Wills

How Does A Meretricious Relationship Play Into An Estate Plan?

How Does A Meretricious Relationship Affect an Estate Plan?

How does a meretricious relationship affect an estate plan Washington state does not recognize common law marriage. Instead, Washington State looks at a long-term, committed relationship as a meretricious relationship or cohabitation. Being in a meretricious relationship versus being legally married can affect what happens to your property and assets should one of you become…

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Ready to Write Your Will? Consider This Before You

Ready to Write Your Will? DIY Estate Planning

A last will and testament is the most commonly thought of document when it comes to an estate plan. But, really; it’s a very small part of an integrated plan that ensures your family stays out of Court and out of conflict when something happens to you. Don’t think you can just write your own…

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What is the Value of a Cheap Estate Plan?

What is the Value of a Cheap Estate Plan?

Here are five reasons why shopping for a cheap estate plan is likely to leave you with a plan that won’t work for your family and will leave them with a big mess instead. Bargain Hunting is Not Always a Good Deal The least expensive plan is not always even worth the paper it is…

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How to Help Your Family Use Your Estate Planning Forms in An Emergency

How to Help Your Family Use Your Estate Planning Forms in An Emergency

In an emergency, everything is chaotic and stressful. Family members are often distraught and unable to clearly (and quickly) think about your wishes. What will happen to your children if you and your spouse are no longer able to care for them or yourselves? How will your family know your wishes or have access to…

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5 Simple Ways a Guardianship Attorney Can Help You Today

5 Simple Ways a Guardianship Attorney Can Help You Today

Having a short conversation with a guardianship attorney is enough to start your path to protecting your family. Almost immediately you start to brainstorm how scenarios – good, bad, and weird, might affect you and your children. And that last piece truly is the value of talking to a guardianship attorney, setting up contingency plans…

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Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and Wills: What You Need to Know

Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and Wills: What You Need to Know

The estate planning process encompasses a range of important legal and financial matters. No one likes to think about death or dying, yet it is important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Especially, for instance, young parents who have minor children…what will happen to your kids if something happens to you? The “Durable”…

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Rock Solid Estate Plan

A Young Family’s Guide to a Rock Solid Estate Plan

What does a young family need for a rock solid estate plan? If you are under 40 years old, the chances of you have thought about, or even pursuing estate planning is pretty small. However, something brought you here, and that means you are on your way to changing the way you look at planning…

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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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An Estate Plan includes A Will and Living Trust

Wills & Living Trusts – Which is Better?

Most people won’t be able to describe the difference between a Will and a Trust.  Both are potentially beneficial planning devices and serve distinctly helpful purposes for an estate.  And both Wills and Trusts are common approaches to end of life planning.  So what is the difference?  Which is better for you when thinking about…

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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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