Seattle Family Law Law Blog

As your parent ages, you may have more and more concerns about his or her well-being. While you may not have any problem stepping in and making important decisions on his or her behalf if that time comes, you know that you need legal authority to do so. Though you know that your parent has already done some estate planning, you may not know the details of the plan.

As an adult child, you want to ensure that your parent's affairs are in order and that plans are in place to handle difficult situations in the future, such as if your parent becomes incapacitated by illness or injury. Such a time can be stressful, and you want to make sure that you know what to do.

Virtually everyone knows what a will is and how it works, but this understanding has not motivated everyone to actually create one. CNBC reports that only 55% of people over 55 years old have a will. The numbers are likely lower for those who are younger and think a will is not yet necessary.

However, even having a will is not enough. A will can only address some of your end-of-life wishes and protect only some of your assets. You need other estate planning documents to fully safeguard yourself and your family in the event of your incapacitation or death.

Most people get married believing that they will have a lasting relationship. However, that is not always the outcome.

In certain situations, parties may not be completely ready to enter the divorce process, or they may benefit from other separation methods. There are a few key considerations that may help to determine whether legal separation or divorce is best.

Once you realize you cannot move forward in the marriage any longer with your spouse, it is time to proceed with a divorce. As you acquire the necessary paperwork, you will gradually inform your loved ones of what will happen. Chances are good you know plenty of people who have divorced, and they will likely give you advice during this time. 

You need to take any advice given to you by friends with a huge grain of salt. Divorce is different for everyone. They may be familiar with the process, but they do not know you and your spouse. You should only take advice from a legal authority and only rely on your friends for emotional support.