Estate planning counsel · Fircrest, Washington
Estate planning that protects what you've built.
Estate planning and tax strategy for individuals and families with complex estates — explained in plain language, executed with care.
The Guidebook™ approach
In Bob's words: the Guidebook™ approach
When I am not on the radio, I am helping people with their estate planning. You need to do the responsible thing when it comes to your estate planning. It may be as simple as putting together a will, a power of attorney, a living will, and my favorite, your What About Me instructions. Estate planning sometimes involves a trust, maybe a family company, and should include the establishment of your very own Guidebook™ through the Guidebook Planning process™.
Think about putting all of your estate planning documents into an easy to handle, easy to read Guidebook™ format. All of the instructions about what you or your back-up crew need to know and do when things happen can be at your fingertips in your own Guidebook™.
If you are thinking of getting your estate planning done — take a moment to think about your concerns. What are you really concerned about? Put a piece of paper in your pocket and write down your concerns as you think of them during the next week. You may surprise yourself. If you have a spouse or partner, you may surprise each other. Who knows, you may learn something new about each other!
Don't confuse estate planning with tax planning. And estate planning is much more than death planning. Real life requires tailored solutions to your particular circumstances. We take the time to understand you, your family, and your concerns.
Think about what you would want done for you and your loved ones if you were incapacitated on a long-term basis. What if you couldn't speak for yourself — what would you want done? You may want to stay home as long as possible. You may want to be driven around the golf course once a week. You may want someone to read the newspaper to you if you can't read it for yourself. Why haven't you written your What About Me instructions?
Think about what should happen when you die. What is important to you? If you have minor children, you should not only name a guardian and a trustee for their funds, but you should also write a letter to the guardians. What would you want the guardians to know about your children and your dreams for them?
You may be concerned about asset protection. Why should you expose all of your assets to one accident or mistake? And why don't we protect our heirs from bad things, like lawsuits and divorces? By leaving assets in trust, you can help protect your heirs from needlessly losing their inheritance.
Finally, imagine putting all of the necessary instructions about you and your family into a Guidebook™. When disaster strikes, you and your loved ones are able to turn to your Guidebook™ for the answers. We invite you to explore your estate planning options with us. Let us help you write your story — your Guidebook™.
"Real life requires tailored solutions to your particular circumstances. We take the time to understand you, your family, and your concerns."
How I help
Three ways the practice serves your estate
Prepare
A checklist for your first meeting
Carry a piece of paper for a week
Write down your concerns about your estate as you think of them. What are you really worried about? You may surprise yourself — and if you have a spouse or partner, you may surprise each other.
Write your What About Me instructions
If you were incapacitated and couldn't speak for yourself, what would you want done? Where you'd want to live, who should care for you, what would make the days good.
Name guardians — and write them a letter
If you have minor children, name a guardian and a trustee for their funds, then write the guardians a letter about your children and your dreams for them.
Think about asset protection
Own a rental house or work in a risky occupation? An LLC or other mechanisms can keep one accident or mistake from exposing everything you own.
Fill out the estate planning questionnaire
Do the best you can to complete the questionnaire before we meet — it covers everything you own and everyone you love. Call the office with questions: (253) 471-9779.
Know the difference
Estate planning is not tax planning, and it is much more than death planning. Come ready to talk about your life, not just your documents.
Estates of every size
From first homes to multi-entity holdings, Bob will prepare a custom plan made specifically for your needs.
Plain language, always
You will understand every document you sign. No legalese required.
Sole practitioner
Bob is the sole attorney and will walk you step-by-step through the planning process.
About the firm
Robert C. Pittman, Attorney at Law
Robert Pittman practices estate planning the way it should be practiced: carefully, personally, and in language clients can actually use. He works with individuals and families across the Tacoma area whose situations don't fit a form — blended families, business owners, significant assets, and the tax questions that come with them.
Before anything is drafted, he makes sure you understand your options and their trade-offs. Clients leave with a plan they can explain to their own families.
Begin the conversation
Your estate took a lifetime to build. The plan takes a conversation.
A consultation is a straightforward, no-pressure discussion of your situation — what you own, what worries you, and what the sensible next steps look like. You'll leave with clarity either way.