We want to congratulate Attorney Jason Burnett of Reed Longyear, who recently had success representing his client in a case that went to the Washington Supreme Court and resolved an unsettled area of law in Washington relating to death and inheritance during a divorce. The case was Petelle v. Ersfeld-Petelle and determined that some separation […]
Signing Estate Planning Documents While Social Distancing
What are your Options? Electronic signatures? In person signings? Car signings? For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of completing an estate plan to ensure we are prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. The risk of illness may be a reminder that it’s time to draft a will or a […]
What Can I Do With My Body After I Die?
You may have heard that Washington just passed a new law that allows human composting (officially called “natural organic reduction”). This law also allows another option called hydro cremation (officially called “alkaline hydrolysis”). This means we now have four options for disposing of our remains in Washington that include: burial, cremation, composting, and hydro cremation. […]
Do I need an Attorney to Draft my Will?
Can you save money by using software to draft a DIY (do-it-yourself) will instead of paying an attorney? Technically, yes, you can draft your own will and save money, now. However, what you save now may cost your family far more in the long run. Although you can save money by drafting your own […]
How to Use a Power of Attorney
What is a Power of Attorney? What Should You do if You are Named as a Power of Attorney? What Should You do if a Power of Attorney is Rejected? What is a Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney is a simple legal document where you choose who will manage your […]
Seattle Income Tax: What it Means for You
You may have heard about the new Seattle Income tax of 2.25%. If you are wondering what the tax means for you, here are answers to some common questions about the tax: Who will be required to pay the income tax? The tax only applies to Seattle residents. Additionally, only married couples earning more than […]
Estate Tax Planning for Married Non-US Citizens Residing in the US
Living in Washington state, you may face two estate taxes when you die: a Washington estate tax and a federal estate tax. If you are married and have a non-US citizen spouse, you may need to consider special estate tax planning as part of your estate plan to reduce these estate taxes. Washington estate taxes […]
How can you reduce estate taxes?
Estate taxes, inheritance taxes, death taxes. There are many names for the estate taxes and many myths and misconceptions to go with those names. Regardless of what you call them, estate taxes are a tax imposed on the value of everything you own at the moment of your death. The portion of your estate lost […]
Protecting Your Beneficiaries with an IRA Trust
IRAs and other retirement accounts can be some of the largest assets in an estate, often second only to a home. If you have an IRA, you can decide who receives your IRA after your death by filling out a beneficiary designation form naming beneficiaries—children, spouse, or any other person—for your IRA. After your death, […]