Estate Planning

One of the main goals of estate planning is to secure your family’s future, especially when you are no longer around. There are many legal instruments to help you achieve this goal, but trusts are the most common and most effective.  If your children are still minors,...

Many people would agree that updating your will is necessary after an addition to your family. However, expanding your family does not always mean the birth of a child. For many, it could mean the joining of stepchildren and a new spouse after remarriage.  If you have...

When planning your estate, you might consider various options to ensure your assets are managed according to your wishes. A living trust is popular for many individuals seeking control and flexibility. Understanding what a living trust is and its benefits can help you...

Many people mistakenly believe that once they have created a will, their estate plan is complete. This common misconception can lead to unforeseen legal complications for your loved ones. Life brings constant changes, both big and small. You may have gotten married,...

As you plan for your family's future, you may wonder if you can leave your inheritance directly to a minor child or grandchild. This question often arises when parents or grandparents want to ensure their young, loved ones are financially secure. While the intention...

Establishing a trust can be a strategic way to manage your assets and ensure they pass to your beneficiaries smoothly. Using a trust in your estate plan in Washington state can help you avoid the often lengthy and costly probate process. Probate, the court-supervised...

Knowing how community property laws affect estate planning is critical for people in Washington State. As a community property state, Washington has rules on splitting assets between spouses, which can significantly impact your estate plan. Community property basics...

Creating an estate plan could be challenging, depending on your estate’s size, details and the plan’s inclusions. In truth, each component may have its share of complexities, such as the will. It might be a fundamental part of most estate plans, but it could become...

You might need to choose between simple and complex wills when estate planning. But what exactly is a simple will, and how does it differ from its more complicated counterpart? What is a simple will? A simple will is a legal document that outlines your wishes to...

Dementia refers to several different medical conditions that cause a person gradually to lose brain functioning. Dementia is frequently associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but other medical conditions can cause dementia as well. Dementia is not a normal part of the...