Kristina Marie Ash - Probate profile photo

Kristina Marie Ash

Smith & Zuccarini | Smith & Zuccarini, P.S. • Bellevue, WA
ProbateEstate PlanningInsurancePersonal InjuryTax

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Contact

Email
Phone
(425) 403-7865
Address
2155 - 112th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004, US

Professional

About

Kristina Marie Ash is a distinguished attorney based in Bellevue, WA, specializing in probate law and personal planning for high net worth individuals and family groups. With a keen understanding of the complexities surrounding closely held businesses and investment entities, Kristina offers tailored legal solutions that safeguard her clients' legacies and ensure their wishes are honored. Her extensive experience encompasses drafting essential estate planning documents, including wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Kristina is adept at creating life insurance trusts, charitable and personal residence trusts, and gift trusts, as well as providing guidance on beneficiary designations for life insurance and retirement plans. Additionally, she skillfully navigates prenuptial and cohabitation agreements, ensuring her clients' interests are well-protected. Beyond individual estate planning, Kristina has a robust background in establishing and advising nonprofit organizations, successfully assisting them in obtaining tax-exempt status from the IRS. Her probate and trust administration expertise is invaluable to families during difficult times, helping them manage the complexities of estate settlement with compassion and professionalism. Kristina's proficiency also extends to tax planning for U.S. citizens and residents, including those with assets overseas. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of the legal landscape is underscored by her previous role as Vice President of the Washington chapter of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP) and her active membership in both the Seattle Estate Planning Council and the East King County Estate Planning Council. A proud member of the Washington and Illinois Bars, Kristina is also authorized to practice before the U.S. Tax Court. She graduated cum laude with a degree in Theatre from Arizona State University before earning her Juris Doctor and LL.M. in Taxation from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. Before joining Smith & Zuccarini, P.S., Kristina honed her skills as a tax associate at Moody’s LLP Tax Advisors in Calgary, Canada, and as an associate at Stoel Rives, LLP in Seattle. With her unique blend of legal expertise and personal dedication, Kristina is committed to providing exceptional service to her clients in Bellevue and beyond.

About Probate Law

Probate attorneys guide families through the estate administration process after a loved one passes. They handle court filings, asset distribution, and dispute resolution. Common matters include estate administration, will contests, heir disputes, trust administration.

Credentials

Education
2009 Northwestern University School of Law LL.M - Master of Laws 2005 Northwestern University School of Law JD - Juris Doctor 1998 Arizona State University BA

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
2016 2016 Five Star Financial Service Professional Award, Five Star Professional
Publications
2016 Washington State Bar Association Real Property, Probate & Trust Section Newsletter Recent Developments in Probate and Trust 2015 Washington State Bar Association Real Property, Probate & Trust Section Newsletter Practice Tip: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow
Associations
2015 - Present Seattle Estate Planning Council 2013 - Present East King County Estate Planning Council 2011 - Present Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
Speaking
2014 STEP Seattle May 2014 Meeting Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Expatriation and the Exit Tax 2013 International Tax and Estate Planning - What to Avoid and How to Plan for Your Clients Estate Planning Ethics 2013 Estate Planning Involving Resident and Non-Resident Aliens International Estate Planning 2012 Drafting and Using the Special Needs Trust Taxation of Special Needs Trusts
Updated: Mar 28, 2026