PASSION. SERVICE. INTEGRITY.

passion. service. Integrity.

a Probate, guardianship, & Conservatorship law office


client-centric advocacy in clallam and jefferson counties. 

Located in Port Angeles, Washington, the Law Office of Patrick M. Erker represents lay, organizational, and professional clients throughout the Olympic Peninsula.   

At the Law Office of Patrick M. Erker, our practice is informed by two guiding principles. First, that optimal legal outcomes are built upon a foundation of open communication and trust between attorney and client. This means we are highly accessible to our clients via phone, email, or in person, and work to ensure clear lines of communication at all times. Second, we understand that each client is different, with distinct positions, issues, and objectives. Therefore, we do not practice law with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Just as our clients are unique, so too are the customized, creative solutions we develop to address their legal needs.

Get in touch with us to set up a consultation, or use the contact form at the bottom of this page to enquire whether our services are right for you.

 

Contact

➤ address

MAILING

PO BOX 1225
Port Angeles, WA 98362

MEETING

804 S. Oak Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362

☎ CONTACT

sarah@pmelawoffice.com
(360) 207-2150

Areas of Practice


guardianship/Conservatorship petitioning - family

Whether your special needs child is about to turn 18, a friend has severe mental illness, or your aging family member faces advanced dementia, the decision to seek guardianship/conservatorship is rife with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. That’s where we come in. We will explain the process, explore available options, and develop a strategy that addresses your concerns and supports your loved one.


CONSERVATOR

If your loved one is at risk of financial exploitation or harm due to an inability to appropriately manage his or her finances, then a Conservator may be appropriate. You will likely feel overwhelmed at first, but we are with you every step of the way to ensure compliance with the vast array of mandatory accounting and reporting obligations. Our job is to make yours easier, which is achieved through comprehensive and collaborative planning, oversight, and accessibility.


guardianship/Conservatorship petitioning - organization

From hospitals to assisted living and long-term care facilities, circumstances may dictate that your organization pursue guardianship/conservatorship for a resident or patient. We understand that patient/resident care is the utmost priority, and also realize the financial realities facing hospitals and long-term care facilities. In these cases, our office works closely with you to ensure the petitioning process is explained thoroughly and engaged in efficiently, effectively, and productively.


ESTATE PLANNING

Planning for the future can be daunting, but is so incredibly important. Wills, Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney documents, Advanced Directives - these are tools to memorialize your intent, create care continuity in the event you become incapacitated, and provide your family and loved ones with peace of mind. In supporting you through this process, our office takes a customized, holistic approach. We will explore and discuss options geared towards achieving your goals in the most efficient way possible. Then, when the time comes, we work diligently to implement your plan, so that your intent is honored and realized.


GUARDIAN

Washington State law creates different “categories” of surrogate decision making authority. A Guardian may be appropriate if your loved one is at risk of harm due to an inability to properly manage his or her personal care and medical needs. When appointed, a Guardian has very specific initial planning and reporting requirements, and then ongoing oversight and reporting obligations. We are vastly experienced in both creating the initial plans and reports, and providing ongoing support so that you can do what you do best. Care for the person you love.     


PROBATE

Probate is a generalized term for the process which governs how your Will is managed. It involves a combination of state statutory law, common law principles, federal code and law, and local court rules. Our office is well versed in the myriad of rules, procedures, and requirements needed to ensure legal and regulatory compliance. When the time comes, we work with the appointed Personal Representative at each stage in the process, to ensure a smooth transition of wealth from one generation to the next.

 

 
 
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
— Albert Einstein
 
 

 
 

Let's Chat.

Use the form below to contact us regarding your legal enquiry. If applicable, include your industry along with any specific document requests. To help us best service your enquiry, we recommend that you first describe the issue you’re having before telling us what you want to achieve. You may also email or call us to make an appointment.