estate planning
Getting Married? Estate Planning Basics to Consider
Getting married is the right time to update your estate plan, especially if you plan to combine finances. A few proactive steps now can prevent confusion and conflict later. 1. Decide what stays separate and what becomes jointTalk through which assets are: 2. Update beneficiary designationsRetirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death accounts pass by beneficiary…
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of a Revocable Living Trust in Washington State
A Revocable Living Trust is one of the most common estate planning tools. A Revocable Living Trust offers flexibility, privacy, and a streamlined way to manage your assets during life and after death. But like any estate planning tool, it isn’t a perfect fit for everyone.
Read MoreHandling Cryptocurrency in your Estate Planning
Handling cryptocurrency in your will can be tricky due to its unique nature, but it’s important to ensure your digital assets are passed on to the right beneficiaries according to your wishes. The following are some steps to help you plan intelligently and effectively: 1. Identify the Cryptocurrency: 2. Secure Private Keys and Wallet Information:…
Read MoreElectronic Wills in Washington: What You Need to Know
Written By Shaheer Hashmi Law is an ever-evolving field in how it is practiced and what it covers, and the time-tested process for estate planning is no different. Recently, Washington State announced that starting January 1st, 2022, wills may begin to be executed electronically through the upcoming Electronic Wills Act (EWA). What does that mean…
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between an Attorney-in-Fact, Executor and Trustee?
The “Who’s Who” of Your Estate Planning A common question I get is, what is the difference Between an Attorney-in-Fact, Executor and Trustee with respect to decision-making authority? An important piece of the estate planning process is choosing who will make financial and health care decisions on your behalf during your lifetime, as well as…
Read MoreSix Expenses You Probably Aren’t Planning For
Don’t get taken by surprise when these expenses sneak up on you! Sometimes, it is hard enough to find the money to cover your daily living expenses, so the idea that you should put away “extra” money for a rainy day seems outlandish. But this planning necessary, and it is simpler than you might think.…
Read MoreNever Too Young
Guest Author: Michele C. Petite-Shelhorse The fact is, life is never predictable. You are never too young to protect your loved ones and delegate your life’s legacy. Below are ten reasons why young people should consider making their estate plan now. How do you want to be remembered? Celebration of Life planning is wise. A…
Read MoreHealth Care Advance Directives and How to Choose your Attorney in Fact
Advance directives are composed of two legal documents: A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and a Health Care Directive. A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a legal document appointing someone of your choice to make healthcare decisions for you if you become unable to do so because of injury, illness,…
Read MoreDying Without A Will
Having your will done is your opportunity to leave final instructions for your loved ones, and to make sure your wishes are properly carried out when you die. You can address all sorts of issues in your will, including establishing guardianships for your children, setting up trusts, taking care of your pets, end of life…
Read MoreCommunity Property & Estate Planning
What is Community Property?Community property is any property owned by a married couple, or two people in a committed intimate relationship (we will refer to these as ‘spouses’ for purposes of this article), where each spouse has a “present, undivided, one-half interest in the property.” This means that each spouse has equal access to the…
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