The Law Office of
ï¿½ï¿½ï¿ Janet L. Smith,
P.S.
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WA 98133-8973
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Elder
Law Wills and Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney, Probate,
Guardianship Estate Planning Estate planning can include a will, durable
powers of attorney for health care and finances, an advance health care
directive to physicians (living will), and anatomical gifts/burial
instructions. We might also discuss other estate planning tools such as
living trusts, community property agreements, joint tenancy, or other forms
of non-probate property. I will conduct a thorough analysis of your needs and
preferences, advise you regarding the different types of probate and
non-probate estate planning tools, and draft a complete plan tailored to your
particular situation. In a brief consultation, I can estimate the
costs of your estate planning. Having a complete plan will give you peace of
mind, help reduce the costs of administering your estate, and make the
process of distributing your property after you die easier and more
efficient. My goal is to take the time to listen to
you, and create a plan that protects your goals and values. Disability Planning We don't like to think about the
possibility that a family member may become incapacitated in the future. But
in cases of a diagnosis of a progressive illness, such as dementia or
Parkinson's disease, such planning is essential. I can help you plan for the
future disability, ensuring that legal and financial matters will be handled
efficiently, both before and after the individual becomes legally
incapacitated. Given my experience in geriatric care management, I can also
help you evaluate the various care options that are available. The costs of long-term care can be
financially devastating. The Medicaid eligibility rules are complex and
change frequently. I can help you explore your options, develop a
comprehensive plan, and assist you in implementing that plan for protecting
your assets, preserving funds for a spouse, spending down assets in order to
qualify for benefits, and applying for benefits. Guardianship A guardian is a person or agency appointed
by the court who is designated to act for someone who has been declared
incapacitated. Limited Guardianships are established for people who retain
the ability to make some decisions for themselves, but need assistance in one
or more areas. A person may need a guardian if they are
determined to be incapacitated as to their person or estate, and if no
alternatives to guardianship exist. A determination of incapacity is a legal
determination, made by the court. A person is incapacitated as to his person
when he or she has a significant risk of personal harm based upon a
demonstrated inability over time to adequately provide for nutrition, health,
housing, or physical safety. A person is incapacitated as to his or her
estate when he or she is at significant risk of financial harm based upon a
demonstrated inability over time to adequately manage property or financial
affairs. Any interested person can petition to start
a guardianship. You don't need to be related, and you don't have to want to
serve as the guardian, or even know who would serve as guardian. If you suspect that a guardianship may be
necessary for someone you care about, please call to set up a consultation.
We can discuss the pros and cons of guardianship, the alternatives to
guardianship, and whether a petition to start a guardianship is appropriate
in your case. I represent petitioners, guardians, alleged incapacitated
persons, and other interested family members in guardianship matters. I also
serve on the Guardian ad litem registries for King and Probate and Estate Administration Probate is the legal process by which a
person's debts are paid and assets are distributed upon her or his death.
Estate Administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers
of the deceased's assets. If there is a will, the property goes to the named
beneficiaries. If the decedent left no will, assets are distributed according
to state laws of intestate succession. I represent both Personal
Representatives and heirs in probate matters. Personal Information I received a bachelor's degree from I practiced law as a litigator from 1983 to
2000, and as an Industrial Appeals Judge from 1988-1991. In 1997, I was a
founder of Elder Care Solutions, Inc., providing geriatric care management,
consulting, and guardianship services through 2005. Geriatric care management
and guardianship clients included persons from age 36 to 101 with various
disabilities such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia,
Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury,
psychiatric disabilities, heart disease, and terminal cancer. I am on the Guardian ad litem registries
for King and I am a member of the National Academy of
Elder Law Attorneys, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care
Managers, the Washington State Bar Association Elder Law Section, The King
County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, and Solo/Small Practice
Section, the Alzheimer's Association,
the Northend Senior Care Coalition, and Coordinators of Patient Care (COPS). Contact information Janet L. Smith Law Office of Janet L. Smith, P.S. (206) 937-6102 My office hours are Monday-Friday, Additional Information Most estate planning services are billed on a flat fee.
If you wish
to retain me after an initial consultation, I will enter into a clear
agreement with you for the work to be performed and the fee to be charged.
There is no charge for the first half hour consultation. It is my policy to promptly return messages. I will
strive to always keep you informed of the status of the work being performed. Map and Directions The office is conveniently located in the
Northgate area, at the intersection of N. 105th St. and Meridian
Avenue N. From I-5, take Exit 173, go west on N. Northgate Way, then south on
Meridian Avenue N. From Aurora Avenue N., go east on N. Northgate Way, then
south on Meridian Avenue N. There is accessible parking and entry from the
carport, entered off of N. 105th St.
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