Law Offices of P. Stephen Aita, PLLC

Law Offices of P. Stephen Aita, PLLC We are a law firm in Gig Harbor, Washington. We practice primarily in the areas of estate planning a

10/29/2025

In Washington, your estate plan can be written to treat your stepchildren the same as your biological or adopted children — but it won’t happen automatically. Under state law, stepchildren are not legal heirs unless you specifically include them in your Will or Trust. If you want your stepchildren to inherit equally, your estate planning documents should clearly define all your children — biological, adopted, and step — as “children” or “descendants” for inheritance purposes. This approach not only ensures that your blended family is treated fairly but also prevents confusion, disappointment, and potential disputes after you’re gone. A carefully drafted Will or Living Trust can make sure everyone you consider family is protected and provided for.

If you have questions about creating an estate plan or updating an existing one, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Family disputes are unfortunately common in probate matters, especially when a loved one’s Will or estate plan is unclea...
10/27/2025

Family disputes are unfortunately common in probate matters, especially when a loved one’s Will or estate plan is unclear, outdated, or perceived as unfair. Disagreements often arise over the validity of the Will, the actions of the Personal Representative, or how property and sentimental items are distributed. Washington law provides procedures for resolving these disputes, but litigation can be costly and emotionally draining. An experienced lawyer can help guide families through these conflicts, seek negotiated resolutions, and, when necessary, advocate in court to protect your rights and ensure the decedent’s true intentions are honored.

If you have probate or estate questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

10/15/2025

Starting a nonprofit organization is a rewarding way to make a difference, but the process involves more than just filing a few forms. From drafting articles of incorporation and bylaws to obtaining tax-exempt status with the IRS and Washington Department of Revenue, there are many legal steps that must be completed correctly to protect your mission and avoid costly mistakes. Hiring a lawyer experienced in nonprofit formation ensures that your organization complies with state and federal laws, is properly structured to receive donations, and has clear governance policies from the start. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you focus on your purpose — serving your community — while handling the legal and administrative details that make your nonprofit strong and sustainable.

If you are looking to start up a nonprofit organization and need legal help, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today.

10/13/2025

Families who own farmland, timberland, or commercial fishing quotas face unique estate planning challenges that go far beyond a simple transfer of assets. These properties and rights are often the foundation of a family’s livelihood and legacy — but they can also trigger complex tax issues, valuation disputes, and eligibility problems for heirs who don’t work in the business. A well-drafted estate plan can help preserve these assets for future generations by using tools like family limited partnerships, conservation easements, or special use valuations under federal estate tax law. Whether your family’s wealth is rooted in soil, timber, or the sea, thoughtful planning ensures that the next generation can continue the work — and the legacy — you’ve built.

If you have questions about Wills, Trusts, or any other aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via Zoom video conference.

10/10/2025

Many people hear “probate” and think of a long, expensive court battle, but in Washington, the probate process is often much simpler than they expect. Washington’s probate system is relatively streamlined and flexible, allowing for “nonintervention” administration in most cases, which lets the Personal Representative handle the estate with minimal court oversight. For families dealing with a loved one’s estate, understanding how probate works — and how a lawyer can help navigate it efficiently — can make the process smoother and less stressful.

If you’ve been named Personal Representative of a loved one’s estate and have questions about the probate process, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

10/07/2025

Most people think of estate planning as a purely legal or financial exercise — but it can also be one of the most creative projects you’ll ever do. Crafting your estate plan lets you design the future you want to see: how your home, art, music, writing, or family traditions will live on, and what kind of impact you’ll leave behind. You can shape charitable gifts, create scholarships, preserve a vacation cabin, or even set up a family foundation — all reflections of your imagination and values. A well-crafted estate plan is more than a set of documents; it’s a masterpiece of your life’s work and vision.

