Estate Planning

Estate planning is an important decision that people in Washington need to make. This is true regardless of their income, assets and property. Often, people who do not believe they need a basic estate planning document – specifically a will – are surprised at how much...

Choosing a guardian for your children is one of the most critical decisions you will make as a parent. This process involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure the well-being and stability of your children. How to evaluate potential guardians When...

We'd all like to stay healthy and independent throughout a long life, but the reality is that if we're lucky enough to survive into old age, we will likely need help. It's widely reported that, among Americans who are currently age 65 or older, about 70% will require...

Washington residents who take the time to craft a comprehensive estate plan are doing their family and friends a huge favor. Determining the distribution of assets after death is obviously a major part of the goals for those who want to get an estate plan in place. As...

You have the right to transfer property upon your death, but if your estate is over a certain value, the government imposes a tax on that right. This is known as the estate tax, and it is widely misunderstood. Both the federal government and the State of Washington...

Many Washington residents probably made New Year’s resolutions in recent weeks. And, for some, a resolution for 2024 might be to finally get their estate plan drafted and executed. That is a good goal to have – most people put off estate planning for far too long....

Starting estate planning early is a good idea. You are never too young to set up an estate plan. However, sometimes people set up their estate plans when they are single and not planning on getting married anytime soon. They may leave their property to parents,...

When you hear the term estate plan, many thoughts likely run through your mind. For some, this is simply thinking that you are too young to even consider an estate plan. And for others, they might automatically think of a will and what assets and property are passed...

When you create a will, there are several elements that must be included. Also, depending on your assets you may decide to have a simple will, or a complex will. Elements of a will The person who is creating the will is called the testator. This person must be at...

A special needs trust is an estate planning tool that can manage assets and provide for the financial needs of a person with disabilities, while ensuring that they still are eligible for government programs like Medicaid and Social Security benefits. The person who...