You might add a no-contest clause to your will, expecting it to keep relatives from quarreling over your estate after you pass away. Understanding how the courts view these provisions can help you weigh whether it belongs in your plan. Defining the no-contest clause A...
An estate dispute can become stressful when grief, money and family history are involved. You may worry that one disagreement over a will, trust or personal representative will lead to trial. In Washington, that is not always the only path. The Trust and Estate...
Washington nursing home residents depend on staff for food, medicine and safety. Neglect starts when staffing levels drop or training fails. This leaves seniors without the care required by state law. Noticing physical and mood changes in a loved one is the first step...
Washington nursing home residents have strong protections against evictions that could harm their health. Below, is an explanation of the legal rules facilities must follow before they move a resident. It also covers how families can appeal these decisions to keep...
You spent decades building your legacy, but a beneficiary form you signed years ago at a bank may quietly cancel out your will. In Washington, beneficiary designations often supersede your estate plan, though state law does provide limited ways to fix them. Defining...
Aging without a spouse or close family requires a different kind of planning. You may not have a clear person to assume responsibility during a medical emergency or if you lose the ability to manage your finances. That gap can leave important decisions in uncertain...
When you create an estate plan, your goal is usually to make things easier for the people you leave behind. Clear instructions can help your family move through probate with fewer problems. However, gaps or mistakes in an estate plan may create confusion and conflict...
You have worked hard to build your wealth, and naturally, you want it to benefit not only your children but future generations as well. After all, you are not just passing on assets–you are entrusting them with your legacy. While a standard trust can provide...
Retirement is a major milestone in a person’s life. Your daily schedule and income source undergo significant shifts, and your priorities look very different from what they did during your working years. If you created an estate plan 10 or 20 years ago, it may no...
A payable-on-death (POD) account is sometimes referred to as a Totten trust. It is a way to pass financial assets to the next generation and may be something to consider as part of an estate plan. A POD account is different from a traditional bank account because you...
