August is National Make a Will Month …Stacy Dobson can help

Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 7, 2025

West End residents now have a new local option for legal guidance, as longtime attorney Stacy Dobson brings nearly 30 years of experience to the community.

Dobson recently began offering services in Forks and is welcoming new clients at her meeting location inside Lunsford Real Estate, at 121 Cambell St., as well as by phone or Zoom. Her practice, the Dobson Law Center, focuses on estate and trust administration, probate, and will and estate planning.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with many families over the years,” Dobson said. “Some of my clients have been with me since 1996, and now I’m helping their parents, kids, and extended family members. That kind of trust is the foundation of everything I do.”

Dobson says what sets her apart is not just her legal knowledge, but the relationships she builds. “Clients aren’t just cases—they’re people I genuinely care about. I’m proud to have earned their loyalty over the years, and I’m looking forward to becoming part of the Forks community.”

August – National Make a Will month

Five Myths about Wills by Stacy Dobson

1. Myth: My family knows what I want so I don’t need a will.

Truth: Your family does not have the choice for what happens after your death.

If you die without a will, your estate is subject to Washington’s laws of division. For example, if you are married and pass away, jointly owned property belongs to the survivor. However, your separately owned property will be divided with one half for your spouse and one half for your children, even if they are minors. If you do not have children, but have living parents, it is divided three quarters for your spouse and one quarter for your parents.

2. Myth: I don’t need a will because my spouse has power of attorney.

Truth: Your spouse’s powers under a power of attorney cease upon your death.

Your power of attorney becomes invalid when you pass away.

3. Myth: Only old people need a will.

Truth: Death can befall anyone, even young parents with children.

It can be hard to face your own mortality, but that is not a good reason to put off getting a will. No matter your age, you should have a will, especially if you have children or other dependents. You want to choose who will be guardian for your children, not a Judge.

4. Myth: I can make changes to my will on my own.

Truth: Self-made changes to your will can often make the plan fail.

Changes to a will are valid only if they follow the same legal formalities as the original will, such as being signed in the presence of two disinterested witnesses. You cannot strike out terms and write in new ones, even if the changes you want to make are small. All such changes will either be ignored, or worse, cause litigation.

5. Myth: My blended family makes writing a will too challenging for me.

Truth: Having a blended family with children and step children makes writing a will even more important. If it is complicated for you, imagine what it will be like for them.

Making your wishes clear in a last will can be especially helpful if you have a complex family situation like second or third marriages with stepchildren or strained relationships. By recording your final wishes in a will, you can help avoid litigation and arguments between beneficiaries after your death.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit dobsonlawcenter.com or email stacy@dobsonlawcenter.com or call (708) 444-4987.