A sudden illness, serious injury or cognitive decline can change your life quickly. You may need help with medical choices, bills, housing or daily care. If you have not signed a durable power of attorney (DPOA), your family may not know who can step in or what they...
Most new parents, when the topic of estate planning comes up, respond the same way: “We'll deal with that when we're older.” As a new parent, you may recognize that hesitation. However, life can be unpredictable, and failing to take precautions can cause unnecessary...
When an older family member changes a will suddenly, relatives often worry about unfair pressure. Undue influence means someone forced a vulnerable person to change their final wishes. Washington probate courts check specific facts to see if a document shows true...
When you decide to make an estate plan, your decision may initially be spurred by thinking about what will happen to your assets when you pass away. You know that you have tangible assets, such as your home, along with financial assets, like investments or savings....
Unmarried partners can face unexpected challenges when planning for the future. Washington law does not automatically grant inheritance rights to partners who are not married, making a customized estate plan essential. Thoughtful preparation helps protect shared...
If you are thinking about making an estate plan, you are already ahead of most people. Studies find that only one out of every three Americans has actually made an estate plan. Most people have not done it. You may find this surprising, considering just how important...
Discovering another will after a parent’s death can deepen grief and raise doubts. It might change who receives property or manages the estate. If you found a later version, knowing how courts compare the documents can help protect your parent’s wishes. It may also...
Many adults know what estate planning is, but they don’t really know why they should have one in place. Estate planning helps you to decide how your property, finances, and personal decisions are going to be handled if you become incapacitated or when you die. While...
A lot of people make their estate plan and then never say another word about it to anyone. The details are only revealed to those affected when they die. This can be fine, especially if your estate plan turns out to be as everyone expects. Yet in some cases, it can...
Watching your parents grow older often brings questions that are easy to postpone. Yet waiting until a health emergency occurs can leave everyone making difficult choices under pressure. If your parents are aging or have health concerns, it is wise to talk about...
