As people journey through life, their roles often reverse with time. Children grow into adults, and parents age, requiring a shift in responsibilities. One of the crucial and sensitive topics that adult children may need to address with their elderly parents is the...
Seattle Estate And Probate Blog
Preparing to create your digital estate plan
You know that you need to create a digital estate plan to better ensure that your wishes concerning your digital footprint are honored in the event of your death or incapacitation. Now it’s time to get started. Unlike crafting a simple will, digital estate planning...
3 common reasons to remove an estate’s personal representative
Probate litigation delays the distribution of property from an estate and can also increase how much it costs to carry out someone's last wishes. Many testators who craft an estate plan make avoiding probate court one of their top priorities. Despite those efforts,...
Should you include a no-contest clause in your will?
Chances are you were careful when drafting your will – you ensured it reflected your genuine wishes. However, one of your heirs or an interested party can contest it when it goes to probate. Accordingly, inheritance distribution may take longer, and the court may...
What’s a pour-over will in a living trust?
In estate planning, individuals often utilize various legal tools to help ensure their assets are protected and distributed according to their wishes. Two commonly employed instruments are pour-over wills and living trusts. Understanding the intricacies of these legal...
Warning signs an estate administrator might be stealing
In the realm of estate administration, trust and integrity are paramount. An estate administrator, often appointed by a court or designated in a will, assumes the duty of managing the assets and affairs of a deceased person. They play a pivotal role in executing the...
What is the testamentary capacity to sign a will?
If someone decides to dispute your will, one of the questions that may come up is whether you were in full control of your mental faculties when executing the document. This is because the law requires a testator to be of sound mind while signing the document. This is...
Important documents in the estate planning process
If you’ve ever thought about going through the estate planning process, it can feel a little overwhelming. You might find yourself asking the question: “where do I even start?” There can be a lot of paperwork that you feel needs your attention and some of it can be...
4 instances when a will can be contested
When someone you cared about passes away, and you learn that they didn’t leave behind a substantial inheritance as you had expected, or they even disinherited you, it’s natural that you’ll feel frustrated. Such news can be shocking, especially if you believe there is...
Don’t include these 4 assets in your Washington will
Writing a will is essential, but reflecting upon your own death and what will happen to your property once you’re gone can be uncomfortable. Remember, your wishes may not be carried out if you die without a will. Therefore, it’s important that you create one to...