Lori Rath  Of Counsel

Education

• Bachelor of Arts with Honors (Theology & Ethics), 1993, University of Iowa
• Post-graduate study, Centre for the Study of Literature & Religion, 1993-94, Glasgow University, Scotland
• Juris Doctor (Law), 1999, University of Washington

Representative Cases

Lori represents estate planning clients whose assets are diverse in both size and type.  Throughout the estate planning process Lori identifies and addresses tax planning issues and opportunities, a particularly important skill in light of the ever-changing nature of the federal estate tax.  Lori also works closely with clients to consider the uniqueness of individual assets and specific planning that might be advantageous or desired for them.  For example, Lori works with clients whose estates include assets such as oil and mineral rights, real property located in other states, foreign assets, vacation homes, royalties, professional practices, closely held businesses, and high-value artwork and collectibles.

Many of Lori’s estate planning clients have “blended families,” a scenario that often raises particularly complex and difficult questions as clients seek to ensure that their current spouse or partner as well as children from a prior relationship are adequately provided for.  Lori is skilled at guiding clients through this decision making process so that a suitable plan is established to address sometimes competing interests.

Lori often works with parents of young children, including children with disabilities, to develop an estate plan that contains appropriate support, safeguards, and instructions for the children’s care, consistent with the parents’ resources and values, in the event that neither parent is living.

Estate planning is particularly important for single, unmarried, and gay and lesbian clients who do not have the same default legal protections that Washington law provides to married couples.  Lori frequently works with such clients to craft estate plans that ensure that their wishes are honored and that minimize the possibility of a dispute among family members after the client’s death.

Lori enjoys and is experienced in working with clients who wish to make charitable giving a part of their estate plans, for estate tax planning purposes as well as for many other reasons and motivations.  Lori routinely works closely with nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to confirm that her clients’ goals and plans, such as creating a particular scholarship fund, are structured and communicated in the most effective manner.

With excellent support from the paralegal team at Lasher, Lori handles a variety of probate cases, from relatively simple proceedings to more complex cases.  For example, Lori handles estates involving complex debt and insolvency issues, disputes regarding the ownership of real property, the sale or donation of valuable artwork and other collections, and serious conflict among family members.

Lori has represented a number of clients in the negotiation process relating to prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and domestic partnership agreements.  Throughout these proceedings, which are often especially challenging due to the complex emotional and practical matters that arise, Lori has successfully protected her clients’ interests while ensuring that fair and durable agreements are reached.

Bar Admissions

• Washington State Bar Association (1999 to present)

Publications

• "Law for All" Column, published in Madrona News periodically
• "Estate Planning for Seniors," included as chapter in Legal Voice’s Legal Handbook for Seniors, forthcoming
• "Withholding resuscitation for 'compelling reasons' – King County’s groundbreaking approach," published in King County Bar News Bulletin, July 2005

Professional & Civic

• Selected as a “Rising Star” by Washington Law & Politics, 2009-11
• WSBA Real Property Probate & Trust Section and Taxation Section, Member
• Estate Planning Council of Seattle, Member
• Washington Women in Tax, Member
• Seattle Audubon Society, Legal Advisor, 2009 - present
• People’s Memorial Association & Funeral Co-op, Board Member, 2009 - present
• Casa Latina, Board Member, 2002 – 2009
• Recipient of Washington State Bar Association Community Service Award, 2008

Presentations

• Estate Planning: Fundamentals, Forms and Ethics, a WSBA Continuing Legal Education seminar; Co-Chair and Speaker, August 2011
• Understanding Washington’s New Domestic Partnership Act: Presentation at EdwardJones Seminar, Seattle, February 2010
• Successful Management of a Small Firm Estate Planning Practice: Presentation at Annual Estate Planning Seminar, Seattle, October 2007 & October 2009
• Ethics and Estate Planning, Presentation at National Business Institute Seminar, Seattle, May 2008 & December 2008