If you have estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can help. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

10/06/2025

When your spouse is seriously injured in an auto collision, the impact extends far beyond their physical pain — it can also profoundly affect your relationship and daily life together. In Washington, a “loss of consortium” claim allows the uninjured spouse to seek compensation for the loss of love, companionship, affection, comfort, and support resulting from the injury. These damages recognize that a severe injury changes not just one life, but two. If your spouse’s injuries have disrupted your marriage or family life, an experienced lawyer can help you understand whether a loss of consortium claim should be part of your case and ensure that the full impact of the injury on your family is addressed.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto collision and need legal representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

10/03/2025

For blended families, one of the most important estate planning tools is a "divisible" Trust, which allows a couple’s assets to be split into separate shares upon the death of the first spouse to die. This structure ensures that the deceased spouse’s portion is preserved for their children from a previous relationship, while also providing for the surviving spouse during their lifetime. Without a divisible Trust, there is a real risk that the surviving spouse could unintentionally — or intentionally — redirect all of the assets to their own heirs, leaving the first spouse’s children with nothing. By creating a "divisible" Trust, blended families can balance fairness, protect everyone’s interests, and reduce the potential for family conflict down the road.

If you’re part of a blended family and have questions about using Trusts as part of your estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

10/01/2025

If you are an artist, author, musician, or songwriter, your creative works are some of your most valuable assets — and they don’t disappear when you pass away. Copyrights, royalties, publishing rights, and intellectual property rights can generate income for years, but only if they are properly addressed in your estate plan. Without clear instructions, your heirs could face confusion, disputes, or even lose out on revenue streams you worked hard to build. An experienced lawyer can help you ensure your creative legacy is preserved, your beneficiaries receive the rights and income you intend, and your art continues to inspire future generations.

If you have estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

09/29/2025

If you’re taking over an existing commercial lease or negotiating an attornment agreement with a landlord or lender, hiring a lawyer can protect you from costly surprises. A lease assignment transfers all of the original tenant’s rights and obligations to you, while an attornment agreement ensures you’ll recognize a new landlord — such as a lender after a foreclosure — as the property owner. Both documents often contain complex clauses about rent, maintenance responsibilities, defaults, and termination rights that can create hidden liabilities if overlooked. An experienced lawyer will review the lease terms, negotiate favorable conditions, and confirm compliance with local laws, giving you the confidence that your business’s occupancy is secure no matter what changes occur behind the scenes.

If you have questions about lease assignments or attornment agreements, give us a call at 263.858.5434 to find out how we can be of service.

09/26/2025

Professionals such as doctors, dentists, psychologists, and other healthcare providers face unique challenges when creating an estate plan because their practices hold patient records protected by HIPAA. Without proper planning, your successor or Personal Representative could face legal roadblocks in accessing or transferring these records, potentially disrupting patient care and exposing your estate to liability. A well-crafted estate plan can designate a HIPAA-compliant Personal Representative, outline clear procedures for the secure transfer or storage of records, and ensure that your practice can be sold or wound down in accordance with federal privacy rules. By addressing these issues in advance, you safeguard your patients’ confidentiality, protect your professional legacy, and give your loved ones a clear roadmap for handling your practice when you are no longer able to manage it yourself.

If you’re a doctor, dentists, psychologist, or other licensed professional whose practices include records includes records governed by HIPAA and want to learn more about how estate planning laws and federal privacy laws can work together, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

09/24/2025

Including charitable giving in your estate plan allows you to leave a lasting legacy while also providing meaningful tax advantages for your estate and heirs. By designating gifts to nonprofits or establishing a charitable Trust, you can support causes you care about long after your lifetime, ensuring your values continue to make a difference. Charitable bequests may reduce estate taxes and can be tailored to fit your overall plan, whether you wish to donate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset. Thoughtful planning with your lawyer and financial advisor can help you maximize these benefits, creating a positive impact for both your loved ones and the community you cherish.

If you have questions about including charitable gifts in your estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can help. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

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3010 Harborview Drive, Suite 301
Gig Harbor, WA
98335

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Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

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