If you're looking for help with your estate planning, Seattle and King Country have a range of services specifically for seniors that are either free or very low-cost. To learn more about where you can go to obtain quality estate planning advice in the Seattle area, keep reading.
Senior Rights Assistance of Seattle
The Senior Rights Assistance of Seattle (SRAS) has a great program where they match seniors with retired estate planners, accountants, lawyers and financial advisors to help them with their estate planning and financial goals. To participate in the program, you must first set up an appointment. You can do so by calling 206-448-5720.
The Senior Rights Assistance of Seattle office is open from 9:30 to 3:30 every Monday to Thursday. They can also help provide recommendations for attorneys, advance directives, will preparation and other estate planning services. If you get a voicemail, just leave a message.
Estate Planning Council of Seattle
The Estate Planning Council (EPC) is a national trade association with an active Seattle branch. Their membership is comprised of estate planners, attorneys, financial advisors, trust officers, chartered accountants, funeral directors and insurance brokers. Each of their members is focused on providing sound advice and services related to estate planning, advance directives, wills and more.
You can visit the Estate Planning Council of Seattle website online at epcseattle.org. From there, you can access a full list of their membership alongside piles of free information resources.
Social Security in the Seattle Area
Social Security is a federal issue, not simply a Washington state issue. However, it is critical that you understand how much Social Security you should be receiving and what happens to those payments after you pass away. One place to find answers for all your Social Security questions is the Social Security Administration.
For help with your Social Security benefits, try contacting the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or online at socialsecurity.gov. Their website offers a comprehensive FAQ, various how-to articles and lots of online tools to help you.
Legal Aid Clinics
The King County Bar Association runs regular and free legal aid clinics in 25 locations across the county and throughout Seattle. The advice is free and includes help dealing with estate planning issues.
Attendees of these events are offered 30 minutes of free consultation with a volunteering attorney and can get assistance with questions about their wills or anything related to estate planning matters. People of all income levels and ages are welcome to attend. To book an appointment or for more information, call 206-267-7070.
When it comes to assistance with estate planning, Seattle has numerous options that are geared toward retirees and seniors. From the numerous legal aid clinics throughout the city to the ongoing assistance of the Senior Rights Assistance group, it's all available and free of charge.
Though many people find discussions about estate planning uncomfortable - since we face the reality of our mortality - it is important to make the effort nonetheless so your property and possessions are distributed according to your wishes once you have left this life.