Madeline Gauthier is a graduate of Gonzaga University Law School and the University of Florida's Graduate Tax Program. She is formerly an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington. Her private practice opened in Bellevue, WA in 1992, where she has specialized in estate planning, probate and the tax complications of both of those areas. Memberships include the East King County Estate Planning Council (formerly a board member), the East King County Bar Association (previously a board member), the King County Bar Association, and the East King County Bar Probate, and Estate Section (currently chair). Planning for the Ones You Love!Our primary goal is to provide you with tailored documents, so that at your passing or if you are disabled, the people and causes you love are cared for the way you would do it yourself. Certain people need special attention: disabled heirs, foreign spouses, and elders with medical needs, just to name a few. As part of that goal, we aim to minimize estate taxes, and preserve assets from catastrophic health care costs. A lifetime plan during your lifetime, with Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives and Medical Release Authorization, gives you: The ability to maintain independence and control over personal and health care decisions as well as over financial decisions Ensures your assets are protected from long term care costs Names the person who you trust to take control when you can't manage any longer An estate plan, with either a Last Will or Living Trust, gives you: The opportunity to make your wishes known Tells the Court who should carry out your wishes Makes special plans for those who need extra attention Minimizes the tax consequences of your death We offer these planning services in addition to Wills, Living Trusts and Powers of Attorney: Will Contests and ControversyFrom time to time, the Will or Trust isn't clear, or controversy develops over a Will because of other reasons. Either the Will needs to be defended by the Personal Representative, or an heir feels that the Will is not valid, and they challenge the Will. Over the years, we have helped on both sides of these unfortunate situations. As much as possible, we encourage families to settle their differences amicably, because that is what the Decedent would have preferred. When that can't be done, we provide litigation services. Washington State Courts handle these controversies through the Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act, known as TEDRA. There are strict timelines, and mandatory Court appearances, and usually Mediation is required before trial can be allowed. An attorney must be sought immediately, since the case must be opened within four months.