Are you one of those people who keep all of your digital passwords in your head or do you keep them written down somewhere? If you tend to store this information in your head, it might not have occurred to you that your loved ones will have no way to access your...
Estate Planning
Why estate planning intimidates so many people
As an adult, estate planning is one of the most important processes you can take part in. It ensures that your hard-earned savings go to the right places upon your death. You can also make plans for who will look after your minor children should something happen to...
Questions to ask when preparing for your role as estate executor
Has a friend or family member approached you about serving as their estate executor after they die? Most people are honored to receive such a request and agree before considering the matter carefully. Proper estate administration involves performing complicated tasks...
Why young parents need to craft estate plans
If you have recently had or adopted a child and you don’t yet have an estate plan in place, it’s time to start crafting one. Generally speaking, all adults should have an estate plan in place, even if they don’t own much property or have children. Once you turn 18,...
How can POD accounts impact your estate plan?
One of the major parts of estate planning is simply passing your assets onto your heirs and any other beneficiaries that you choose. Many of these assets are financial in nature. You may have investment accounts, bank accounts and much more. One option that you have...
Questions to ask yourself when making a medical power of attorney
The true advantage of estate planning is the power it gives people to retain control over many aspects of life. It allows you to preserve your assets, provide for your family and control your healthcare through all stages of life and health. In medical matters, most...
Who needs access to your advance directive for health care?
An advance directive for health care is one of the most important elements in your estate plan. Even if you don’t have a will in place yet, it’s wise to draw up this advance directive to “speak” for you if you can’t speak for yourself. An advance directive lets...
Can you disinherit immediate family members in Washington?
There is a prevalent cultural expectation that people will leave their most valuable assets for family members when they die. This belief is so strong that state law even reinforces it with intestate succession laws. Spouses and children have legally protected rights...
Does your will reflect your current family dynamic?
There are numerous reasons to create a will and other estate planning documents, but none are more important than your family. You want to make sure that your assets go to the right people upon your death. Thus, it’s important to ensure that your will reflects your...
What should every estate plan include?
Estate plans are complicated legal documents that include many considerations. Planning your estate shouldn’t be difficult, however. If you’re looking to plan your estate, you may find it easier after knowing what to include. Here’s what you should know: Wills and...