Estate Law

3 Things to Consider When Naming Your Children’s Guardian

Choosing your children’s guardian can be an extremely daunting task. Sure, there are those in your life that you trust enough to babysit. But would they take on the responsibility of raising your kids if something happened to you? You will probably have scores of friends and loved ones dropping lines that they would like…

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5 Essential Estate Planning Forms You Need to Know About

Death. It is inevitable. No one likes considering their mortality but, the smartest among us prepare for it. Preparation helps the suffering of those you are leaving behind. Filing the proper estate planning forms, consolidating assets into a trust, and making sure your affairs are in order is the greatest gift you can give your…

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Child Custody, Divorce, Parenting Plans and How They Impact Estate Planning In WA State

Child Custody, Divorce, Parenting Plans and How They Impact Estate Planning In WA State

Estate planning is an important step for any adult person. Estate planning not only makes sure your requests are followed after your death, but it also ensures your family members have a plan for what to do with your assets.   Unfortunately, some circumstances (that may also have led to a divorce in the first place)…

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6 Steps to Select and Name the Right Guardians for Your Children

6 Steps to Select and Name the Right Guardians for Your Children

  One of your most important responsibilities as a parent is to select and legally document guardians for your children. This does not mean just naming godparents or trusting the grandparents will step in if necessary. It means consciously deciding who would raise your children if you cannot. And then it means legally documenting your…

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Think Your Salary Can Bring You Safely to Retirement? Think Again!

Think Your Salary Can Bring You Safely to Retirement? Think Again!

In the sea of financial planning wisdom, there are too few messages about the importance of mindset. Gone are the days when simply saving money was enough to get you to retirement. With pensions practically a thing of the past, it takes more than just a big piggy bank to afford retirement. Saving strategies aside,…

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Why You Should Never Buy Your Will From Living Social or Groupon

Why You Should Never Buy Your Will From Living Social or Groupon

Of the handful of major life events that require your serious consideration, few are as emotionally charged as how to leave your assets for loved ones at the time of your death. This process is accomplished via testamentary documents such as wills and trusts, which have recently become available for purchase online as standard forms….

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What You Need to Know about a Healthcare Power of Attorney

What You Need to Know About a Healthcare Power of Attorney (HPOA)

One of the things that often confuse people setting up estate plans is the difference between the various powers of attorney.  Often, people looking into estate planning ask questions like:  Can we just wrap this all up into one?  Why do I need all these when all I want to do is make sure my…

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What A New College Student Can Teach Us About Family Planning

What A New College Student Can Teach Us About Family Protection Planning

Your baby is now 18 years old and is on her way to college as a freshman this coming fall!  That happened fast…In fact, it may have happened so fast that you didn’t realize that while they may be your baby still, they are full grown adults in the eyes of the law.   In…

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How Do I Appoint a Guardian For My Child If I Die?

How Do I Appoint a Guardian For My Child If I Die?

  Who Would Raise Your Children If Something Happened to You? Honestly, no one wants to think about this question. It’s an implicit reminder that we are indeed mortal, and, in some cases, we may leave this world before we are ready.  Who will you leave your child with if you die?  What are our…

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How to Avoid Probate

The Basics of Probate 

You’ve probably heard about trusts and wills at this point.  But in nearly all discussion about trusts and wills there is a legal term that most people don’t actually know what it means, probate.   What is Probate? Starting at the basics, probate is a legal procedure that settles a person’s affairs after his/her death. …

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