Recent Blog Posts
Testamentary Trusts vs. Revocable Living Trusts in Spokane
At first glance, testamentary trusts and revocable living trusts may seem quite similar. If you’re assessing your estate planning options in Spokane, however, it is important to understand the subtle differences between various trusts. These slight differences may be beneficial or detrimental, depending on your unique circumstances. What exactly is the difference between a… Read More »
What Is Pre-Crisis Planning for Seniors in Spokane?
No one likes to think about what kinds of crises might lie ahead – but it always makes sense to be prepared. Seniors who engage in “pre-crisis planning” may find it easier to face uncertain futures with a degree of confidence. These types of plans can help not only seniors, but also their loved… Read More »
How Can Beneficiaries Communicate With Executors in Washington?
If you stand to inherit assets from a deceased loved one, you may need to interact with the executor of the Will. This might be someone you know personally, such as a close family member. However, it might also be someone whom you may not be as close to – and it could be… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Durable Powers of Attorney
In Washington estate planning, a durable power of attorney (DPA) is a critical document that can help protect your assets. A DPA enables you to appoint a family member, friend, or other trusted person to make financial decisions for you and your property. This can prove especially useful if you become incapacitated and are… Read More »
What Is the Difference Between a Washington Probate Estate and a Taxable Estate?
When it comes to the estate tax, the law makes a clear distinction between a “probate” estate and a “taxable” estate. Essentially, there are assets that may be part of a deceased individual’s taxable estate that are not part of their probate estate. It is therefore important to consider the potential size of your… Read More »
Does a Washington Power of Attorney Let You Represent Someone in Court?
A recent unpublished opinion from the Washington Court of Appeals, Stafford Healthcare SeaTac, LLC v. Page, illustrates why it is important to work with an experienced Spokane elder law attorney when it comes to long-term care planning. This sad case involved a dispute over an unpaid nursing home bill. According to the Court of… Read More »
The Role of Revocable Trusts in Washington Rental Property Ownership
Many Spokane Valley residents own their homes or rental properties through a revocable living trust. Such trusts provide a flexible tool for retaining control of real estate while avoiding the need for probate when the grantor the trust dies. Essentially, the property is transferred to the trust itself, and any successor trustee named in… Read More »
5 Things You Need to Know About Estate Taxes in 2025
As a new year–and a new presidential administration–approaches, it is important to take stock of where things stand with respect to the estate tax. While many Washingtonians will never have to worry about actually leaving an estate large enough to trigger a tax obligation, it is still worth noting the coming changes to the… Read More »
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Aging in Place
For many Spokane Valley residents, the prospect of spending their golden years in a retirement home or similar long-term care facility is not an appealing one. Their goal is to stay in their own homes where they have already built a life and support system. While “aging in place” has many advantages over other… Read More »
What Happens to a Washington Single-Member LLC When the Member Dies?
If you own–or plan to start–your own business, it is important to consider the future probate implications of your business structure. For example, if you are a sole proprietor, your business essentially lives and dies with you. A sole proprietor is an unincorporated business with no legal existence separate from the proprietor. This means… Read More »