Blog

Dec. 29, 2022

When a person dies in Washington State, probate is usually needed to establish the validity of the decedent's will and settle their estate. This may require filing the will in probate court, securing estate assets, paying debts, taxes, and valid creditor claims, and distributing assets to rightful inheritors.

Nov. 28, 2022

There are some common reasons why people handwrite a will or other estate planning documents rather than typing them or having them prepared by an estate planning attorney. They may be wanting to save money. They may be running out of time and attempt to create a will as they are dying.

Oct. 28, 2022

When a loved one dies, it’s left to their family and loved ones to handle their estate. Ideally, they will have left behind a comprehensive estate plan, including a will or trust, that assigns an executor and lays out their wishes for what should be done with their assets.

Sept. 14, 2022

People who divorce don’t always stay single but often remarry. While this may provide some much-needed companionship and comfort to their lives, it can also pose challenges when it comes to estate planning, especially if there are children from the previous marriage.

Aug. 30, 2022

You may be familiar with the acknowledgment required of a last will and testament that the maker is “of sound mind.” It makes sense that someone lacking the mental capacity to make decisions also lacks the legal capacity to do so. Dementia presents many barriers in this regard. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than six million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to more than double in the next 25 years.

July 14, 2022

Thousands of people fall into the “do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning” trap every year. While the notion of using free online forms to create an estate plan might sound appealing to many, the DIY approach to estate planning can prove to be a costly mistake down the road.

June 30, 2022

Assisted living is a concept of care that falls below nursing home care, which focuses more on health care rather than on programs to assist older individuals in carrying out the functions of daily living. Given the costs, many want to know if Medicaid will cover any of the expenses involved.

April 30, 2022

There are benefits and drawbacks to both wills and trusts. Ultimately, deciding which one is best for you depends on what your goals are, as will as your situation and preferences.

April 12, 2022

Dealing with the loss of someone you care about is never easy, especially when you also have a duty to carry out the decedent’s instructions to manage their affairs and wishes. Being appointed as an executor of an estate means that you need to take on significant responsibilities when the person who you named as the executor dies.

March 21, 2022

According to a 2021 Wills and Estate Planning Study by Caring.com, the top two reasons those surveyed didn’t have a will or living trust were that they “haven’t gotten around to it” and “don’t have enough assets to leave anyone.”