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...
When someone passes away, their estate often goes through a legal process called probate. In Washington State, probate can seem intimidating at first—but not every case requires hiring an attorney. If the probate is uncontested and there is a valid Will, a personal...
A Revocable Living Trust is a legal tool that lets you decide what happens to your assets—like your home, bank accounts, or other property—both during your lifetime and after you pass away. Here’s why you may to consider having one. Avoiding Probate Probate is the...
When you create an estate plan, you are making some of the most important decisions for your family’s future. You are choosing who will receive your assets, who will be in charge of carrying out your wishes, and how everything should be handled when you are no longer...
It’s easy to put off creating an estate plan. Maybe you think you’re too young, you don’t have “enough” to leave behind, or you simply don’t want to think about it. But the truth is, if you pass away without a will or trust in Washington State, your loved ones could...
The short answer? Your debt doesn’t automatically disappear—but it doesn’t get passed to your family either (in most cases). Here’s how it really works. Debts Don’t Die—But People Don’t Inherit Them When you pass away, your debts are generally paid from your...