Business Details
6 Years
experience
Estate Planning and Probate Attorney in Sequim, WA
I am Judith H Peace Attorney At Law, an attorney licensed to practice law in Washington State. With a legal career spanning decades, I transitioned from commercial lending and workouts to elder law and estate planning, fulfilling a long-held professional aspiration. My practice focuses on guiding individuals and families through the complexities of estate planning, probate, and related legal matters. I graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1985 and have dedicated the past five years to private legal practice in Sequim.My approach emphasizes personalized attention, clear communication, and practical solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances. I maintain active involvement in my community, including serving as the Pacific Northwest Welsh Terrier rescue coordinator for the National Breed Club. My office provides a welcoming environment where clients can address sensitive matters with confidence, knowing their legal needs will be handled with professionalism and care.
Services
Wills
Trusts
Probate
Power of Attorney
Estate Planning
Health Care Directives
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized estate planning solutions tailored to individual family needs
- Our attorney brings commercial law experience to estate planning matters
- We provide free 30-minute initial consultations for prospective clients
- We maintain deep familiarity with Washington State probate regulations
- Our practice combines legal expertise with compassionate client support
Services
Estate Planning
Estate planning creates comprehensive strategies for asset distribution and healthcare decisions. Our practice develops customized plans using wills, trusts, and directives to meet individual needs. We help clients protect their assets while ensuring their wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable.
Probate Services
Probate services guide executors through Washington State's estate administration process. We assist with asset inventory, debt settlement, and property distribution according to wills or intestacy laws. Our support streamlines the legal requirements for estates exceeding $100,000 or involving real property.
Revocable Trusts
Revocable living trusts provide flexible asset management solutions during life and after death. We design these trusts to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and ensure smooth transitions of property ownership. Our plans address both current needs and future contingencies for beneficiaries.
Power of Attorney
Durable power of attorney documents designate trusted representatives for financial and healthcare decisions. We create legally binding instruments that remain effective during incapacity while complying with Washington State requirements for asset management and medical decision-making authority.
Health Care Directives
Health care directives document end-of-life treatment preferences and appoint healthcare agents. Our legally compliant documents ensure medical providers and family members understand patients' wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments and palliative care options.
People
Judith H Peace Attorney At Law
Attorney at Law
Judith H Peace Attorney At Law graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1985. After 35 years in commercial lending, she established her elder law practice in Sequim. She specializes in estate planning and probate while supporting Welsh Terrier rescue efforts.
Questions
What documents are essential for basic estate planning?
Basic estate plans typically include a will, durable power of attorney, and health care directive to address asset distribution, financial management, and medical decisions.
How does probate work in Washington State?
Washington's probate process handles estates exceeding $100,000 or involving real estate. It typically takes 12 months to complete, requiring court supervision for asset distribution according to wills or intestacy laws.
What happens if I die without a will in Washington?
Dying intestate in Washington means your property will be distributed according to state laws, typically divided among immediate family members rather than following your personal preferences.
What distinguishes revocable from irrevocable trusts?
Revocable trusts can be modified during your lifetime, primarily to avoid probate. Irrevocable trusts, often used for special needs planning, cannot be changed once established and help preserve government benefit eligibility.
How can I start the estate planning process?
Begin with our free 30-minute consultation to discuss your specific needs. We'll help determine appropriate documents based on your assets, family situation, and long-term objectives.
What is a Small Estate Affidavit?
This simplified probate alternative applies to estates under $100,000 without real estate. It allows quicker asset distribution through an affidavit rather than formal court proceedings.
