Meghan DeSpain: Wills, Estate Planning and Administration
in Washington and California
Introduction
I’m Meghan DeSpain, a lawyer based in Seattle, Washington, and licensed in Washington and California, practicing exclusively in the areas of wills, estate planning and post-death administration.
My goal is to help you move through the challenges of planning and experiencing life transitions while preserving your most important asset—your relationship with your loved ones.
Planning for the end of life can be overwhelming or even scary and I aim to help balance your needs and hopes with strategies that minimize future conflict, misunderstanding, and inadvertent tax liability.
If you are facing the loss of a loved one, my first goal is to prioritize what must be done, so that you can focus on the non-legal aspects of this life transition. Then we will collaborate on moving forward to accomplish the many tasks involved in wrapping up an estate.
I am also dedicated to helping families who straddle Washington and California, whether in the form of estate planning with vacation homes, updating estate plans for snowbird migration, or administering assets in both States at the same time.
Approach & Mission: Relationships First
- Creating a legacy that reflects you and your values.
- Preserving relationships through estate planning strategies and compassionate estate administration.
- Specializing in representing Washington and California with assets or interests in both States.
Services
Estate Planning:
- Asset evaluation to determine
best estate planning vehicles - Wills and Trusts
- Health Care Powers of Attorneys
(Health Care Directives) - Financial Powers of Attorney
- Titling assets for smooth transitions
- Estate Tax Planning
Estate and Trust Administration:
- Probate Administration in
Washington and California - Trust administration
- Consultation regarding trust accountings and coordination with Trust CPAs
- Small estate transfers
- Supportive environment during
life transitions
Working with your
California Assets:
- Avoid burdensome probate administration
- Property tax matters
- Addressing out-of-state powers of attorney
- Updating estate plans after moving from/to California
Biography
I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. I migrated to San Diego, California, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of San Diego in 2005. After working for 5 years, I went to law school and obtained my Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2013. Since then, I have practiced law with the excellent legal team at Law Offices of Goria, Weber & Jarvis, a boutique transactional firm in San Diego.
I started my Washington law practice in Seattle after relocating with my family in 2021 and obtaining my Washington License. However, I continue to maintain a physical presence in San Diego via the Law Offices of Goria, Weber & Jarvis.
When I am not serving my valued clients, I enjoy playing and hiking around the area with my husband and son, attending live music events, singing at choir practice, and reading a good book.
Contact Me
I look forward to talking with you.
Contact me for a free, initial 30-minute consultation.
Consultations are available by phone, video and in-person.
meghan@meghandespain.law
760-791-5029