Serving as the Executor of an estate in Washington State places you in a position of significant responsibility at a time when you may still be grieving. The person who named you in their Will placed a great deal of trust in your judgment, integrity, and ability to handle complex matters. Probate can appear intimidating […]
Probate
Why You Should Include Probate Avoidance Strategies in Your Washington State Estate Plan
Estate planning is about protecting your assets and ensuring they are distributed according to your wishes. In Washington State, as in most jurisdictions, probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and distributed. While probate serves an essential function, it can also be time-consuming, expensive, and invasive. With that in […]
What Might Cause Probate Delays in Washington State?
When you pass away, the estate you leave behind must go through the legal process referred to as “probate.” Probate serves numerous important purposes, including authentication of the decedent’s Last Will and Testament (and litigating any challenges thereto), identifying and valuing estate assets, paying creditors and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries and/or legal heirs. […]
Is Probate always Required?
One of the most commonly asked questions during the estate planning process is “is probate always required?” Unfortunately, there is no yes or no answer to this question. It is based on a variety of factors, including where you live at the time of your death, the laws in other states where you own property, […]
Does Your Law Firm Do Probates?
Despite the fact that you will not be around when your estate goes through probate, it is important to know what the process entails. The more you know the better chance there is that you can make decisions that will work in the favor of your loved ones. Generally speaking, there are two basic steps […]
