The many facets of the estate planning process can overwhelm and confuse. In these articles, our legal team has written easy-to-read content to help you learn more about your estate-planning needs.
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Protect Your Family With A Comprehensive Estate PlanA big part of estate planning is avoiding the time and expense of probate. Here are some of the tools you can use to protect your family’s future.
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An Attorney Can Assist a Personal Representative in WashingtonBeing chosen as a personal representative for an estate can be challenging, but an estate planning and probate attorney can help you with the process.
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Five Reasons You Should Get Legal Help With Your WillAlthough you don’t need an attorney to create a basic will, there are five important reasons to get legal help when creating an estate plan.
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How a Power of Attorney Can Help Your Estate PlanDesignating durable powers of attorney for both your finances and your health care is important for any estate plan. Here’s what you should know about them.
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Using a Living Trust to Avoid ProbateThere are many misconceptions about the probate process and whether it can be avoided. Here’s what you need to know about how living trusts can help.
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3 Things to Know Before You Appoint a Personal Representative in Your WillNaming a personal representative for your estate is an important part of your will. Here, learn the best way to decide who to name and how to do it.
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A Personal Representative’s Guide to Estate Management in WashingtonBeing the personal representative of an estate in Washington is a big responsibility. Here, learn about eligibility and duties of this role.
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The Assets You Should and Shouldn’t Use to Fund a Living TrustLiving trusts can be confusing to people just getting started with an estate plan. Here, learn the assets to use and not use to fund a trust.
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Determine If a Community Property Agreement Is Beneficial to Your Marriage or PartnershipCommunity property agreements are one way to manage inheritance to a surviving spouse, but they’re not for everyone. Learn the facts about these agreements here.
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Avoid These Common Mistakes Personal Representatives Make When Managing an EstateIf you’ve been appointed the personal representative of an estate, there are certain mistakes you want to avoid. Learn the errors that will cost the estate money.
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Use a Pet Trust to Care for Your Animal CompanionsMany people feel that pets are a part of the family but don’t think about them when making an estate plan. Here’s how you can plan for your pet’s care.
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Six Simple Mistakes People Make About Estate PlanningDon’t fall into the common traps of estate planning. Here are six simple mistakes that any professional estate planner will help you avoid.
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Planning an Estate for Unmarried Couples: Wills, Trusts, and Domestic PartnershipsMany couples choose to remain unmarried, and some same-sex couples can’t marry. Learn how to protect your loved one with an estate plan for unmarried partners.
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Avoiding Family Disputes Over Inheritances: Planning Your EstateA poorly planned estate can lead to painful lawsuits over inheritances. Here, learn what causes estate disputes and how your estate plan can minimize them.
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Trusts and Legal Guardians to Take Care of ChildrenMinor children need to be taken care of if both parents die unexpectedly. Learn about legal guardianship and trusts as a part of your estate plan.
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The Responsibilities of a Personal Representative in the Probate ProcessIf you’re chosen as a personal representative to an estate, there are certain duties you must perform. Here, learn about your responsibilities during probate.
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Understanding Federal and Washington State Estate Taxes and Gift Tax ExemptionsEstate tax can affect your overall estate plan. Here, learn about federal and state filing requirements, exemptions, and gift taxes.
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How to Review and Update Your Estate Plan After a DivorceIt’s important to review your estate plan after a major life event. Learn the steps to evaluate your plan to ensure it fits your current needs after a divorce.
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Information That Should Be Included in Your WillEstate plans typically include a will. Here, learn more about wills and why they’re important as part of your overall plan.
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7 Life Events For Updating Your Estate PlanOnce you have an estate plan, it needs to be updated regularly. Here are seven life events that should cause you to review your plan for the future.