Business Details
Your Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Law Firm in Kirkland
CMS Law Firm is a dedicated legal practice focused on estate planning and probate services. With over two decades of experience, our team of attorneys provides personalized solutions to protect clients' assets, families, and legacies. We specialize in creating comprehensive estate plans that avoid probate, ensure asset protection, and address clients' unique needs. Our attorneys combine technical expertise with compassionate guidance to simplify complex legal processes. We serve individuals, married couples, homeowners, and parents through two convenient Washington locations.Our commitment to transparency is reflected in flat-fee pricing with no hidden expenses. Clients benefit from ongoing communication support and 100% satisfaction guarantees. Having helped over 1,000 clients, we maintain a client-centric approach that prioritizes clear communication and efficient execution. Our expertise extends to trust creation, will preparation, and advanced care planning, with team members actively sharing knowledge through educational blog content. We distinguish ourselves through streamlined processes that make estate planning accessible and stress-free.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Services
Trust Creation
Will Preparation
Asset Protection
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized estate planning experience
- Flat fees with complete pricing transparency
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on all services
- Personalized plans tailored to family needs
- Free ongoing client communication support
What people say
Excellent communication
Very reasonable prices
Smooth process
Knowledgeable staff
Well-oiled machine
Services
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning creates personalized strategies to protect assets and family interests. We develop customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives that ensure your wishes are honored. Our process simplifies complex legal requirements while minimizing future probate complications through strategic asset structuring.
Probate Services
We guide executors through Washington State's probate process with clear step-by-step support. Our services include court document preparation, asset inventory management, and creditor claim resolution. We help families navigate legal requirements while maintaining family harmony during difficult transitions.
Trust Creation
Our trust creation services establish legal frameworks that bypass probate and control asset distribution. We design revocable and irrevocable trusts tailored to specific family situations, ensuring smooth asset transfer while maintaining privacy and tax efficiency for multi-generational wealth preservation.
Will Preparation
We craft legally sound wills that clearly define asset distribution and guardianship arrangements. Our process ensures documents meet Washington State requirements while addressing unique family circumstances through clear language and comprehensive coverage of all essential provisions.
Asset Protection
Our asset protection strategies safeguard client wealth through legal structuring techniques. We implement solutions that shield assets from potential creditors while maintaining accessibility for legitimate needs, combining estate planning tools with strategic financial positioning.
People
Christopher Small
Probate Attorney & Estate Planning Lawyer
Experienced estate planning attorney with 20+ years of legal expertise. Specializes in creating customized estate solutions while maintaining approachable client relationships. Leads educational initiatives through regular blog contributions.
Ashley McAlhaney
Estate Planning Lawyer
Dedicated estate planning professional focused on simplifying legal processes for clients. Provides personalized guidance through complex documentation requirements with clear communication and compassionate support.
Mitchell Aoki
Probate Attorney
Specializes in probate administration with emphasis on efficient estate settlement. Helps families navigate legal requirements while maintaining sensitivity to emotional circumstances during estate transitions.
Liz Brown
Estate Planning Attorney
Skilled communicator creating personalized estate plans that address client-specific needs. Focuses on comprehensive documentation that prevents future legal complications through meticulous attention to detail.
Corina Westfahl
Kirkland Office Manager
Manages day-to-day operations of the Kirkland office with organizational expertise. Coordinates team efforts to maintain efficient client service delivery and seamless appointment scheduling processes.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directives. We'll help determine if trusts or additional documents are needed based on your specific assets and family situation.
How does probate work in Washington State?
Washington's probate process involves validating the will, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing property. Our attorneys guide executors through each step to ensure legal compliance and efficient estate settlement.
Can I avoid probate completely?
Yes, through strategic estate planning using trusts, joint ownership arrangements, and beneficiary designations. We'll help structure your assets to bypass probate while maintaining control during your lifetime.
What happens if I die without a will?
Washington's intestacy laws will determine asset distribution. This often results in outcomes that don't reflect your wishes. We recommend creating a customized estate plan to ensure your assets go to intended beneficiaries.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review your plan every 3-5 years or after major life events. We offer complimentary consultations to help clients update documents when circumstances change, ensuring continued legal effectiveness.
What's the cost for estate planning services?
We use transparent flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs. Fees vary based on plan complexity, starting from basic will packages to comprehensive trust-based solutions. Schedule a free strategy session for personalized pricing.
Videos
