Estate Planning Lawyer Serving King County

An empathetic approach to estate planning serving clients from King County, Seattle, and surrounding areas

Guiding you and your loved ones in estate planning with a special focus on those who received a life changing diagnosis, solo practitioner Maria T. Greene (formerly Maria Therese Fujiye) selects limited few cases at a time to fully commit her partnership with her clients. She is interested in her clients’ voices and is motivated to create estate planning solutions by understanding how she can effectively support their needs and concerns.

Free phone consultation 206-250-3997

Attorney Maria T. Greene (Fujiye)

Prior to a legal career, Greene (Fujiye)’s award-winning involvement with psycho-oncology research shaped her approach in the practice of law. In 2012, she also suffered a life changing diagnosis and still struggled with the aftermath years later. With her research and legal background, together with her commitment to those impacted by a life changing medical condition, she brings skill at navigating underlying issues to add insight and elevate the level of service that she provides to your estate planning process.

In the Press.

Articles that Maria T. Greene (Fujiye) has authored, contributed to, or been acknowledged in.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, so preparing in advance is important. When a person does not have capacity, it can be too late to create a will. When an elderly person has cognitive issues and is thus unable to manage their affairs, it can be too late. When preplanning matters are delayed, this can have consequences during the end-of-life stages and at death.

  • Estate planning is an ongoing process as family structures grow and change, so it is important to regularly revisit your estate plan to ensure that your documents still align with your wishes. Life events that may trigger a need to update documents include, but are not limited to, terminal illness or life changing diagnosis, new children, change to marital status, upcoming retirement, death or incapacity or named beneficiary or named agent, substantial change to value of assets, and the simple passage of time.

  • Washington state intestate succession laws will dictate who will inherit, and consequently, your assets might not be distributed according to your wishes if you pass away without a will. Under Washington state intestacy law, distribution can depend on on your marital status, children, parents, and siblings. See generally RCW 11.04.015.

  • As of 2023, the Washington estate tax exemption is $2.193 million per person.

  • In basic terms, probate is the process of administering an estate after death. In Washington, the probate process is usually straightforward and can have benefits in dealing with creditors of the estate.

  • Every situation is unique. After our initial free consultation, I can offer an estimate for how long it may take to complete your estate planning project.

  • I offer an initial consultation at no cost to you, and most of my estate planning services are flat fee. I also offer a sliding scale for those with moderate-income, as well as unbundled legal services. To confirm pricing, please contact our office.

  • Whether you are young and single, an unmarried couple, wealthy or not wealthy, with or without children, you can likely benefit from an estate plan. An estate plan can help give you peace of mind to ensure that your family members and loved ones are provided for in the way you want. It can also make sure that your assets are protected and your wishes are properly communicated through legally valid written documentation.

  • Yes, you could mostly likely still benefit. Without an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to Washington intestacy laws. Also, estate planning can help make arrangements in the event of incapacity, as you can designate someone to make medical and financial decisions if you are unable to do so yourself.

  • A will is a document that allows you to communicate your wishes in terms of how you want your estate distributed once you have passed on. Normally, a will includes the designation of a Personal Representative, beneficiaries, as well as guardians for minor children.

  • A will is an important, impactful written document that provides instruction for the distribution of your estate at death. Without a will, your estate will be distributed under Washington intestate law. For more information about this, click here.

  • The term “Living Will” is an older term that gave rise to confusion, so in 1979, the legislature adopted the new title of “Directive to Physicians”. RCW 70.122.030. And again in 1992, it was amended and retitled to “Health Care Directive” to describe a directive no only to physicians, but to all other health care providers. Id.

  • In very simple terms, a trust is a legal document where the Grantor gives the Trustee essentially the right to hold property for the benefit of the beneficiary.

  • There are many different kinds of trusts and some situations may not need one. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to determine a plan that best fits your unique circumstances.

Estate planning is a way of managing lifetime disagreements.

It is not just for the wealthy as it can significantly impact those with moderate means. As the daughter of a Filipino immigrant, Greene (Fujiye) is sensitive to the integral components of family dynamics and culture as she customizes a plan that resonates with her clients.

Lower Cost Estate Planning Options.

A sliding scale for moderate-income clients is available, as well as unbundled legal services and flat fees. Documents we offer include:

COVID-19 Safety

Due to the impact and concerns of the COVID-19 virus, protecting the safety of our clients continues to remains our priority as we encourage remote meetings via phone or virtual conference. Please contact our office to discuss the best meeting option for you.

“If you take control of those things you can, you are better able to negotiate the unexpected.”

– Judy Sheindlin

Get in Touch

Phone: 206-250-3997

1275 12th Ave. NW
Suite 10
Issaquah, WA 98027