[September 02, 2014]

WASHINGTON VETS WILL CLINIC Offers Free Estate Planning Services

A survey by Harris Interactive (News - Alert) revealed that up to 65% of Americans lack the most basic estate planning documents. The findings are more alarming when coupled with the fact that many of those do not have a plan because of the legal cost associated, or they mistakenly presume there is no need for a plan.

In 2012, the Washington Legal Alliance identified a need for an outreach program that educated the state's military population on estate planning and provided access to this service for free. Within that same year, the WASHINGTON VETS WILL CLINICS was founded to address this critical legal need. Since inception, the Will Clinics have served 319 Service members, Veterans and their spouses.

This fall, the WASHINGTON VETS WILL CLINICS will travel across state to provide free estate planning services. On October 25, the military community is encouraged to attend the Will Clinic t Columbia Basin College, scheduled for 9am - 4pm. "Our Veterans in Washington have a very real need for these estate planning services. I've seen local Veterans who were able to prepare a will or health care directive only because a kind friend, neighbor, or family member recognized the need and brought that Veteran to an attorney. Others may not receive the same support," said Cory Davidson, Lead of WA Vets Will Clinic.

In addition to the free estate planning services, attendees will have access to services offered by other Veteran organizations. The Clinic is free and open to those who can provide proof of state residency and military service (DD214 form). Appointments are required.

"Through an unprecedented collaboration, we're able to provide estate planning documents and other legal services to our military. For those attorneys and non-attorneys who wish to volunteer at our clinics and serve those who have served our country, opportunities are posted on our website," said Jacob Brennan, Chair of the WA Vets Will Clinic.

The WASHINGTON VETS WILL CLINICS are made possible by the County Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division, in cooperation with Army OneSource (News - Alert), Columbia Basin College, American Red Cross and Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information, to set an appointment or volunteer, visit www.WAVetsWillClinic.com or call (509) 326-3330 extension 202.

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