Estate Planning
There is a common misconception that an estate plan is only necessary for individuals with substantial assets. The reality is that an estate plan can benefit virtually everyone. From identifying your final wishes to protecting your rights if you become incapacitated, the right estate plan could be essential to protecting your future interests.
One of our experienced estate planning attorneys can advise you on the benefits of estate planning and help you develop a plan that fits your unique needs. This process could not only protect your rights, but also give you peace of mind. Let our estate planning lawyers assist you with this process from start to finish.
If you are just starting to explore estate planning, our webinar, “You Need A Plan,” might be a helpful resource. Register to watch.
Creating your estate plan is so much more than just having a set of documents drafted. Our professional estate planning attorneys will work with you to identify your wishes for your assets, healthcare, and remains. A well-thought-out estate plan is a gift to your family that can help protect your assets through generational transfer and give you peace of mind.
Your young, healthy adult children need an estate plan. Hear me out. If your child were to become incapacitated, would you have access to their hospital information, would you be able to make decisions, would you know what they want done? Once your child reaches 18 years of age, they are considered a legal adult. Our estate planning attorneys can work with your newly minted adult and help ensure their wishes and possible wealth are protected.
You have likely heard the term probate, but if you have never dealt with an estate, you may not understand what it is and whether or not it is something you should try to avoid for your family.
In the simplest possible terms, probate is the court process of distributing the estate of the deceased. If a will exists, the probate process confirms the will is valid and allows the executor to take action to follow the wishes the decedent outlined in it. If there is no will, the law will be applied to determine how the estate and affairs should be handled, and the court will appoint an executor.
Unlike many states, Washington has a reasonably easy probate process. Washington’s probate process is streamlined and efficient. Depending on your circumstances, it may not be worth trying to avoid. It is best to talk with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys to understand the complexity of your assets and your wishes to determine your best course of action.
Far too many families end up fighting, or at least experiencing tension, over a family inheritance, but it does not have to be that way. Having counseled families for years, we offer the following advice to help your family avoid fighting over your property — while you are here and after you die.
Divorce can be a time of confusion and complexity. In addition to any emotional or other stress, your divorce can impact both your and your ex’s will. Therefore, it is important to understand what that impact may be and what…
Estate planning is one of the most important actions unmarried couples can take to provide themselves with certain protections under the law. Because unmarried couples do not have the same legal authority, this can present issues should one of the…
Choosing fiduciaries is crucial to estate planning. In any one estate plan, there could be a variety of roles that a fiduciary might fill, such as an executor, agent, or trustee. It need not be a person either; a fiduciary…
A revocable trust or living trust is an instrument created, as part of your overall estate plan, for the purpose of protecting your assets, including investments, during your lifetime. It can also allow for a smoother transition of said assets…
Many people find it challenging to get started with estate planning. From confusion about the process to denying that estate planning is necessary, there are various reasons why people do not want to create an estate plan. That said, estate…
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it is necessary to ensure your assets are in order and your loved ones are taken care of. Establishing an estate plan can also make certain issues easier for you and your family during…
This is part three of our three-part series, “Expecting the Unexpected.” You can read part one on catastrophic illness here and part two on chronic illness here. Estate planning may initially bring to mind the process of outlining the manner…
This is part two of three in our series “Expecting the Unexpected. You can read part one on catastrophic illness here. For many, estate planning immediately brings to mind ways you can protect your assets and retirement funds for your…
While estate planning is often associated with enjoying assets while you are alive and then preparing for their disposition to inheritors after death, there are more outcomes estate plans can aid in to adequately protect the quality of your life…
NFTs have garnered a significant degree of popularity in recent years, particularly among the Gen-Z and younger millennial crowd. While they are relatively new to the financial and online scene and have garnered a degree of controversy with questions surrounding…
Filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron is famous for saying, “Marriages come and go, but divorce is forever.” Well, so, too, is the internet, as Ms. Ephron would probably attest if she were still with us. Meaning your digital presence will…
Estate planning for your blended family can raise issues, most obvious of which are assets from a previous marriage. We can help!
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Dogecoin, are increasing in prominence in the investment portfolios of many. They are also used for transactions. These assets can add value to an estate, sometimes enough to turn a small estate into a high-net-worth…
For many people, real property, usually a home, makes up the largest portion of their estate. Because of that, one of the most common bequests individuals make is to have that piece of real property pass to their heirs upon…