Estate Planning

Following a loved one’s death, the division of assets and belongings can sometimes cause contention. If there are disagreements between family members about the deceased’s intention for certain assets or the validity of the will, that results in an estate dispute....

Estate planning provides a structured approach to managing and dispersing your assets, minimizing uncertainties and potential disputes after your death. When you plan ahead, you reduce the financial and legal burdens your loved ones might face during an already...

Writing a will is a way for someone to make their wishes known regarding the distribution of their estate. However, some people might choose not to write a will due to the misconception that their belongings will pass seamlessly to their spouse. When someone dies...

The executor of your estate is an important role that you should decide on carefully. The person appointed as executor is responsible for managing your estate after your death and carrying out your wishes for asset distribution. There are a few things to know when it...

When you think about estate planning, the first thing to come to your mind is probably a will. However, arranging a trust might be preferable to writing a will in some situations. A will dictates the distribution of an estate after an individual's death. A trust...

As a parent, you likely think of guardianship in terms of your children. The fact is, a guardianship action in Washington probably pertains to an older person. When a person no longer has the physical or mental capacity to handle day-to-day care, a court may step in...

Probate is a legal process used by courts to distribute the assets of a person after death. Some people choose to take steps to avoid the probate process during estate planning. What are the benefits of avoiding probate? How probate works Probate courts usually handle...

What happens if an illness, accident or the effects of aging leave you unable to handle your own financial affairs or unable to tell your doctors what kind of treatments you do and don’t want? Though it may seem like a scenario that is far off in the future, it’s a...

When people think about planning their estates, a will might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s essential to be aware that there are other tools that can be used as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Sometimes known as an “inter vivos” trust, a...

When a person passes away in Washington, their estate’s financial matters may be resolved during the court process known as probate. This can be expensive and time-consuming. However, there are estate planning measures that can minimize probate or avoid it all...