Recent Blog Posts
Can I Use My Spouse for Tax Avoidance in Washington State?
If you’re interested in tax planning strategies in Washington State, you should consider methods that involve your spouse. Many critics of modern marriage say it has become a purely financial arrangement, but this is also one of marriage’s key benefits. Use your marriage to your advantage, and you may be able to avoid various… Read More »
Should I Create a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust in Washington State?
If you’re considering estate planning strategies that involve gifts between spouses, you may have heard of a spousal lifetime access trust. Also known as a “SLAT,” this type of trust offers numerous potential advantages for married couples. But is it really the right estate planning strategy for you? Can an estate planning attorney in… Read More »
What Is the Order of Probate in Washington?
Probate in Spokane involves many steps. An executor may need to handle things like funeral costs, debt assessment, estate taxes, and distributions to beneficiaries. With so many things to address, families might wonder about the order in which these steps occur. What happens first? What happens last? This is an important question because the… Read More »
Examples of Fraudulent Wills in Yakima
If you believe your loved one’s Will is fraudulent, you may be correct. Perhaps you suspect that someone might have altered the Will without your relative’s consent or knowledge. Maybe you’re worried about the family fortune falling into the wrong hands. But how exactly do you identify a fraudulent Will? What are some potential… Read More »
Should You Tell Your Family About a DNR in Washington State?
A “do not resuscitate” order (DNR) is a desirable choice for many Washington residents approaching the end of their lives. But while this might make total sense to you, your family may struggle to understand why you do not want to receive life-saving care. Should you tell your loved ones about your decision to… Read More »
Top Aging-in-Place Upgrades for Your Home in Kennewick
Aging in place can be easier with a few simple upgrades to your home. While some of these renovations could be costlier than others, they are almost always cheaper than long-term care facilities. As a result, investing in aging-in-place today could allow you to live out your twilight years in unparalleled – and affordable… Read More »
Can a Trust Help Me Avoid Washington State and Federal Estate Taxes?
Unlike many other states, Washington joins 16 other states and imposes its own estate taxes. Combined with federal estate taxes, this could cause concern for many residents – especially those approaching retirement and their twilight years. You may have heard that a trust can help avoid these estate taxes – but is there any… Read More »
Funding Options for Aging in Place in Washington State
Aging in place is a common goal for most seniors, but it could be surprisingly expensive. As you approach your twilight years, you might need increasing assistance for day-to-day needs. This might involve food delivery, cleaning services, medical treatments, safety renovations, and much more. Before you get too worried about paying for these expenses,… Read More »
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 »