Estate planning isn't just about protecting your assets. It's about protecting you while you're alive and need help, it's about protecting your family, it's about avoiding unnecessary estate taxes, and it's about ensuring your legacy lives on long after you are gone. Losing a loved one is tough as it is, but having to navigate the court system makes it even tougher.
Washington State probate is relatively easy to navigate, if you know what you are doing. The first step is finding out if you even need probate. The duties of a trustee are often more onerous and time consuming than a family member wants to handle (or there are no family members qualified for the job).
Washington State probate is relatively easy to navigate, if you know what you are doing. The first step is finding out if you even need probate. The duties of a trustee are often more onerous and time consuming than a family member wants to handle (or there are no family members qualified for the job).
Services
This is a sampling of our latest estate planning and probate work. We believe that the most important aspect of our jobs is ensuring our client's goals are met. We are proud of our work and happy to showcase it here. Estate Planning Client Profile #165 | Married Couple in Sixties | Four Adult Children | Business Owners.
Reviews (23)
Ron Rohde
Dec 06, 2021
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Lisa Pasin
Dec 04, 2021
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What seemed like a daunting task was made simple by Chris. He is very knowledgeable and generous with his time as he helped us navigate the estate planning process. He and his team were quick to respond to questions via email. They also made it so simple to set up quick calls to answer more in-depth questions. The whole process was streamlined, professional and efficient. We highly recommend the CMS team!
Bryce F.
Nov 30, 2021
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Guy Paduano
Nov 15, 2021
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Raymond Wood
Nov 13, 2021
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The staff at CMS Law Firm worked closely with me to customize my updated estate planning documents. My case presented a tight schedule challenge triggered by an unexpected untimely loss of a prior estate planning professional. Chris Small exhibited a great can-do attitude and within the initial consultation he indicated an intention to commit to the task. The cost quoted in advance was reasonable and was sustained for the completed job.
It is apparent that this firm applies a realistic level of automation to efficiently manage its caseload throughout the lifecycle of its relation with a client
It is apparent that this firm applies a realistic level of automation to efficiently manage its caseload throughout the lifecycle of its relation with a client
Christian
Sep 14, 2021
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Jj Cadiz
Jul 21, 2021
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Sophia L.
Jun 11, 2021
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It's easy to find a lawyer. It's hard to find a lawyer who's so good at operations that it makes putting the final documents together for signing look effortless.
I've worked with my fair share of lawyers and they are usually disorganized, slow to respond, and nickel and dime you for every word you want changed. I never got that sense with Chris and Sandra, who quickly updated our existing documents, created a trust in a few short weeks, and didn't mind when we rescheduled upteenth times to do the final signings.
Super grateful that my daughter will be taken care of
I've worked with my fair share of lawyers and they are usually disorganized, slow to respond, and nickel and dime you for every word you want changed. I never got that sense with Chris and Sandra, who quickly updated our existing documents, created a trust in a few short weeks, and didn't mind when we rescheduled upteenth times to do the final signings.
Super grateful that my daughter will be taken care of
Amelia Sargent
Mar 29, 2021
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I met Christopher back in 2017 after my father passed away. Chris was very understanding and patient with my brother and I as he answered (what I felt like) were hundreds of questions. Our probate process wasn't straight forward as my brother and I didn't have access to my fathers will. Cristopher brain stormed many different options for us and he worked long and hard on our case. We were extremely happy we had Chris as our lawyer and after our probate was finished, I used Chris to write my will. It was important to me that my child wouldn't have to go through the probate process like my brother
Marc Allan
Feb 11, 2021
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Chris and his team were very helpful with our estate planning. Its a conversation nobody wants to have, but Chris made it painless and we feel very good about our affairs should the worst ever happen. Chris and his team were all very communicative and helpful throughout the entire process. We are happy to recommend CMS to friends and family.
Ling B.
Jan 17, 2021
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CMS provided excellent service. Christopher and Sandra solved our needs quickly and efficiently. They were very patient when we had questions or wanted a few tweaks. They were able to do everything except the signing online. This was way less work for us and our preference (COVID or not). CMS can also notarize so we went to their office for the final signing and notarization without having to find a separate notary. Highly recommend!
Kennedy T.
Jan 13, 2021
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Kimberly F.
Dec 04, 2020
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Estate planning was an important step for my husband and I to take and we wanted to make sure to do it right. Christopher was so great to work with! He made everything simple, understandable, and stress-free. We are so glad we were referred to him and will definitely pass his name on. He's honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable but not at all pushy. We're looking forward to continue working with him in the future.
A. A.
Jun 28, 2018
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Chris and Hannah are excellent team. They patiently guided us throughout the process of forming our trust and handling other affairs.
It can be an intimidating process, but Chris' ability to simplify this complex process helped us make informed decisions with confidence.
I'd highly recommend Chris and his team.
It can be an intimidating process, but Chris' ability to simplify this complex process helped us make informed decisions with confidence.
I'd highly recommend Chris and his team.
Jason Richert
Aug 01, 2017
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Chris was prompt and on point with my questions. He was quick to respond, broke down the information I needed into easy, understandable topics and gave me direction for next steps that were straight forward. In an environment and field that doesn't often lend itself to helpful people or simple solutions, Chris is a breath of fresh air.
Chelsea M.
May 15, 2017
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Andrew Norman
Feb 22, 2017
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David K.
Sep 16, 2015
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Mommy R.
Oct 29, 2013
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Erika & Audrey came through again!
I had an additional ticket to deal with (when it rains it pours)!
Different jurisdiction, but again, Erika did her magic and took care of my ticket
which was dismissed.
I have dealt with all types of attorneys in the past, but honestly, Erika has been the best to deal with, just straight up, no surprises.
Thanks Erika! I hope I don't have to use your services anymore, but if I do, I know where to go....God Bless !
I had an additional ticket to deal with (when it rains it pours)!
Different jurisdiction, but again, Erika did her magic and took care of my ticket
which was dismissed.
I have dealt with all types of attorneys in the past, but honestly, Erika has been the best to deal with, just straight up, no surprises.
Thanks Erika! I hope I don't have to use your services anymore, but if I do, I know where to go....God Bless !
Scott S.
Jun 18, 2013
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Michael M.
Dec 02, 2012
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I have enlisted the services of CMS Law Firm more times than I care to admit. Kate is fast, professional, friendly, and keeps me informed every step of the way. Chris is truly the Ticket King! They are the best, and I would tell anyone who is looking for help with traffic violations that they need look no further. My favorite emails ever are the ones from Kate that begin, "I have great news..."
Barbara M.
Aug 10, 2012
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Bao L.
Jun 28, 2012
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I got a speeding ticket a few months ago driving back from Vancouver B.C. I heard about CMS through a friend (CMS saved him from two tickets). I hired them and went back to my life. A few months past and I got an email today that my ticket was dismissed. Way to go CMS Law Firm! Ease of mind, no court for me, and no insurance premium hike. What more can you ask for?
