Best Estate planning lawyers in Seattle, WA (2026)

How we ranked: Our editorial team evaluated candidates based on four weighted criteria: practice focus (40%), prioritizing firms dedicated primarily to estate planning and probate work rather than generalists; online reputation signals (30%), including peer recognition, client review patterns, and directory listings; accessibility (20%), assessed through website clarity, stated service offerings, and geographic reach within the Puget Sound region; and breadth of services (10%), favoring practices that appeared to handle estate administration and probate alongside planning. Each firm was scored independently, and our final ranking reflects our editorial judgment of which practices stood out most strongly across these dimensions.

1. Phinney Estate Law

Phinney Estate Law is our top editorial selection for 2026 based on the breadth of services outlined in their public profile. The firm presents as a dedicated estate practice handling not only traditional planning and probate but also trust administration, guardianship, and elder law matters. We were particularly impressed by the scope that appears to extend into immigration and family law intersections, which suggests a practice equipped to handle complex, multi-dimensional estate scenarios. For clients seeking a one-stop resource for estate matters that may touch on guardianship or elder care issues, Phinney Estate Law stood out to us as offering the widest service umbrella among Seattle-area candidates. Their Seattle location and focused positioning made them our first-ranked choice.

2. Law Offices of Ann T. Wilson

The Law Offices of Ann T. Wilson earned our second position primarily for the stated emphasis on estate litigation alongside traditional planning and probate services. Many estate practices focus exclusively on drafting wills and trusts, but when disputes arise or beneficiaries contest documents, litigation capability becomes critical. We selected this firm because the public-facing description highlights representation in estate litigation, suggesting readiness to handle contentious matters. For clients who anticipate potential conflict or want counsel prepared to defend their estate plan in court, this practice stood out to us as particularly well-positioned. The Seattle location and clear articulation of litigation services distinguished this firm in our assessment.

3. Stacey Romberg

Stacey Romberg ranks third on our list for the unique integration of business law and estate planning services. The practice description indicates work in probate law, business law, LLCs, corporations, estate planning, wills, and trusts. Business owners face distinctive estate planning challenges, often needing to coordinate succession planning, business entity structures, and personal wealth transfer. We appreciated that this firm appears to offer guidance across both domains, which could streamline planning for entrepreneurs and corporate stakeholders. For clients who own businesses and need estate planning that accounts for business assets and succession, Stacey Romberg presented to us as an excellent editorial choice. The Seattle base and dual-focus approach informed our ranking decision.

4. CMS Law Firm LLC

CMS Law Firm LLC is our fourth-ranked selection, standing out for its Bellevue location and the clear articulation of services in the available description. The snippet references asset protection, family future planning, and probate support, which aligns well with client priorities. While technically based on the Eastside rather than Seattle proper, the firm's proximity and stated commitment to guiding clients through probate processes made it a strong contender in our editorial assessment. We noted the accessible language in the firm's description, which suggests client-focused communication. For those in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, particularly Eastside residents, CMS Law Firm presented to us as a solid option that balances planning and administration services effectively.

5. Jensen Estate Law

Jensen Estate Law occupies our fifth position based on the dual-office setup in Seattle and Bellevue and the stated scope of serving clients throughout Washington. Geographic accessibility matters for estate planning clients who may need in-person meetings and ongoing trust administration support. The firm's description indicates work in both estate planning and estate administration, which we interpreted as offering continuity from planning through execution. We selected this practice for clients who value having multiple office locations and statewide reach. The dual emphasis on planning and administration, combined with the two-office presence, made Jensen Estate Law stand out in our evaluation. This firm presents as a practical choice for clients across the broader Puget Sound region.

6. Seattle Wills & Trusts

Seattle Wills & Trusts is our sixth editorial pick, distinguished by its name and stated devotion to complete estate planning services ranging from simple wills to more complex revocable living trusts. The focus suggested by the firm's branding and description implies a dedicated estate planning practice rather than a generalist firm. We appreciated the clarity in service tiers, from straightforward wills to sophisticated trust structures, which can help clients quickly assess fit. For those seeking a practice that appears to specialize exclusively in estate planning documents without the distraction of unrelated practice areas, Seattle Wills & Trusts stood out to us as a focused option. The Seattle location and naming convention reinforced our editorial assessment of this firm's niche positioning.

