Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is your office? True North Legal Services is conveniently located at 301 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Client parking is available in front of the building.
How do I set up a consultation? Click here to schedule a free 10-minute phone call or click here to schedule a consultation for estate planning or probate/trust administration. Most consultations can be scheduled within 2-3 weeks. Consultations are available in person, by phone, and by Zoom.
How much does a consultation cost? Consultations for estate planning or probate/trust administration are $300.00, paid online via PayPal at the time of booking. If you prefer to pay by cash or check, you may call, text, or email us to schedule your consultation and arrange payment.
How much does estate planning cost? This varies depending on your needs. For example, a single individual can expect to pay around one thousand to sixteen hundred dollars for a will based estate plan and three to five thousand dollars for a trust based estate plan. A couple can expect to pay around eighteen hundred to twenty-two hundred dollars for will based estate plans and four to six thousand dollars for trust based estate plans. These price ranges are not firm quotes for you and should not be interpreted as such.
What costs are additional? Large estates that require tax planning incur additional charges, as do estates that require multiple trusts, community property agreements, and/or drafting of deeds to transfer real property. In addition, clients are responsible for any and all fees paid to third parties, such as postage, service of process, and recording fees. This will be explained in detail in the Attorney-Client Agreement.
How do I get started? The best place to start is by booking a consultation. This allows Genissa to discuss your estate assets and goals with you, give you a recommendation for how to structure your estate plan, and give you a firm quote for services.
How long does estate planning take? Depending on how busy we are , you can expect most estate plans to be completed within 4-8 weeks from the time you retain our office.
How much does probate cost? An uncontested probate will typically incur legal fees and other costs totaling four to five thousand dollars. Probates that become contested (e.g., someone files a Will Contest) will incur additional hourly costs (currently $300.00/hr. billed in 1/10th of an hour increments).
How long does probate take? Probates that are uncontested can usually be completed in six to twelve months. Contested probates and other estate related litigation can last for several months or potentially even years. This will be discussed on a case-by-case basis at your consultation and throughout the duration of your case.
Do you handle contested probates and TEDRA actions? Typically I do not – but I will consider these on a case by case basis. Many factors go into the decision whether to accept a litigation case, including the complexity, merits of the case, and my current caseload.
What about trust administration? Typically yes, I do assist with trust administration cases, for both trustees and trust beneficiaries.
Does your office serve the LGBTQ+ Community? Yes! This office is happy to assist members of the LGBTQ+ community. All persons are welcome here.
Do you assist people in Counties other than Whatcom? Yes. While the majority of our clients are based in Whatcom and Skagit counties, we assist people all over Washington State. You will need to visit a Notary Public where you live to sign your estate planning documents. True North Legal Services can assist you in finding a notary and provide you instructions to ensure your documents are executed correctly.