Like many Americans, you may think that only wealthy individuals can benefit from creating a trust fund. However, this important financial tool may help you better manage your assets even if you only have a relatively modest estate. A revocable trust, or living trust,...
Blog
Can a child choose which parent to live with in a divorce?
If you and your spouse are separating with the intention of filing for divorce, you likely have many questions about child custody arrangements. Your child may have expressed a strong preference for living with one parent or the other. Before you let hurt feelings...
Powers of attorney may be a good next step for your estate plan
Perhaps you created your last will and testament some years ago. Time passed, and you did not pursue other estate planning possibilities. Now that you are nearing retirement, you want to consider the next step. If so, this may be a good time to establish your durable...
Including trusts in your Washington estate plan
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....
Why you should plan for who gets the family pet after a divorce
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...
Why you should help your parents with estate planning
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...
Will your estate require probate in Washington?
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...
What to do if you think your spouse is hiding assets
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,...
Property division and family homes
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...
Common myths about estate planning
Many people in Washington fail to understand the importance of estate planning. This is partly due to common estate planning myths that have been circulating for the past few decades. Here are some of the most common myths that you might have encountered already. What...
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