Probate litigation can help families hold personal representatives accountable for breaches of fiduciary duty. Litigation is also possible in cases where there are questions about the validity of estate planning documents. Many will contests involve claims by...
Family members grieving a loved one may take a degree of comfort from their inheritances. When a person makes an effort to leave valuable or meaningful resources for their loved ones, their positive legacy can last for years to come. Unfortunately, sometimes the...
The personal representative or executor of an estate manages estate resources. Their responsibilities include properly distributing resources according to estate planning instruments or state law. They must also fulfill financial obligations and appropriately...
Most people have debts when they pass away, which means their loved ones will have to deal with the creditors. This comes at a time when they’re already dealing with the intense emotions of their loss. Anyone who’s in this position should know exactly how to handle...
Most wills represent careful planning on the part of a testator. They leave resources for the people and causes that matter the most to them. They often take great care to allocate their most valuable assets in a reasonable fashion while minimizing tax liability....
A no-contest clause in a will is meant to discourage legal challenges by stating that anyone who unsuccessfully contests the document may be disinherited. However, things aren’t always so straightforward. Don’t assume your hands are tied if you’re a beneficiary...
Some people face an unexpected and sometimes painful dilemma after the death of a relative. They learn that their loved one left them an inheritance, but they listed them by a name they no longer use and have legally changed. Sometimes, this isn’t an issue. A person...
A will should reflect a person’s final wishes. The terms are not for anyone other than the testator to dictate. Unfortunately, disputes over a will can arise. In Washington state, a will can be challenged in court under specific circumstances. Here are some of the...
Family is everything. When a loved one's decisions when creating a will are compromised, it can fracture the bonds that hold families together. Undue influence can sneak in when someone leverages their position to sway another's choices in their final will, typically...
Learning that you’ve been disinherited – completely left out of a parent’s or other close loved one’s will – can be devastating. That’s particularly true if it comes as a surprise. Parents disinherit children for a variety of reasons. It generally comes down to one of...
