Category Archives: Estate Planning
Four Common Myths About Estate Planning
Approximately two-thirds of Americans do not have an estate plan in place. There are likely many reasons for this, but one of the most common is that people mistakenly believe some of the biggest myths surrounding this type of planning. Below, one of our Kennewick estate planning lawyers outlines what these are, and the… Read More »
Are Handwritten or Oral Wills Valid in Washington?
Every Washington resident should have a last will and testament. A proper will ensures that your property goes to your preferred beneficiaries and that someone you trust is placed in charge of your estate as your personal representative. While the requirements for making a valid will are not especially difficult, they must be carefully… Read More »
What Is the Difference Between Estate, Inheritance, and Gift Taxes in Washington?
The estate tax is often misunderstood. Many Washington residents assume they need to engage in complex estate planning just to avoid the possibility their heirs will owe the government money. But the current reality is that the vast majority of Washingtonians will not leave a sizable enough estate to trigger any estate tax obligations… Read More »
Do You Need a Survivorship Clause in Your Washington Will or Trust?
Many Washington wills and trusts contain what are known as survivorship requirements. This basically means that a beneficiary must survive you by a specified amount of time in order to inherit from your estate or trust. Such requirements can help to avoid a situation where your property might end up passing under the estate… Read More »
What Are the Rights of a Committed Intimate Partner in a Washington Probate Estate?
Many Spokane Valley residents are in loving, committed, and long-term relationships yet never marry or register with the state as domestic partners. So, what does this mean when one partner dies? Does the survivor have any inheritance rights under Washington law? The answer to this question is, “Maybe.” While Washington does not have “common… Read More »