When residents of the Evergreen State begin organizing their affairs, they quickly encounter the most common divide in Washington State estate planning: utilizing a revocable living trust to avoid probate versus relying on a simpler will that goes through the probate process. This is not a political debate, but rather a practical, everyday discussion among families, financial professionals, and attorneys. Washingtonians often find themselves firmly split into two camps regard

At this year’s annual mid-year CLE, the biggest bombshell (by far) was the complete overhaul of Washington State's intestate probate rules. Our intestate probate system wasn’t something people were actively complaining about. Sure, no one approaches probate with glee, but Washington's historically streamlined approach was at least bearable and efficient for most families. That has officially flipped. Thanks to a new law that went into effect on June 11, 2026 (Engrossed House

A major life event, such as having a child, can prompt a person to seek out advice about setting up an estate plan. Whatever the case, there are special considerations that go into estate planning when minor children are involved. While it can be an emotional matter to think about and discuss, knowing that you have a plan in place in case of the death of one or both parents will bring great peace of mind. Part I: Appointing a Guardian (The Person) One of the most important pa

"I don't need estate planning – I don't own anything valuable." I hear this all the time from my younger clients, and I get it. When you're renting an apartment, living paycheck to paycheck, or just starting your career, estate planning might seem like something only wealthy retirees need to worry about. But here's the thing: estate planning isn't just about who gets your stuff when you're gone. In fact, some of the most important estate planning documents have nothing to do

Introduction: As a business owner, staying informed about regulatory changes is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain compliance. One...

The Purpose of a Retainer Consider the scenario of scheduling a car’s oil change for Thursday and canceling it on Wednesday. The mechanic...

Introduction: In Washington State, navigating the legalities surrounding estate distribution can be a daunting task, especially when...