Top best Probate Lawyers in Seattle | 139 available

I assist young families creating a first estate plan motivated by the birth of a baby, as well as those revising a plan when their children have grown, those with no children who want to ensure their money goes to the people they care about most.  I also handle probate, if you find yourself in the position of administering the estate of your parent or other family or friend.  And I handle small disputes between parties, for example, landlord & tenant, neighbors, etc.  I am happy to answer questions you may have about working with an attorney or to meet with you to determine if I am a good fit for your legal needs.

I am a solution-focused attorney who strives to help my clients find common sense, cost-effective solutions for avoiding and recovering from conflict and financial distress. I'm focused on what's important to my clients.. A friend called me "A Northwest Kind of Lawyer," and I like that. Born and raised in Seattle, I spent my youth and adulthood exploring beaches, islands, rivers, and mountains, enjoying hiking, climbing, fishing, and kayaking. Thinking I would become a teacher or photographer, I surprised myself by choosing a career in law. I have more than 30 years of law firm experience, including more than a decade as a litigation, bankruptcy and family law paralegal prior to becoming an attorney in 2007. Over the past 15-plus years, I have focused my law practice on advising and representing individuals and business clients in a variety of matters including bankruptcy, receivership, business restructuring, foreclosure, business and real estate, estate planning and probate, family law/divorce, and related litigation and transactions.. More recently, I have expanded my practice to include private mediation and arbitration for several types of disputes including civil, commercial, business, real estate, eviction, condominium, divorce/custody, probate/estate, partnership and law-firm dissolution, and attorney's fee disputes. I currently split time between Seattle and Honolulu. In addition to my Seattle law and mediation practice, I am a family mediator with Family Mediation Hawai'i and a mentor mediator for the Mediation Center for the Pacific in Honolulu, where I completed advanced mediation training in 2021 and divorce mediation training in 2023. I am also a panel member for the Hawai'i Bankruptcy Alternative Dispute Resolution Program and the CR 39.1 ADR Program in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington.. I previously served as Chair of the WSBA Law Clerk Board and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and continue to volunteer on the Camp Long Advisory Council, which supports outdoor education, stewardship, and leadership opportunities for underserved youth in the Seattle area. I am a member of the Washington Mediation Association and the Conflict Resolution Alliance of Hawai'i. I am available for private mediation in Seattle through my law firm, Westwood Pacific Law PLLC, and for family mediation in Hawai'i through Family Mediation Hawai'i.. I regularly present at seminars regarding legal issues, ethics, and dispute resolution topics, and have been recognized as a Super Lawyer in 2020-2025.

Heidi focuses on all aspects of estate planning, estate and gift taxation, and estate and trust administration with an emphasis on personal planning for high net worth families and individuals. Heidi's practice also focuses on charitable planned giving for families and individuals and advising tax-exempt organizations with respect to incorporation, board structuring and education, federal and state compliance, and strategic planning.

George specializes in business law, tax and estate planning.  He graduated with honors from the University of Washington where he also received his law degree and an MBA (finance/accounting).  George serves as general legal counsel to hundreds of private and family companies and also serves as estate planning counsel to the owners of virtually all of these businesses. In addition, George acts as estate planning counsel to senior and other executives of publicly held corporations and their families. Finally, George handles the estate administration for many clients, including assuring that advanced estate plans and trusts are properly implemented.  His practice includes formation, operation and liquidation of businesses, business sales, and estate planning/probate for large estates.  George has often taught for the Washington Bar and at the UW School of Law, and received the Outstanding Faculty Award from Golden Gate Graduate School of Taxation.  His broad experience and attentive client service – combined with the effective use of technology – are foundational to his well-respected and successful law practice.

For over a decade I have had the privilege of being trusted to create estate plans that reflect specific goals and values my clients have worked a lifetime to create. Whether your focus is on charitable giving, tax optimization, or ensuring the well-being of your loved ones, I am here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.. With extensive experience in estate planning, including charitable gift planning, tax-exempt entity establishment, and navigating complex tax laws, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. From drafting wills and trusts to offering counsel on lifetime and post-mortem tax planning strategies, I am equipped to address all aspects of your estate planning needs.. Moreover, my dedication extends beyond client work to include active involvement with nonprofit organizations, where I share insights on how charitable giving can serve as a tax-efficient strategy. I am deeply passionate about helping individuals like yourself make informed decisions that align with both your financial objectives and philanthropic values.. On a personal note, outside of my professional endeavors, I find joy in spending time with my daughter, who continually inspires me with her boundless curiosity and zest for life.. I would be honored to have the opportunity to partner with you in safeguarding your legacy.

