Estate Planning

An elderly woman speaking with a younger woman at a table

Tips for Talking To Your Aging Parents About Estate Planning

December 11, 2020

There is one guarantee in life that none of us can escape: We will all 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. Unfortunately, too many of us pass away without leaving a will or other instructions to our loved ones to speak for us when we no longer can, and this can cause hardship and stress for friends and family at an already difficult time.

Will Your Dying Wishes be Honored? Cremation in Washington State

Will Your Dying Wishes be Honored? Cremation in Washington State

November 26, 2020

A cremation authorization form is one of the most important documents you will need to complete if you prefer to have your remains cremated once you pass away. The authorization form is a legal document that the person desirous of cremation must sign before death or direct their next of kin to sign after death.

A church during a wedding

Getting Remarried? Avoid These Estate-Planning Mistakes

November 20, 2020

With a rise in “gray divorces,” it’s only natural that remarriage has become more prevalent among seniors. However, they also tend to be lax about updating their estate planning. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

As COVID-19 Spreads, a Health Care Power of Attorney Is Essential

As COVID-19 Spreads, a Health Care Power of Attorney Is Essential

November 12, 2020

If you don’t have a full estate plan in place, including a health care power of attorney (POA), now is the time to get one squared away. The coronavirus pandemic is changing priorities for many people, and estate planning should be at the top of the list. Too many people don’t realize how an estate plan’s key elements can help if you become sick or die from the virus.

November Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Have You Completed Your Estate Planning Should You Become Mentally Incapacitated?

November Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Have You Completed Your Estate Planning Should You Become Mentally Incapacitated?

November 6, 2020

Every 70 seconds, another American family is affected by Alzheimer’s. Too often, I witness Alzheimer’s and dementia care and estate squabbles that tear families apart. When there has not been the foresight and cooperative transparency regarding how the family wants the patient’s estate plan executed, chaos and legal entanglements can ensue, irreparably damaging family bonds.

Famous People Who Died Without a Will

Famous People Who Died Without a Will

October 22, 2020

What do Picasso, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, and “Sonny” Bono all have in common? You’re probably thinking, not much. But they do, in fact, have one big thing in common. They all died intestate—which means they died without having a will.

Thirteen Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know

Thirteen Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know

October 20, 2020

Estate planning — it is an incredibly important tool, not just for the uber-wealthy or those thinking about retirement. On the contrary, estate planning is something every adult should do. Estate planning can help you accomplish any number of goals, including appointing guardians for minor childr…

Don’t Name Your Child As The Beneficiary

Don’t Name Your Child As The Beneficiary

October 15, 2020

When you have children, you’ll go to the ends of the earth to protect them and make sure they are safe and happy. It’s a major reason why parents buy life insurance — or the main one at least. Having life insurance means that if something happened to you, your children would be OK financially.
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