Blogs

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is facing significant changes following a 2025 announcement by the U.S. Treasury Department to pause enforcement of its beneficial ownership reporting requirements. This decision provides relief for small businesses, as the Treasury plans to limit the CTA’s scope to foreign reporting companies only. Small business owners are encouraged to stay updated as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. Learn how these updates affect your business in our latest guide.

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Learn what legal conflicts of interest are, how they impact estate planning, probate, and guardianship cases in Washington State, and when attorneys are ethically prohibited from representing clients. Whipple Law Group provides clear guidance on protecting your legal rights.

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The UTMA allows a custodian to manage assets on behalf of a minor until they turn 18, with the custodian holding significant control over investment and use of the assets. However, there are risks, such as the minor gaining full control at 18 and the impact on financial aid. A Trust, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility and protection, such as extended control over distributions, protection from creditors, and tax advantages. Trusts also allow for continuity of management in the event of a trustee’s death. While UTMA accounts are simpler, a Trust is often a more effective solution for long-term asset management for minors.

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By delegating parental rights on a temporary and revocable basis, parents can ensure their children’s welfare, healthcare, and education remain a priority, even in their absence. For families navigating complex situations, such as military deployment or immigration issues, this legal tool can provide reassurance and stability. If you are considering a Custodial Power of Attorney, consult with a qualified attorney to ensure your document meets your needs and complies with state laws.

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Discover how to avoid the costly and emotional pitfalls of accidental disinheritance. Learn common causes, from outdated wills to changes in family dynamics, and actionable strategies to protect your heirs and legacy. Stay in control of your estate plan—read more now!

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Learn how to spot and avoid advanced small business scams targeting Washington business owners. Protect your company from fake filings, excessive fees, and scare tactics posing as official requests. Stay informed with tips from the Whipple Law Group to verify legitimacy and report fraud.

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Estate planning requires careful thought and ongoing maintenance. By avoiding common mistakes—such as neglecting legal nuances, failing to update documents, overlooking digital assets, ignoring incapacity planning, and relying solely on online tools—you can ensure your plan protects your legacy and loved ones. Seeking professional advice is highly recommended to create a comprehensive, state-compliant estate plan.

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Ensure your estate plan doesn't turn into a spooky surprise this Halloween! Our latest blog explores why creating or updating your estate plan is critical for protecting your loved ones. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls like outdated documents, family disputes, and probate delays. We provide key insights into wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more to help you secure your assets and wishes. Halloween is a perfect time to plan for the unpredictable—don’t let your legacy haunt your family. Get the peace of mind you deserve today!

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Figuring out if you want a DNR, POLST, or need an Advanced Care Directive (also known as a Health Care Directive or Living Will) as part of your estate plan can be confusing. There are always the “what ifs” to contend with. At The Whipple Law Group, our estate planning attorneys can walk you through all the scenarios and help you determine what is important to you.

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A Powers of Attorney (POA) is an estate planning tool in Washington, where you appoint a person, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to manage your affairs. An agent is commonly appointed to handle financial or medical matters, when you are unable to do so yourself, due to illness or injury. However, it can also be used by individuals in full health who wish to delegate authority to another person, for added convenience or assistance in managing their affairs.

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The world of estate planning can be complex to navigate. Trusts, in particular, present a myriad of options. From Revocable Living Trusts to Special Needs Trusts, the choices are vast. Each trust type carries its own benefits and considerations. This blog aims to simplify these options.

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Estate planning is often associated with married couples or wealthy individuals. However, it's equally, if not more useful, for unmarried individuals. Without a proper estate plan, state laws may dictate how your assets are distributed. This may not align with what you have in mind for your perso...

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How Do You Choose an Estate Planning Attorney? You have been told about the significance of estate planning to secure your assets for the future. You have been informed that estate planning is one of the most loving things you can do for your loved ones. Now, how do you go about choosing the righ...

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Guardianship Abuse Prevention Guardianship is a legal tool designed to protect vulnerable adults. It assigns and entrusts a guardian with the responsibility to care for an individual who cannot care for themselves. However, this system is not immune to abuse. Guardianship abuse is a growing conce...

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Updating Your Estate Plans Estate planning is a crucial task that many of us tend to overlook. Yet, it's an essential part of ensuring our family legacy and protecting our assets. An estate plan is not a one-time document. It's a living, evolving plan that should reflect our current circumstances...

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Business estate planning is an important aspect of entrepreneurship that often goes overlooked. It's about more than just preparing for the inevitable. It's about ensuring the continuity of your business legacy and safeguarding the future of your hard-earned assets. In this blog, we delve into st...

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The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires U.S. corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other similar entities to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This blog will help your small business understand and compl...

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If you reside in Washington, understanding the estate tax is crucial for safeguarding your assets and ensuring your loved ones aren’t burdened with unnecessary taxes. Proper estate planning can help minimize or avoid estate taxes through strategic gifting, irrevocable trusts, life insurance policies, and leveraging the marital deduction. With the federal estate tax exemption set to drop significantly in 2026, now is the time to review your estate plan. Consulting an experienced Spokane estate planning attorney ensures your estate strategy aligns with current tax laws, helping you preserve wealth and protect your legacy.

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Losing a loved one is never easy, and the process of settling their estate can be overwhelming. If you have been named as the personal representative of an estate, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to begin opening probate and the estate administration process. In this article, we ...

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Washington State’s legal system is governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which consists of statutes enacted by the legislature and signed into law, and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), which regulates state agencies. RCWs are categorized by Title, Chapter, and Section, covering areas like estate planning (Title 11) and criminal law (Title 9A), while WACs guide agency decision-making and enforcement. Since laws and regulations evolve, staying informed is essential, but legal matters can be complex. At The Whipple Law Group, we help clients navigate the legal system with clarity and confidence.

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Dealing with the distribution of physical items in an estate can be a daunting task, and the question of “Who gets what?” often poses a significant challenge. Below, we'll explore common issues people face and some creative potential solutions to make the estate inventory process smoother and mor...

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Prescriptive Easements Easements grant legal authority for one person (the dominant property owner) to use the property of another person (servient property owner) without possessing legal property ownership. We have discussed this previously in a blog post describing what you need to know about ...

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Spokane's Best Estate Planning Attorneys for 2024 The Whipple Law Group is proud to announce its selection to Expertise.com's Top 9 List of Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Spokane for the year 2024. This prestigious recognition is a testament to our firm's unwavering commitment to providing exc...

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EASEMENTS: What you need to know. Property Rights: a bundle of sticks Easement defined Thinking about easements How are easements created? Can an easement be terminated? Key Takeaways Property Rights: a bundle of sticks Owning property is a basic, fundamental right. When looking at ...

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I Have a Child with Special Needs, is Guardianship Right for Me? You've been doing a great job as a caregiver while your child is a minor; however, you may need to navigate the Guardianship/Conservatorship court, or consult with an attorney, once your child turns 18. Sometimes, reaching the age o...

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