Estate Planning

An elderly woman sitting while holder her hands

How Estate Planning Can Prevent Elder Abuse

Stanley, 73 years old, recently passed away. He never married or had any children. Stanley lived alone in his home and was self-sufficient until his health began to decline last year. Not wishing to burden his nieces and nephews, Stanley took it upon himself to hire a home health aide to come to his home and care for him. The pandemic restrictions prevented his niece, Cathy, with whom he had always had a close relationship, from visiting him. However, she called often. She even made an effort to see him but was only allowed window visits by the care worker and never provided the opportunity for in-person visits before his death. Cathy had no idea her uncle was being neglected and abused. To prevent a similar scenario from happening to you or someone you love, here’s what you should know.

Estate Planning for a Single Parent

Estate Planning for a Single Parent

The percentage of children who live in a single-parent household has increased significantly. While estate planning for single parents is similar to estate planning for families with two parents, you should take special consideration and outline specific provisions in your estate plan if you’re a single parent due to death, divorce, or life choice. If you’re a single parent, estate planning should become a high priority.

Tips for Talking To Your Parents About Estate Planning in the Age of COVID-19

Tips for Talking To Your Parents About Estate Planning in the Age of COVID-19

The only guarantee we have in life is that we’re all going to die someday. If we’re lucky enough, we’ll do this when we’re old, slipping peacefully away in our sleep. But, inevitably, it will happen to each of us regardless of age or health. Unfortunately, too many people pass away without addressing their estate planning and die without leaving a will. Dying without a will, referred to as intestate, is just one of the issues that can come from not addressing your estate planning while you’re alive.

A baby's hand on an elderly person's hand

What Happens if a Named Beneficiary in My Will Dies Before Me?

Once you have established your estate plan, it is important to ensure it remains sound by revisiting it at regular intervals or at key life events. One important reason is that if you fail to account for the death of someone named as a beneficiary in your will, upon your death, your estate may face significant problems as a result. Here is what can happen.

Are Handwritten Wills Valid?

Are Handwritten Wills Valid?

A will can be handwritten (known as a “holographic will”) so long as it meets the requirements outlined by the state in which the creator resides. In Washington, any person who is of sound mind and 18 or older may make a last will and testament.

A welcome sign on the front door of a house

New To Washington? Remember To Review Your Estate Plan

Are you one of the millions of individuals who moved to Washington from another state? Has the pandemic allowed you to work remotely from any location? Whether you’ve already made a move to Washington or are considering an upcoming relocation, you likely created a checklist that includes updating your address, obtaining a new driver’s license, and possibly purchasing an umbrella. Unfortunately, many people fail to add another line item to the checklist: ensuring they update their estate-planning documents.

What Is Digital Estate Planning?

What Is Digital Estate Planning?

The importance of having a digital estate plan has grown exponentially over the past decade as technology continues to occupy our daily lives. Without an estate plan, these assets could be lost forever, or your personal security could be at risk. These possibilities lead to the question: Who has access to my online accounts, and how will those accounts be managed and distributed if I become incapacitated or pass away?

Happy New Year 2021

Start the New Year Right by Making Your Estate Plan

Many of us love to make New Year’s resolutions. So, if estate planning is on your resolution list, here are some suggestions for getting started, no matter what you do or don’t have in place now.

Legal Competency: When Is It Too Late to Create a Power of Attorney?

Legal Competency: When Is It Too Late to Create a Power of Attorney?

As an elder law attorney, I frequently advise adult children who suddenly realize that they must step in to help their aging parents. Perhaps mom is not making sound decisions regarding her medical care, or Dad is showing signs of early dementia. Unfortunately, many seniors are reluctant to plan for this possibility or even discuss it with their close family members. When families delay talking about these matters, the results can be stressful and costly. Failing to preplan can have serious consequences both while an elder is still alive and after they have died. Unfortunately, once a family realizes they urgently need legal documents to help an aging loved one, it’s often too late.