Top Estate Lawyers in Seattle | 10 available

Sheila Ridgway has extensive experience in the litigation of trust, probate and guardianship matters. For more than 20 years, Ms. Ridgway has lead clients through complex challenges in the care of elderly family members and their estates.. Ms. Ridgway is a recognized leader in the state of Washington in the practice area, serving on a special committee to guide legislators in updating TEDRA, Washington's law governing trust and estate dispute resolution. Ms. Ridgway frequently participates in educational programs for lawyers practicing in the field.

My practice is limited to estate administration and related estate litigation.  I accept appointments as a professional fiduciary for difficult estates or when the previous fiduciaries have been disqualified during the course of litigation within the estate.  I also serve as an expert witness in fiduciary litigation.

Drawing on her thirty plus years’ experience as a practicing attorney, Ann advises clients regarding potential claims and disputes. She guides trustees, executors, and other fiduciaries who are dealing with difficult situations, such as murky trust documents and wills and challenging beneficiaries. She helps clients understand their duties and complete the administration process, seeking judicial rulings as necessary. Ann also represents beneficiaries, including individuals and charities, who seek or need assistance in protecting their rightful shares of trust and probate assets.. Over the years, Ann has brought and defended many will and trust contests and actions under Washington’s Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act.. As well as working with professional fiduciaries, Ann works with clients who have little or no experience with legal disputes. She helps clients understand their rights and duties, looks for cost-effective solutions, uses mediation when appropriate, and takes matters to hearing or trial. Ann brings an assertive, thoughtful, and experienced approach to this emotionally-charged area of litigation.. In addition, Ann assists clients with designing and implementing comprehensive plans to reduce state and federal estate, gift, generation-skipping transfer tax and the orderly transition of assets between generations. Ann also handles all aspects of probate and estate administration.. Ann is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a Band 1 practitioner for Private Wealth Disputes - Washington.