Creating a trust is an important part of estate planning, but life changes. You may marry, divorce, move, or gain new assets after establishing your trust. When that happens, it’s natural to wonder if you can update or even revoke the trust entirely. Understanding...
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Estate Planning
How a special needs trust can protect the future of your child
As a parent of a child with a disability, your love comes with a big responsibility. You want to make sure that they are cared for no matter what the future holds. Naturally, you might want to leave them enough inheritance to be comfortable, but there is an important...
What happens if you die without a will in Washington?
Dying without a will creates confusion and stress for your loved ones. In Washington, state law decides who inherits your assets if you pass away without leaving a will. This process is called intestate succession, and it follows a specific order. How intestate...
How thoughtful estate planning preserves family relationships
Estate planning is more than just distributing assets. It is also about keeping the family united during a difficult time. When parents fail to establish a clear estate plan, their adult children often face conflicts that damage relationships built over decades....
What are the common mistakes to avoid when creating a will?
Creating a will is an important step in ensuring that a person’s wishes are carried out after their passing. However, mistakes made during this process can lead to complications, confusion, and legal disputes. In Washington, understanding and avoiding common errors...
How a durable power of attorney protects you if incapacitated
A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is an essential legal tool that can protect your interests if you become incapacitated. It allows you to designate someone you trust to manage your financial, legal, and medical affairs when you are no longer able to do so. This...
What are the legal requirements for a valid will?
Creating a legally valid will ensures that your wishes regarding asset distribution will be followed after your death. In Washington State, specific legal requirements exist to ensure the validity and enforceability of a will. Understanding these requirements is...
How can I protect my digital assets in my estate plan?
In today’s digital age, it’s important to think about your digital assets when creating your estate plan. Digital assets, such as online accounts, cryptocurrency, photos, and documents, hold significant value and can be crucial for your loved ones after you pass away....
Why you should update your handwritten will as soon as possible
A handwritten will may seem like a simple way to pass on your assets after death. However, Washington State does not recognize handwritten wills as valid unless they meet very strict legal standards. If a handwritten will does not meet these requirements, a court may...
How can you avoid family disputes over inheritance in Washington?
Estate planning can be an emotional and delicate process, especially when it comes to dividing assets among family members. Disputes over inheritance can tear families apart, so it’s important to make decisions that are clear and fair. If you live in Washington, there...
