Contesting a Will in Washington State is legally possible, but only under specific circumstances and within a strict four-month deadline from the time the Will is admitted to probate (RCW 11.24.010). To initiate a Will contest, you must be an “interested party”—such as a disinherited heir, a beneficiary from a prior Will, or a creditor. Valid reasons for challenging a Will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, improper execution, or the existence of a newer Will.
Discover the essential steps to estate planning during your peak earning years. This comprehensive guide explains how to protect your assets, reduce taxes, and secure your financial legacy for future generations. From creating wills and trusts to business succession planning and managing health care directives, learn actionable strategies tailored for professionals and families looking to safeguard their wealth and ensure peace of mind.
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.
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.
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 Learn common causes, from outdated wills to changes in family dynamics, and actionable strategies to protect your heirs and legacy.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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
Distributing personal belongings after a loved one’s death can be emotionally and logistically challenging. This article explores practical and creative strategies for estate inventory and equitable asset distribution. Traditional solutions include lifetime gifting, selling items, and providing instructions through wills or trusts. Families may also use methods like turn-taking, auctions with point systems, or financial compensation to ensure fairness. The key to success lies in open communication, planning, and a customized approach that honors both sentimental value and family harmony. The Whipple Law Group offers guidance to help families navigate this process with clarity and compassion.
The Whipple Law Group was named one of Spokane’s Best Estate Planning Attorneys for 2024 by Expertise.com, reflecting their commitment to personalized, high-quality legal services. Known for their client-focused approach and innovative solutions, the firm tailors estate plans to each individual’s needs while staying current with legal trends. Led by Michael Whipple, they also actively support the Spokane community. This recognition highlights their dedication to exceptional estate planning, inviting clients to schedule consultations for trusted guidance.
A personal representative—also called an executor or administrator—is entrusted with managing and settling a deceased person’s estate. Their duties include 4 main duties, which may be carried out via 6 key estate administration steps requiring roughly 5 types of documents.
This article provides a step-by-step estate planning checklist tailored for Spokane families and Washington State residents. It emphasizes the importance of creating a legally sound estate plan to protect assets, care for dependents, and reduce stress for loved ones. Key steps include taking inventory of tangible and intangible assets, listing debts, identifying beneficiaries, making healthcare directives, organizing important documents, and regularly updating the plan. The article highlights the value of working with a local Spokane estate planning attorney to navigate Washington-specific laws and ensure the plan reflects personal goals and legal requirements.
Business succession planning (i.e., an estate plan for your business) is a crucial component of personal estate planning that ensures a smooth transition of ownership and management of a business from one generation to the next. Succession planning involves the development of a comprehensive stra...
Estate planning goes hand-in-hand with probate. Probate serves to legally transfer your assets to your heirs. Estate planning ensures that your assets are transferred in the manner you decide. You maintain control as to who receives your property and in what shares. Working with an experienced at...
What happens to my pet after I die? Our estate planning attorneys help you answer that question, and give you the peace knowing that your pet will be well taken care of after you are gone. For many pet owners, their furry friends are not just animals but beloved family members. The thought of lea...
If you own a home, business, or investments, there is a good chance that you will need a trust to protect your wealth. Because individual needs vary, it is almost impossible to approach trust creation from a one-size-fits-all perspective. Instead, your individual needs, personal goals, familial c...
What is an NFT? An NFT is the acronym for Non-Fungible Tokes. A NFT is something that is one-of-a-kind. It is unique but unlike, say a work of art, you cannot touch it. It is actually a digital asset. JPG files, GIF files, and MP3 files all might be examples of NFTs. Why is owning an NFT differen...
What is Crypto? Cryptocurrency is, “a digital currency in which transactions are verified and records maintained by a decentralized system using cryptography, rather than by a centralized authority.” Decentralized, meaning that it's an organization controlled by several offices or authorities, ra...
Most attorneys and law firms have their own approaches to legal representation. At our firm, we prefer an approach where we: First, engage in a fact-finding mission with our client in order to get the ‘lay of the land;' Second, identify our clients' goals, objectives, and primary concerns; ...