Will Attorney in Seattle

Estate Planning Grounded in Family Law

A will does more than list who inherits your property. For parents, it names the person who can raise your children. For blended families, it determines whether a stepchild receives anything at all. At Wakefield Legal, PLLC, our attorneys handle wills from within a family law practice that covers child custody, divorce, and guardianship, which means we understand what a will actually needs to say when real family relationships are involved.

We serve clients throughout Western Washington with the same approach we bring to every matter: compassionate counsel, clear communication, and representation that’s ready for court if it comes to that.

Ready to start or update your estate plan? Call our will attorneys in Seattle at (206) 966-6933 to schedule a consultation.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Washington

A last will and testament directs who receives your property, appoints an executor (called a personal representative in Washington) to manage your estate, and lets you name a guardian for your minor children. Without one, Washington’s intestate succession law, RCW 11.04.015, takes over.

Under that statute, assets pass first to a surviving spouse, then to children, parents, and siblings in a fixed order. That sequence doesn’t account for blended families, unmarried partners, or preferences you had about specific property. Probate for Seattle residents is handled through King County Superior Court, and dying intestate can extend that process while creating disputes among surviving family members.

A will isn’t only for large estates. Anyone with property, a minor child, or preferences about what happens to their assets has reason to create one.

What Our Will Attorneys Do for Seattle Clients

We begin by listening. Our attorneys take time to understand your goals, your family situation, and the assets involved before discussing the legal structure that fits your needs. From there, drafting a valid Washington will means identifying assets, naming beneficiaries, appointing a personal representative, and, for parents, designating a guardian for minor children.

Washington’s Execution Requirements

Under RCW 11.12, a valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two competent witnesses. We also recommend including a self-proving affidavit, notarized at signing, which can simplify probate by eliminating the need for witness testimony later.

Will-Related Services We Offer

Our will-related services include:

• Will drafting: Creating a new last will and testament tailored to your family and financial circumstances
• Will Amendments: Updating an existing will through a formal codicil when your situation changes
• Living Wills: Separate documents addressing healthcare decisions during incapacity, distinct from your last will and testament
• Will Litigation: Representing clients when a will is challenged on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or defects in execution
• Trust Litigation: Handling disputes involving trusts, which operate separately from a will and are covered under our broader wills and trusts practice

A will can also establish a testamentary trust, created upon death, to manage assets for minor beneficiaries. If a standalone trust makes more sense for your situation, we can discuss that option separately.

Why Seattle Families Choose Wakefield Legal, PLLC for Will Drafting

Most estate planning firms focus on asset distribution. We bring family law experience to that work: direct, day-to-day familiarity with custody arrangements, dependency proceedings, and blended family dynamics. A will drafted without attention to an existing custody order or support obligation can create real ambiguity after death. We know how to read those documents and help align your will with them.

Attorneys Anne Wakefield and David Penny have built the firm’s reputation on achieving peaceful resolutions while staying prepared to advocate in court when necessary. That continuity extends to will work. If a will we help draft is later contested, we’re positioned to handle the litigation without handing your matter to a new team.

Clients throughout Western Washington choose us because they want to feel informed, not overwhelmed. We explain each decision in plain terms, keep the process moving, and prepare a final document that reflects what you want.

Start Your Estate Plan with a Seattle Will Lawyer

Whether you’re drafting your first will or updating one after a divorce, custody change, or new addition to your family, Wakefield Legal, PLLC can help you move forward. A well-drafted will is one of the most direct ways to document how you want to provide for the people you care about.

Call our Seattle will lawyers at (206) 966-6933 or submit an online contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve clients throughout Western Washington and can help you take this step.