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. How to proceed with grandparents' estate with remarried spouse and no will?

May 9, 2025

A: The answer to your question depends on the size of the estate and the value of the house. Your grandfather's estate can (and should) be probated even though he didn't have a will. This would be an 'intestate' probate, and anyone can open the probate after more than 40 days have passed from the date of death.

Your grandfather's second wife has a claim to their community property (which could include some, but definitely not all of the house) and likely also to a 'homestead allowance' equivalent to the median house value in that county. If there is money left over after that, or if she doesn't claim her right to a homestead, then any separate property in the estate should be divided according to the laws of intestacy, which provides for his surviving wife as well as his children (your aunts/ uncles and father).

Since your father is missing, you should attend any court hearings and you may be able to ask that a probate guardian ad litem be appointed to protect his rights. ... Read More

Q. Does a grandson qualify as heir in WA probate case without a will?

March 11, 2025

A: Yes, if your mother's estate is being probated without a will and any of her children passed away before her but leaving their own children (i.e. if your brother died before your mother but had kids), then any grandchild by a pre-deceased child inherits under RCW 11.04.015(2)(a).

A probate guardian ad litem should be appointed for the grandchild(ren) if they are under 18 years old.

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.