When people think about estate planning, they often start with a will. For many families, however, a Revocable Living Trust can offer additional benefits that make life easier for loved ones both during your lifetime and after you pass away. A Revocable Living Trust...
One of the first responsibilities after being appointed as personal representative in a Washington probate is providing notice. This step often causes stress because it involves deadlines, legal language, and the fear of “doing it wrong.” Two key pieces of this...
If you are handling probate in Washington, you may hear the term “Letters Testamentary” early on and wonder what they actually are — and why everyone seems to need them. Despite the formal name, Letters Testamentary are simply a key tool that allows you to do your job...
Many people create a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare as part of their estate plan, but are not entirely sure when it actually comes into play. A common question we hear is: Does this document give someone control over my medical decisions right away?...
While probate is part of settling many estates, it’s not required for every type of asset. Some assets are designed to transfer directly to beneficiaries—saving time, money, and unnecessary stress. Below are the most common assets that avoid probate in Washington...
Many people create a revocable living trust for one major reason—avoiding probate. A trust can also provide privacy and smoother administration, but probate avoidance is usually at the top of the list. For a trust to accomplish that goal, it must actually own the...
One of the most common questions people ask after a loved one passes away is, “How long does probate take?” The answer depends on several factors, but in Washington State, the typical probate process takes at least six months, but usually around one year. In some...
One of the most common questions I receive is: “Do we have estate taxes or inheritance taxes in Washington State — and when do they apply?” If you live in Washington and want clarity on how estate taxes work, you’re in the right place. Below is a simple explanation to...
When a loved one passes away and you’ve been appointed to handle their estate, selling their home or other real estate often becomes a key part of the probate process. Whether it’s the decedent’s primary residence, a rental property, or an investment property,...
Administering a probate can feel overwhelming, especially when you have just lost someone you love. In Washington State, the probate process is often more straightforward than people expect, but it still involves several important steps that must be handled carefully...
