Janta Steele

I am curious about your story and want you to feel heard throughout your legal process, whether it is estate planning, a probate, a guardianship application, or something else. I want to level with you so I can give you quality advice that helps you move forward.

About me: I live in Lakewood, Washington with my husband, but grew up in British Columbia. I am very active in my church, and I got a puppy in 2023 so I could compete in dog agility. If you are curious about me, please don't hesitate to call. I would love to know how I can help.

• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  My hourly rate is $250.00 per hour. I generally offer consultations for $125.00 per hour, and free 30-minute consultations for new probate or estate planning clients.

British Columbia

2019-2023

Washington

Washington State Bar Association

ID Number: 60876

Since 2023

Estate, Probate, and Guardianship Attorney

Alliance Law Group

2024 - Current

Estate, Probate, and Guardianship Attorney

Alliance Law Group

2024 - Current

Probate and Estate Law Attorney

Comfort Davies Smith & Crawford

2023 - 2023

Attorney

RDM Lawyers, Abbotsford, British Columbia

2020 - 2023

Intern/ Attorney

Hamilton Duncan, Surrey, British Columbia

2018 - 2020

Secretariat Coordinator

British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology

2016 - 2017

Administrative Coordinator

British Columbia Ministry of Small Business and Tourism

2016 - 2016

Support staff to Minister of Small Business and Tourism

Research Officer/ Legislative Assistant

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Government Caucus

2013 - 2015

Queen Mary University of London

LL.B.

2008 - 2010

University of British Columbia

B.B.A.

2003 - 2008

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

2024 - Current

Tacoma Estate Planning Council

2024 - Current

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association

2024 - Current

Washington Women Lawyers

2024 - Current

Washington State Bar Association  # 60876

2023 - Current

Q. To avoid probate in WA state, do I need a living trust for my home (worth over $100,000)?

October 28, 2024

A: As long as all your other assets pass by beneficiary designation (i.e. POD), you could avoid a probate by drafting a trust and transferring your home to be titled in the name of the trust.

However, it would be simpler to just record a transfer on death deed for your house, if that's the only asset that would trigger a probate. Feel free to call and set up an appointment if you want a more detailed review of your situation and your options.

Q. Do I need to file probate… Mom passed in July, old will in her papers. Attorney no longer around, what do I need to do?

September 10, 2024

A: First, I'm so sorry for your loss.

A probate is necessary in Washington state if your mom owned land or if what she owned when she passed is worth more than 100,000.

I assist clients with probates from across Washington state, and I would be happy to offer a free 30-minute consultation by Zoom or in person near Tacoma to help you identify your next steps.

Q. If my mother is named on the deed and was not married to my currently deceased father, can my siblings fight the sale?

September 9, 2024

A: No, that is not accurate. If someone other than your mother could inherit money from the sale of the house, then the house cannot be sold by your mother alone, and there has to be a probate to sell it. However it's still possible that only your mother inherits the house, and nobody else.

It really depends on what is on the deed. The deed naming both your mother and father as owners of the house could be worded 1) so that if one of them dies the other inherits the house. Or it could be worded so that 2) they each own 50% of the house, and not more.

If it's the second option, then because your parents were never married and in fact not even living together when he died, your father's other children do need to be involved, and your mother cannot sell the house by herself. ... Read More