Drawing on her thirty plus years’ experience as a practicing attorney, Ann advises clients regarding potential claims and disputes. She guides trustees, executors, and other fiduciaries who are dealing with difficult situations, such as murky trust documents and wills and challenging beneficiaries. She helps clients understand their duties and complete the administration process, seeking judicial rulings as necessary. Ann also represents beneficiaries, including individuals and charities, who seek or need assistance in protecting their rightful shares of trust and probate assets.. Over the years, Ann has brought and defended many will and trust contests and actions under Washington’s Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act.. As well as working with professional fiduciaries, Ann works with clients who have little or no experience with legal disputes. She helps clients understand their rights and duties, looks for cost-effective solutions, uses mediation when appropriate, and takes matters to hearing or trial. Ann brings an assertive, thoughtful, and experienced approach to this emotionally-charged area of litigation.. In addition, Ann assists clients with designing and implementing comprehensive plans to reduce state and federal estate, gift, generation-skipping transfer tax and the orderly transition of assets between generations. Ann also handles all aspects of probate and estate administration.. Ann is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a Band 1 practitioner for Private Wealth Disputes - Washington.

Donna Calf Robe has been with Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. since 2005. She focused her practice on probate, estate planning, and trusts, including the development, implementation and administration of special needs trusts. She also advises beneficiaries, professional fiduciaries and personal injury attorneys regarding the distribution and protection of recoveries, including apportionment of wrongful death settlement proceeds.. Donna is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, and an alumni of the University of Puget Sound. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the King County Bar Association, and their Probate and Trust sections. She is a member and past officer for the Washington Chapter of the Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.. Donna grew up in the Puget Sound area. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, boating and fishing in local lakes.

Brady H. Somers is an attorney practicing in Seattle, Washington.

Ballard attorney Geir T. Jonsson provides estate planning and transactional legal services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Areas of practice include: wills and trusts, living wills, living trusts, financial powers of attorney, medical power of attorney, probate, and taxation. The Jonsson Law Firm, PLLC is located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. We will travel throughout the King County and Puget Sound area.

As a litigator and a trial attorney, Hans brings a wide breadth of experience.  Hans has successfully litigated both simple and complex trust and estate disputes, real property suits, catastrophic injury claims, major private and public construction claims, and a wide variety of commercial lawsuits.  Hans excels at presenting complex legal issues to his clients in a way that allows them to make decisions that support their objectives.. Hans enjoys building relationships with his clients and working collaboratively to craft case strategies as if each matter is going to trial, while striving to reach sensible and creative solutions to avoid litigation at every step.  All things being equal, the better prepared party in litigation is going to achieve the better result.  If it is not possible to settle your case by agreement, Hans will tirelessly prepare your case and put you in a superior position to prevail at trial or arbitration, and present your case in the most compelling way possible to a judge, jury, or arbitrator.

An experienced estate planning and probate attorney, Kristina’s practice involves analyzing, preparing, and helping clients implement estate plans.  She also counsels clients on charitable giving, prenuptial agreements, estate and gift tax issues, estate and trust administration, and guardianships.  She represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in negotiating settlements of trusts and estates, as well as preparing and filing gift and estate tax returns. Prior to establishing her own law firm, Kristina was a member in theSeattle office of Williams, Kastner & Gibbs PLLC.  Kristina’s work history includes her role as the Assistant Dean of Development and Community Relations for the University of Washington School of Law and the Executive Director of the Washington Law School Foundation.. Affiliations: Kristina is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Estate Planning Council of Seattle, and Washington Women in Tax.  She is also a member of and past-chair of the University of Washington Estate Planning Advisory Committee, and serves on the Estate Planning Council of Seattle Executive Committee.  She is a past member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Planned Giving Board and the Editorial Board of the Washington State Bar Association Real Property Probate & Trust Newsletter, and past-president of the Financial Planning Association of Puget Sound. Kristina was recognized as a Super Lawyer for the years 2001 through 2014 by Washington Law & Politics magazine.  Kristina has also been recognized by Seattle Magazine as one of the best estate planning lawyers inSeattle.. Education:. Kristina received her J.D. from theUniversity ofWashington in 1990 and her B.A. from theUniversity ofMontana in 1986.. This link tells my "personal" story regarding surviving cancer and raising two small children.  #axzz21g1sr3sV

