Bellevue, Washington: Estate Planning Attorney
Are you considering writing your first will or revising an existing will? Do you wonder whether your asset structure and family situation requires a more complex estate plan? Are you the personal representative of an estate and need assistance with probate administration? Are you considering an adult guardianship?
Attorney Joseph L. Hammer, with offices in Bellevue, Washington, guides Washington state residents through estate planning, wills, trusts and probate with care, efficiency and a high level of professionalism. For experienced and cost-effective assistance with estate planning and probate matters, please contact estate planning and probate lawyer Joseph L. Hammer today.
Flat-Rate Estate Planning Packages and Custom Estate Planning Solutions
Mr. Hammer offers both packaged estate planning services and custom services for clients with complex estates. His basic estate planning package includes:
- A complete will
- A durable power of attorney designating a person as your agent to handle your financial affairs if you become physically or mentally incapacitated
- An advance health care directive (also known as a living will), in which you set forth your wishes for your health care in the event of a traumatic illness, debilitating disease or permanent coma
Other estate planning services are also available, such as drafting and funding several different types of trusts, including living trusts, gift trusts, life insurance trusts and charitable trusts. Trusts have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the financial and family picture of the individual client. Mr. Hammer insists on obtaining a complete picture of his client's assets and goals to provide education and counseling as to the best ways to use estate planning to meet the client's needs while still crafting a solution that fits within the client's budget.
Probate Administration
If you have been named the personal representative of an estate, you may seek help with the sometimes lengthy and complex process of guiding the will through probate. A qualified attorney can file the necessary pleadings, help you inventory and arrange appraisal of the assets of the deceased, give proper and legal notice to the estate's creditors, arrange payment of final bills, distribute assets among the estate's beneficiaries according to the terms of the will and then close the estate once probate is complete.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
What happens when a parent or other adult relative becomes mentally or physically unable to manage his or her own financial affairs and health care decisions? Unless other provisions are made, the person's financial and physical well-being may be placed into the hands of the court system if the person is made a ward of the court. Guardianships and conservatorships can prevent your parent or other family member from becoming a ward of the court due to physical or mental illness. Attorney Joseph L. Hammer drafts well-crafted and solid guardianship and conservatorship petitions for a reasonable fee, and can provide counseling and education about the benefits and disadvantages of these legal tools.
Contact Bellevue, Washington Estate Planning Attorney Joseph L. Hammer
For a confidential appointment to discuss your estate planning goals, a guardianship, a conservatorship or legal assistance with probate administration, contact the law office of Joseph L. Hammer. Mr. Hammer can be reached by calling 425-883-4223 or by completing the e-mail form on the Contact Us page of this Website.
Flat-Rate Legal Services Packages • Evening and Weekend Hours By Appointment
Joseph L. Hammer, Attorney at Law
14777 Northeast 40th Street, Suite 201
Bellevue, WA 98007
Telephone: 425-883-4223
Fax: 425-895-1013
E-mail
Map and Directions
Located 5 minutes from the Microsoft Campus
Joseph L. Hammer, Attorney at Law, represents clients throughout the Puget Sound region of Washington state, including Bellevue, Auburn, Bainbridge Island, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Edmonds, Everett, Federal Way, Kent, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mercer Island, Mountlake Terrace, Redmond, Renton, SeaTac, Seattle, King County, Snohomish County and Kitsap County.