Recent Blog Posts
What Happens if You Leave One Child Less Than Another in Your Will?
As a parent, you may be tempted to leave one child more than another in your Will or trust. This is more common than many realize, and it often has nothing to do with “playing favorites.” In fact, a parent might leave one child less assets simply because they are trying to protect them…. Read More »
What Is the Total Amount of Taxes You Pay in Washington Before You Die?
Taxes have been a major part of human society since the earliest civilizations. No one really likes them, but most begrudgingly accept that they are necessary. Without taxes, it would be challenging to fund infrastructure projects, the military, and various social programs. But how much do you really pay over the course of your… Read More »
Recent Scam in Washington Highlights the Need for Proper Estate Planning
You’ve probably heard it a dozen times before: You should always try to avoid dying with a Will. When explaining why this is so important, estate planning lawyers in Spokane often mention the challenges of intestate succession and the expensive probate process. However, a recent case in Washington shows that dying without a Will… Read More »
Washington State Raises Estate Tax Threshold to $3 Million
By Matthew M. Luedke, Managing Attorney, Moulton Law Offices, P.S. Big news for Washington families: starting July 1, 2025, the Washington State estate tax exemption increases from $2.193 million to $3 million. This change, along with new tax rates and adjustments, marks one of the most important estate planning updates in years. At Moulton… Read More »
Washington’s Multisector Plan for Aging Explained
Multisector plans for aging (MPAs) are becoming increasingly common among numerous US states. One of the newest states to introduce an MPA is Washington. The State Department of Social and Health Services is aiming to get approval from the legislative branch in 2025, and this new program could transform the way seniors age in… Read More »
Top Mistakes With Durable Powers of Attorney in Washington
Durable powers of attorney are some of the most common estate planning tools in Washington. These documents can provide considerable protection and control when (or if) you become incapacitated. However, these estate planning tools are not foolproof – and they may be far less effective than you realize if you make certain mistakes. To… Read More »
Do Stay-at-Home Parents and Homemakers Need Estate Plans?
As a stay-at-home parent or homemaker, you might be wondering whether you truly need an estate plan. After all, your spouse might be the primary breadwinner – and you might trust them to handle financial matters. However, an estate plan could be more important than you realize – and you might want to discuss… Read More »
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 »