Many who think of leaving a plan for the end of their lives may think only of a will. While a will can certainly be a starting point, a complete estate plan can include many more options. More than simply assigning who can claim your belongings after you die, you can...
Seattle Estate And Probate Blog
Are you concerned that your kids will fight over your estate?
Wanting to get your final affairs in order is admirable. You may have a number of assets to consider, complex assets or multiple beneficiaries to take into account. Whatever your exact circumstances, estate planning can help make sure that your final wishes are known....
Duties of the personal representative of a will in Washington
A personal representative, otherwise known as an “executor” of a will is responsible for overseeing the assets and estate of a person who has passed. This responsibility can be taken if it has been specified in the decedent’s will or if all the beneficiaries agree on...
Fast, cheap estate planning is not always better
Saving time and money is a noble goal. You may agree that it is good to choose the fast and frugal way as long as you do not sacrifice quality. In fact, you may recall times when you tried a cheaper, more convenient product and ended up paying even more when it didn't...
Disappointment is not a legal reason to contest a will
Did you expect to receive a certain inheritance from a loved one who recently passed away? Perhaps you didn't receive what you thought you would, if anything at all. Even though you may be disappointed, this is not enough reason to challenge the validity of his or her...
Be careful when choosing your agent for a power of attorney
Creating a durable financial power of attorney can be a good way to ensure your finances will be managed the way you like, even when you are unable to do so yourself. A durable financial power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone else the authority to...
3 FAQ’s beneficiaries have after someone passes away
If you’ve been lucky enough not to have someone close to you pass away in your adult years, you’re probably unfamiliar with how an estate is handled when it happens. To get a basic understanding of how things work when you are a beneficiary of someone who passes away,...
Examining the state of federal, state estate tax laws
Estate tax law is in flux thanks to the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017. The federal government recently released the 2019 federal estate tax limit for 2019: $11.4 million per tax filer, up from $11.18 million in 2018 – and up from $5.5 million in 2017. That means a...
Should I contest a will if the testator had dementia?
If you have concerns about the validity of a will due to the decedent’s mental capacity before death, taking action may be the right thing to do. Read on to learn more about who can contest a will and the conditions for a person’s dementia to play a role. Only...
Executor wrongdoing may warrant removal
After a loved one's passing, almost everyone wants the final affairs handled smoothly and as quickly as possible. In many cases, heirs and beneficiaries are waiting to obtain assets from the estate for sentimental reasons or even as a bit of financial help. As a...