advice of an attorney can be a great first step. At NW Legacy Law, we offer support and care to help you move forward with confidence. No estate is the same, and we want to work with you to make sure all of your goals are heard and met. That’s why we believe it’s important to start with clarity and preparation. Before you come in, we want you to know what to expect at your initial consultation so we can help you navigate this process with confidence.
Before The Meeting: Call Us!
The very first step is to call into the office. Our Client Services team is trained to get the key information about your situation so our team knows your questions, objectives, and concerns. If we’re the right fit, they will then schedule a consultation with you and one of our attorneys that works best with your schedule.
After your intake call is complete, you will receive our optional intake form. The intake form helps us get to know the basics of your loved one’s family structure, financial assets, and debts. This helps us focus on your unique needs and objectives rather than writing down names, birthdates, addresses, and asset information during your meeting.
For the intake form, don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers or information—just fill out what you can. We can do the consultation without an intake form too. We just want to make the experience as seamless as possible so you get everything you need from our meeting. If you wait to fill it out at your consultation, we may have less time to focus on your priorities and specific needs.
What You Need During The Consultation:
The consultation is about you. We always want to make sure that we are addressing:
- Your goals: Do you need to administer an estate? Make sure the trust operates properly? Are you concerned about a single asset? Are you worried someone might try to claim something that isn’t theirs? We want to make sure that what’s important to you is addressed first. You need someone who listens and helps where it matters most, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.
- Your clarity: Do you not know how to speak with an insurer? Are you confused by all the legal terms being thrown at you? Should you be opening a probate for your loved one’s estate? Our team knows how to break down a complex legal world into simple steps. You need to know what your job is, and that is our job to make it clear.
- Your protection: The world of estates is confusing! Taxes, legal rules, and the complex requirements of financial institutions create a minefield of possible issues. We want to make sure you and your family are protected from any surprises that may come and have clear expectations on how the administration works.
After The Consultation
From the consultation, there are normally one of three outcomes:
- We have a plan to administer your trust or estate, and we both know our next steps.
- You need a little more time to clarify some pieces so we can see if working together makes sense.
- No further work is needed because you are in a good place, and we are both confident you can handle the estate without guidance.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll guide you through every step—from opening probate to getting those final taxes filed.
Our Promise
Estate settlement isn’t about just checking boxes—it’s about peace of mind. At NW Legacy Law, we’re committed to helping you create a plan that reflects your goals, protects your loved ones, and preserves the legacy your loved one dreamed of. Our office is located in Vancouver, Washington and our founding attorney, Thomas Hackett, is licensed to provide estate planning, probate, and elder law services in Oregon and Washington. Reach out to us today for a consultation.
