Laura C. Cunningham
Andrew W. Heinz
Karolyn A. Hicks
Scott A.W. Johnson
Douglas C. Lawrence
N. Elizabeth McCaw
RoseMary Reed
Morris (Morrie) Shore
George Velikanje
Paralegals
Jean A. Bolender
Phyllis J. Waters
Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Litigation, & Not-for-Profit Practices
The Stokes Lawrence estate planning practice emphasizes the development of estate and wealth management plans for individuals, couples and families. Working on a highly personalized basis, the firm's professionals develop plans that accommodate both tax objectives and the desired disposition of assets. We also assist non-profit organizations and private foundations with a broad array of issues, from formation, grant making and operation to compliance and board structure.
In meeting the client's goals, we help evaluate the estate planning options that may best suit their needs and tailor the appropriate vehicle to their circumstances. We have extensive experience in various planning techniques, including complex wills and trusts designed to minimize the impact of the federal gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes. Our approach is highly collaborative, educational and structured.
Collaborative
We begin the process by getting acquainted and posing basic questions to determine the scope of the planning. Our discussion may touch on issues such as the sale of a business, charitable giving, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, or long term care. Whatever the topics may be, together we prioritize, strategize and visualize a plan.
Educational
Our skill is in matching the appropriate vehicle to the client's objectives. For each planning technique we offer an explanation of benefits and drawbacks. We compare and contrast the options so there is a clear understanding of the intended outcome. The planning process also serves as a tool for educating younger generations about financial responsibility and philanthropy.
Structured
Starting with a will or a trust as a foundation, we build upon the instrument to address both personal and business objectives. For instance, many of our clients are involved in closely-held or publicly-controlled businesses. For these clients, we often assist in the implementation or modification of business plans. This may include the evaluation or execution of buy-sell agreements, limited liability companies, the restructuring of partnership agreements, or the establishment of business entities. We also design our clients' plans to coordinate with existing or planned employee benefit programs, including stock option plans and qualified retirement plans.
Our estate planning group includes fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; lawyers actively involved in the drafting and passage of trust and estate related legislation, including the Trust Act of 1984; and frequent authors, lecturers and adjunct professors on probate and trust matters and on litigation involving trusts and estates.
Trust and Estate Litigation
We represent individual and charitable beneficiaries, personal representatives, individual and institutional trustees, and other fiduciaries in disputes arising from wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney and other estate-related matters. Our experienced litigators have handled will contests, claims against fiduciaries, claims against estates, tax claims, suits involving trust interpretation and other complex cases involving trusts and estates. Our firm is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable firms handling matters arising under Washington's Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act. In any trust or estate litigation matter, we work closely with tax and estate planning attorneys to provide creative, cost-effective, and practical solutions for our clients. We also routinely serve as mediators or arbitrators in trust-related disputes. In our planning efforts, we assist clients in examining their estate structures, policies and procedures to prevent future litigation as well.
Not-for-Profit
The Stokes Lawrence nonprofit and exempt organization practice advises multi-million dollar family and private foundations, human service and arts organizations, environmental organizations and large educational institutions. Our attorneys assist tax-exempt organizations and foundations with incorporation, application to the Internal Revenue Service for recognition of tax exempt status, board structuring and education, tax exempt status compliance, fund raising, strategic planning and dispute resolution.
In working with our clients, we seek to provide top quality legal advice to all nonprofit organizations, regardless of their budget size. To minimize legal fees, we use an approach that is highly collaborative and educates organizational leaders about the law and compliance requirements.