Category Archives: Estate Planning
The Importance of Beneficiary Designations in Your Washington Estate Planning
Just because you have a will, does not mean your estate plan is complete. The truth is that you probably have several assets that do not pass under the terms of your will. Most of these assets are held by institutions that allow you to designate a beneficiary, who will automatically receive ownership of… Read More »
Can You Contest a Will in Washington State?
When making a last will and testament, you generally have the right to dispose of your property to whomever you wish. Of course, some of your friends or family may be disappointed by your choices. Could such disappointment lead them to contest your will after you die? While stories about contested wills make for… Read More »
What Happens to My Washington Small Business If I Die?
For many Spokane Valley residents, running their small business is an all-consuming affair. Their business is their life. But what happens to that business if the owner dies unexpectedly and leaves no clear succession plan in place? The answer to that question will depend on a number of factors, including how the business itself… Read More »
Can I Leave an Inheritance to My Pet?
Every so often, you will hear a story about someone who tries to leave their estate to their pet. Indeed, such a story occurred earlier this year in Florida. An 84-year-old woman passed away and left instructions in her will that her seven Persian cats should continue to live in her 4,000-square-foot home for… Read More »
What Happens if a Washington Trust Beneficiary Refuses to Accept a Distribution?
People often create revocable trusts in an attempt to keep their estate planning private. Unlike a will, which is subject to court-administered probate in Washington, a trust is generally not a matter of public record. That said, lawsuits can and do arise over the administration of trusts, in which case their provisions can still… Read More »
What Will Happen to Your Family Business After You Die? Lessons from the NFL
Many Tri-cities residents own their own business. Some might even be owned together with other family members. This can raise a number of questions when it comes to estate planning. Do you want to leave the business to your children? Do you want it to be sold? If so, what happens to the other… Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate in Washington State
You have probably heard the term “probate” in connection with the death of a family member or close friend. But you may not fully understand what it means. In this article, we will look at some of the more frequently asked questions about probate here in Washington State, and what you need to know… Read More »
Why is Estate Planning for Single People So Important?
Many people are getting married later in life, whether or not they have children before then. Due to this, more people are spending a greater portion of their life single. Being single, though, does not mean that it is not important to create an estate plan. Below, one of our Spokane estate planning lawyers… Read More »
When Should You Start Estate Planning?
Everyone has an estate, whether they know it or not. Your estate is made up of everything you own, including your home, car, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, life insurance, personal possessions, and furniture. Regardless of how small or how large your estate is, it is important that you make a plan for it…. Read More »
Four Common Myths About Estate Planning
Approximately two-thirds of Americans do not have an estate plan in place. There are likely many reasons for this, but one of the most common is that people mistakenly believe some of the biggest myths surrounding this type of planning. Below, one of our Kennewick estate planning lawyers outlines what these are, and the… Read More »