Alison is an experienced trust and estate attorney who focuses her practice in trust and estate litigation. With a legal career spanning over 20 years and a background in tax, Alison brings a unique perspective to her practice that enables her to navigate the complexities that arise in matters where personal and financial issues are deeply intertwined.. Alison is known for her strategic, compassionate advocacy, and she has successfully represented clients in a wide range of trust and estate disputes, including will contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, financial exploitation, and other matters brought under the Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) and the Vulnerable Adult Protection Act. Her dedicated approach to her client’s needs is matched by her fierce representation in court, ensuring that her client’s interests are fully protected. Alison also appreciates the value of avoiding litigation where appropriate. A key component of her practice is to advise and represent clients who seek alternatives to litigation, such as mediation, and she strives to find creative solutions to help her clients achieve their goals while minimizing the emotional and financial toll of the legal process.. Alison received her Juris Doctorate degree in 2002 from American University, where she graduated magna cum laude. After spending the first decade of her legal career practicing criminal defense at Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons in Seattle, Washington, she earned her LL.M. in taxation from the University of Washington School of Law. Since 2013, Alison has focused her work solely in the area of trusts and estates.. Outside of her legal practice, Alison is an active member of the Seattle community. She is a past president and past board member of the QLAW Association and is a contributing editor to the Real Property Probate and Trust Newsletter published by WSBA. She also speaks regularly on trust and estate topics at legal conferences and continuing legal education seminars.Alison was born and raised in Oklahoma and is proud to be an enrolled member of the Osage Nation.

After being in private practice for 6.5 years, Lisa W. Gafken has returned to the Washington Attorney General's Office, where she began her career in 2001. Her initial assignment with the AGO was with the Utilities and Transportation Commission Division, where she spent four years representing Commission Staff in rate proceedings, telecom proceedings, and compliance proceedings.  In addition, Ms. Gafken represented the Commission in court proceedings to enforce Commission orders. She left the AGO in 2005 to enter private practice.  During her time in private practice, Ms. Gafken focused on litigating trust and estate matters under TEDRA, protecting vulnerable adults under Chapter 74.34 RCW, and representing clients in both contested and uncontested probate and guardianship matters. She began as an associate attorney, and then opened a law firm with a partner.. Ms. Gafken returned to the AGO in April 2012, and now serves as an Assistant Attorney General in the Public Counsel Section, where she represents customers of investor-owned utilities in proceedings before the Utilities and Transportation Commission.. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.  Ms. Gafken served as a board member of MAMA Seattle, the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle, from 2008 to 2014. In addition, she was a founding member of the Lawyers Fostering Independence team, a group of lawyers offering legal assistance to foster children aging out of the foster care system, and she served as a board member for a nonprofit child care center.. Ms. Gafken obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Politics and Government (political science) from the University of Puget Sound.  She graduated cum laude from Seattle University School of Law in 2001.

A fierce litigator, Nathan Gibbs is dedicated to producing results for his clients using a combination of detailed preparation and quick thinking. Nathan’s passion for law stems from his desire to protect the relationships between fathers and their children with relentless advocacy.  Meticulous, dedicated, and sharp, Nathan diligently pursues every case with integrity and intensity to produce the most favorable outcome possible. While never afraid of a fight, he understands that using the right tool for the job is the best way to achieve his clients’ goals.  Managing attorney Ken Alan said, “Nathan’s experience as a prosecutor has made him a sharp negotiator that is comfortable in the courtroom. Nathan understands that family law is about helping people through a difficult time. It is obvious that he really cares about his clients.”. Using a flexible and adaptive approach to his legal practice, Nathan carefully assesses every case to develop an effective strategy. Committed to doing what is necessary to protect his clients’ rights and assets, Nathan is adept at negotiation and litigation.. When he isn’t in the office or the courtroom, Nathan enjoys spending time with his family, sharpening his grill-master skills, and honing his drawing and painting talents.

A big issue in law and technology right now is client confidentiality:. I take all precautionary measures to protect confidences, and at the same ensure that the client's hardship is clearly outlined to the opposing side.  While being guarded, the client's story must be told to make it known that he/she deserves an award of monetary or other relief.  This is how I achieve cost-efficient results and resolution of  casework in any forum.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Seattle and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Seattle and surrounding areas.