7. Kjersti T. Stroup Attorney at Law PLLC

Kjersti T. Stroup Attorney at Law PLLC ranks seventh on our list, selected for the West Seattle base and the explicit mention of helping individuals, couples, and executors with estate planning and probate needs. The reference to executor support caught our attention, as estate administration often falls to family members unfamiliar with probate processes. We noted that the firm serves the entire Puget Sound area despite its West Seattle location, suggesting flexibility in client geography. For clients in West Seattle or those who value working with a solo practitioner offering personalized attention to both planning and executor guidance, this practice stood out in our assessment. The approachable description and neighborhood presence informed our ranking decision.

8. McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel

McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel earns our eighth position primarily for the notable claim of serving clients for over 70 years. Longevity in a practice area like estate planning suggests institutional knowledge, established processes, and multi-generational client relationships. The firm's description references estate planning, wealth preservation, wills, trusts, probate, and property law. We selected this firm for clients who value working with an established practice that has weathered decades of legal and tax code changes. The Seattle location and long service history made this firm stand out to us as a choice for those prioritizing experience and stability. The breadth of services paired with the longevity claim informed our editorial ranking.

9. Dickson Legal

Dickson Legal is our ninth selection, standing out for the emphasis on decades of experience in developing tailored estate plans and well-drafted legal documents. The description suggests a practice philosophy centered on customization rather than template-driven planning. We appreciated the focus on document quality and individualized planning, which can make the difference between an estate plan that holds up under scrutiny and one that creates problems for heirs. For clients who want assurance that their plan will be carefully crafted to their specific circumstances, Dickson Legal presented to us as a thoughtful editorial choice. The Seattle base and stated experience level were key factors in our ranking decision for this firm.

10. Benjamin Law Group, PLLC

Benjamin Law Group, PLLC rounds out our top ten, selected for the stated provision of legal counseling and representation in all aspects of estate and probate law. The description's reference to both counseling and representation suggests a practice prepared to handle advisory work and formal legal proceedings. We noted the inclusive language of "all aspects," which implies a willingness to take on varied estate and probate matters. For clients seeking a firm that positions itself as full-service within the estate and probate domain, Benjamin Law Group stood out in our evaluation. While less detail was available in the public description compared to some other candidates, the comprehensive positioning and stated scope of services earned this firm our tenth editorial ranking.

FAQ

What should I look for when choosing an estate planning lawyer in Seattle?

When selecting an estate planning attorney, consider the scope of services offered, especially whether the practice handles both planning and probate administration. Look for clear communication about pricing structures, availability for future updates to your plan, and experience with estate types similar to yours, whether that involves business assets, blended families, or special needs planning. Geographic convenience matters if you anticipate needing in-person meetings. Finally, assess whether the lawyer's practice focus aligns with your needs; some clients prefer boutique estate specialists while others value integrated practices that handle related legal matters like business succession or elder law.

How much does estate planning typically cost in Seattle?

Estate planning costs vary widely based on complexity and the attorney's pricing model. Simple wills for individuals or couples might range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, while revocable living trusts and more sophisticated planning involving tax strategies, business succession, or asset protection trusts typically cost several thousand dollars or more. Some attorneys charge flat fees for standard services, while others bill hourly. Geographic location within the Seattle area, firm size, and attorney experience level all influence pricing. Many practices offer initial consultations at no charge or a reduced rate, which can help you understand cost expectations before committing to representation.

Do I need a trust or is a will sufficient for my estate plan?

The choice between a will-based plan and a trust-based plan depends on your assets, family situation, and goals. Wills are generally simpler and less expensive but require probate, which in Washington involves court supervision, public records, and several months of processing. Revocable living trusts avoid probate, offer privacy, and can provide management continuity if you become incapacitated, but cost more upfront and require transferring assets into the trust. Factors favoring trusts include owning real property in multiple states, having a blended family with complex distribution wishes, desiring privacy, or wanting to minimize the burden on your executor. An experienced estate planning attorney can assess your specific circumstances and recommend the most appropriate structure.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Estate planning attorneys generally recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years or after significant life events, whichever comes first. Major life changes that warrant immediate review include marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of children, death of a beneficiary or named executor, substantial changes in asset values, relocation to another state, changes in business ownership, or diagnosis of serious illness. Tax law changes can also necessitate plan updates, though the federal estate tax exemption has been relatively stable in recent years. Even without major changes, periodic review ensures your plan still reflects your wishes and complies with current law. Many Seattle estate planning practices offer review appointments to existing clients at reduced rates or as part of ongoing service packages.

Editorial opinion only. Rankings reflect our independent assessment based on the criteria above, drawn from publicly available information current as of 2026-05-14. No firm paid for placement or editorial review.