Estate Planning Lawyer Washington, D.C.

Protect Your Family With A Thoughtful Plan

Planning for the future can feel uncomfortable, especially when you are busy caring for family, managing a career, or handling major life changes. Whether you want to create an estate plan or you are facing the responsibility of handling a loved one’s estate in Washington, D.C., you do not have to figure it out alone. At Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, we help you understand your options so you can make clear, confident decisions.

Call (443) 300-9208 to schedule a consultation with our estate planning lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Why Families Choose Our Estate Team

Choosing someone to help with your estate planning is a personal decision. You want a legal team that understands both the technical side of the law and the emotional side of caring for your family. Our attorneys bring years of work in divorce, child custody, guardianship, and estate matters, which allows us to anticipate issues that others might miss. This perspective is especially valuable for blended families, parents of minor children, and those who have gone through separation or remarriage.

Clients come to us because we listen first. We ask about your goals, your concerns, and the people you want to protect. Then we work with you to build a plan that reflects those priorities. Our commitment to transparency means we explain your options in clear language, outline the pros and cons, and help you choose an approach that fits your life. We strive to give you the information you need, not pressure you into a particular choice.

Estate Planning For Real Life In D.C.

Core Documents & Key Decisions

A strong estate plan is more than a will. It is a set of coordinated documents that work together to protect your wishes during your lifetime and after you are gone. For many people in the District of Columbia, this includes planning for minor children, aging parents, or a second marriage, as well as making sure someone you trust can make decisions if you become unable to do so yourself.

We help you consider core documents such as a last will and testament, financial power of attorney, and advance medical directive. Each of these serves a different purpose. Your will can state who receives your property and who you would like to serve as guardian for minor children. A financial power of attorney allows a person you choose to handle financial matters if you cannot. An advance directive sets out your wishes for medical care and names someone to speak with doctors on your behalf.

Planning Under D.C. Law

District of Columbia law has specific requirements for how wills and other documents must be signed and witnessed. Our role is to help you prepare documents that comply with these rules and that accurately reflect your intentions. We also talk with you about how your assets pass outside of a will, such as through beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance, so that your complete plan is coordinated.

Many of our clients are dealing with complex family structures. They may have children from a prior relationship, a spouse with separate property, or relatives they want to treat differently for good reasons. We work with you to address these situations thoughtfully. Our goal is to reduce the chance of confusion or conflict later by putting clear, legally sound instructions in place today. If you need guidance from an estate lawyer who will take the time to understand your real-life circumstances, we are prepared to help you create a plan that fits.

Guidance For Probate & Estate Administration

Understanding Probate In Washington, D.C.

When a loved one dies, the legal tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. In Washington, D.C., many estates are handled through the Probate Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Depending on the size of the estate and whether there is a valid will, the court may oversee the appointment of a personal representative, collection of assets, payment of debts, and distribution to heirs or beneficiaries.

Serving as a personal representative carries significant responsibility. You may need to locate and safeguard property, notify interested parties, work with creditors, and file required documents with the court. The timelines and forms can be confusing, especially if you are also grieving. Our attorneys guide clients through each stage of this process. We explain what the court generally expects, what information you will need to gather, and how decisions are typically made.

Support When Disputes Arise

Sometimes everyone agrees and the process is straightforward. Other times, disagreements arise about the validity of a will, the meaning of its terms, or how the personal representative is handling the estate. Our firm has experience with estate litigation, including will contests and disputes over the administration of estates. While we cannot promise a particular outcome, we work to resolve conflicts in ways that protect your rights and, when possible, preserve important relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need an estate plan in D.C.?

Most adults benefit from an estate plan, even if they do not consider themselves wealthy. Without documents, D.C. intestacy laws and court processes determine who manages your estate and who receives property. A tailored plan gives you more control and can make things easier for your family.

Is a will enough for my family situation?

A will is important, but it may not address every need. Many families also need powers of attorney and advance directives, and some may consider additional planning for minor children or complex assets. We discuss your specific circumstances and recommend a combination of documents that fits your goals.

How does divorce or remarriage affect my estate plan?

Major life changes often mean your existing plan no longer reflects your wishes. Divorce, a new marriage, or a new child can affect who should inherit property and who should make decisions for you. Our background in family law helps us review and update your estate plan to align with your current reality.

What should I expect from the D.C. probate process?

Probate in Washington, DC typically involves filing documents with the DC Superior Court Probate Division, notifying interested parties, gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains. The timeline depends on the complexity of the estate and any disputes. We guide personal representatives through each step and explain what to expect.

Talk With Our Estate Planning Team in D.C.

Taking the first step toward an estate plan or resolving an estate after a loss can feel heavy, but you do not have to do it alone. At Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, we help people in Washington, D.C. create practical, thoughtful plans and navigate the realities of probate with steady guidance. With more than 30 years of combined experience, a foundation in both family law and estate work, and a commitment to personal attention, we work to make complex legal issues feel manageable. 

Call (443) 300-9208 to schedule a consultation with our estate planning team in Washington, D.C.