Does All Property Have to Go Through Probate When Someone Dies?
Does all property have to go through probate when someone dies? During the estate planning process, you must decide how you would like your assets to be distributed after you die. Your last will and testament will name someone to act as your personal representative. The will may contain all of your instructions on what…
The Six Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes
What are the biggest estate planning mistakes? Putting together a long-term plan for your family can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate. There are a handful of common estate planning mistakes that you can avoid when making important decisions for your family. 1) Failing to Plan The biggest mistake is failing to create a plan…
How To Get, Create, or Choose a Health Care Proxy
How to choose a health care proxy? Planning for your long-term care allows you to decide what you would like to happen if, at some point in the future, you are incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. With documents like a living will, you can state what you would like doctors to do…
How Long Does Probate Take Without a Will?
How long does probate take without a will? Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already a difficult process, so it’s easy to get frustrated when it comes to going through probate too. This lengthy and often difficult process can add even more stress to your life. The probate process is one in…
The Substantial Risk of Writing a Will Without a Lawyer
What is the risk of writing a will without a lawyer? Each state has strict laws that govern the probate of estates—whether with or without a will. Unfortunately, this means that if a will is challenged as invalid and thrown out, the testator will no longer have control over what happens to their estate. Trying…
Naming a Legal Guardian for Your Kids, What Will Happen to Your Kids If You Die
What will happen to your kids if you die? Parents must make difficult decisions all the time. Their children’s health, education, and overall well-being are in their hands, after all. An important part of raising children is the question “What will happen to the children if I die?” No one likes to think about matters like this…
Estate Planning for Minimalists
What is estate planning for minimalists? Minimalism is a lifestyle that means living and thriving on the bare essentials. You can use minimalism principles throughout your life, from your home to future plans. An important way to prepare for your future with minimalism is to plan your estate. How should minimalists approach estate planning? Let’s dive…
How to Set Up a Trust for Your Child Right Now
Need to set up a trust for your child right now? As a parent, it is good for you to create a plan for distributing your assets in the case of your untimely passing. Part of that involves setting up a trust for your children. In a trust, you can choose a trustee who oversees such…
What You Need to Know about the Death Tax in Washington State
What do you need to know about the death tax in Washington state? Nobody wants to pay more taxes than they must. If you die without properly preparing for Washington estate tax you will be paying more in taxes and leaving less to your heirs. The Difference between an Inheritance Tax and an Estate Tax…
Why You Need an Attorney to Write Your Will
Do you need an attorney to write your will? Most people can benefit from a will. It outlines your wishes on what should happen to your assets after you pass and leaves less room for interpretation by family members to guess what you would have wanted. Anyone can get a will, whether you are young…