Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Barbara West, an elder law and estate planning attorney with the law firm of Short Cressman & Burgess. Barbara is co-chair of her firm’s Estate, Family and Life Planning Practice Group, which also includes 2 dissolution attorneys. She frequently works with seniors and their families to create estate plans and settle issues that arise within families as parents age or become incapacitated. Barbara says, “As our population continues to age, elder law continues to grow in importance. Elder law attorneys advise seniors and their families about the need to plan ahead for incapacity and beyond. Many clients seek assistance when they realize they are confronting natural aging issues, or progressive or terminal illness. Although we acknowledge that we have to make end-of-life decisions, the focus of our work is the future. If we are successful, our clients remain in control of their lives by implementing the plan we have created together for the management of their lifetime financial and health care needs. For me, it is both professionally and personally rewarding to help clients and their families move through difficult times with confidence, security, and peace of mind.” Barbara’s clients have said that she is able to simplify the complex subject of “estate planning” and approaches her work matter in a calm and thoughtful manner. Part of Barbara’s assistance can include, if needed, referrals to support services and providers who assist their families in making transitions to in-home services or residential care. If you’d like an in-depth look at Barbara’s approach to her work you can read her article, “What They Don’t Teach You in Law School.” She can be contacted at 206-682-3333 or bwest@scblaw.com.

Thanks to Barbara West for joining the team of WSB sponsors, listed in full here, along with info on how to join them!