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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Choosing a long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one is never easy. The options can be overwhelming and a poor choice can affect care and peace of mind. Here are three common mistakes families make and how to avoid them in Washington. Mistake 1: Overlooking...
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...
