Seattle, Washington
Many Washington state residents use trusts as an estate planning tool. A trust is flexible and can take effect during life (living trust) or after death. Trusts shield assets from probate and offer tax advantages. A living trust takes place during the trustor’s life....
There is no question about it, divorce is stressful. With that said, it may be even more stressful depending on where you live and your family's situation. If, for example, you are an individual who is separating from a partner with whom you share children and are in...
When you die without an estate plan in place, you run the risk of your loved ones having to jump through hoops and work their way through the court system before they receive any part of your estate. Without an estate plan, you may also leave loved ones scrambling to...
Traditionally, the courts have treated pets as property in divorce cases. However, in many parts of the country judges are beginning to reconsider the way they handle who gets custody of the family pet. How might these changing attitudes affect your divorce and what...
When you think of long-term estate planning, you likely focus on the security of your children or grandchildren. However, you may need to consider helping your parents, too. Communicating with your parents about creating a plan for their assets helps eliminate...
When planning your estate, you may have questions about whether it will have to go through probate. With this process, the court supervises your designated representative as he or she settles your affairs. Review the criteria that determine whether your Washington...
The division of assets can be one of the most contentious aspects of any divorce. Unfortunately, some people attempt to hide assets from their spouses to avoid equitable distribution during divorce proceedings. If you think your spouse is attempting to hide assets,...
The internet has likely changed how you live your daily life over the past few years. You may use the internet constantly throughout your day for work, school or entertainment purposes. According to the Pew Research Center, only 7% of adults in the U.S. today do not...
Grey divorce refers to divorces involving spouses over the age of 50, the baby boomer generation. Divorce is difficult and arduous at any age, but going through it later in life can be especially traumatic, both emotionally and financially. Baby boomers in Washington...
For Washington state couples who are getting a divorce, dividing marital property can be one of the most complicated issues they will deal with. Since there may be significant value for certain items, there are frequently disagreements as to how the property will be...