They say you should choose your battles wisely. It certainly applies to contesting someone’s estate. If you are unhappy with a deceased loved one's estate plan and are one of the few people eligible to contest it in court, you still need to think carefully before...
Estate planning is an important process and a final will is a fundamental part of this. A will allows you to expressly share your final wishes and ensure that these are carried out after your passing. With a will, you can allocate various assets to those who are most...
Family members or professional caregivers can offer your elderly parent safety and companionship while you focus on raising your children. But, unfortunately, those you trust with your parent's well-being may be a problem rather than a solution. When you suspect elder...
As you complete your estate plan, a thorny issue sometimes arises. One or more of your potential beneficiaries has proven to be ill-equipped at money management. This presents a major dilemma for those trying to make prudent estate planning decisions. You don’t want...
Estate planning isn’t just about directing what happens with your assets after you die. It’s also about protecting your future. One important part of any estate plan is a health care directive. Having a health care directive in place is one of the best things you can...
Naming a personal representative is often an important part of creating an estate plan. Your deceased loved one likely chose someone whom they trusted for that position. If they didn't name someone, then the court will appoint a representative for the estate. Most of...
When preparing for end-of-life and long-term health care decisions, there are two main tools available: Medical powers of attorney and living wills. What if you have neither of those at a critical medical moment when you’re suddenly unable to speak for yourself? If...
Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible condition that can rob a person of their mental functions. It is a degenerative disease, which means it gets worse over time, but the speed at which it progresses can vary. If you have a loved one with this condition, you may wonder...
Probate laws in each state govern the process of settling a deceased person's estate. When the person has established an executor in his or her will, that person holds legal responsibility for probate. Review the process of probate in Washington to inform the estate...
Having an interest in a person's estate is a great honor, and one that you no doubt feel humbled by. Some might say that no matter what that interest may be, you should accept it (or the interest allotted to others) without question. Yet what if the terms of your...
