Adults in Washington no longer draft living wills. Instead, they now establish advance health care directives. These documents have effectively replaced living wills and allow people to provide clear instructions about their personal medical preferences. People with...
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most devastating medical conditions associated with advanced age. It is a form of dementia that slowly progresses and eventually renders an individual incapable of living independently. People in the early stages of Alzheimer's...
In some cases, an estate executor reads the estate plan, passes out documentation to other family members, and then distributes the assets with no issues at all. Everyone simply accepts the plan as being accurate and takes the inheritance they have been given. But...
Business owners tend to focus on day-to-day operations and future growth, but planning for what happens to the company after their passing is just as important. Estate planning tools can help ensure that a business continues smoothly, avoids disputes and protects its...
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...
When you are making an estate plan, you may find yourself thinking about the future of your beneficiaries. Maybe there are certain goals you want them to accomplish, or you are looking for ways that you can influence their lives. Perhaps you are worried that they will...
Employment makes a professional eligible for a variety of state benefits. People who contribute to different programs through payroll withholding or direct contributions as self-employed professionals may be eligible for benefits when they need them. Medicare is an...
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...
Setting up a trust is a way that a person can ensure their loved ones get the assets they want them to have. Some of these trusts are irrevocable, which means they can’t be changed or cancelled once they’re established. Trustees are responsible for taking care of...
