By planning your estate effectively, you can ensure a smooth transfer of your assets to your loved ones after you pass away. One key goal in estate planning is to avoid the probate process, which can be time-consuming and costly. Use beneficiary designations Some...
Gig Harbor Estate Planning And Probate Law Blog
Reducing your estate tax burden in Washington
Estate taxes in Washington state have the potential to significantly impact the wealth you pass on to your heirs. However, not everyone has to pay them, and whether you do depends on the value of your estate. If you do wind up having to pay estate taxes, there are...
How can you avoid estate planning mistakes?
A solid estate plan ensures proper distribution of your assets after you are gone. While having a plan in place is important, avoiding common mistakes is equally so. To prevent errors, you must have a good understanding of the process. Get started early...
Tips for preventing neighbor disputes on vacation rentals
Have you used one of the short-term rental apps to find a weekend cabin or beach house for your annual vacation? If you have a vacation home or rental property, you may have even considered listing it for short-term rentals. However, you may have also realized that...
Handling boundary disputes with your Washington neighbor
Living in harmony with your neighbors is often a fulfilling experience. However, disputes can sometimes arise, testing this tranquility. One common cause of disagreement is the boundary line that separates your properties. Boundary disputes in Washington can cause...
What is the difference between first- and third-party special needs trusts?
Parents of children with disabilities often utilize a special needs trust to plan for the financial future of their child. These SNTs are able to manage the beneficiary’s assets while still allowing them to remain eligible for public benefits. Medicaid and Supplement...
When to start the estate planning process?
Estate planning is a crucial step to ensure that your assets and property get distributed according to your wishes after your death. Many people wonder when they should begin the estate planning process, and the simple answer is that it is never too early to start....
Is hiding your estate planning from your kids a good idea?
Parents often hesitate when sharing the details of their estate planning with their adult children. Historically, parents have done this to avoid hurting their children’s feelings, avoiding requests for money now and, naturally, the difficulty of thinking of...
Who is behind those mailings about buying properties?
If you own real estate, ads from curious buyers might frequently arrive in your mail. You are likely wondering about the nature of these potential purchasers. The answer is that these are untrustworthy actors looking to dupe unsuspecting sellers. Several revelations...
Things to keep in mind when choosing a business entity
Launching a business can be exciting and intimidating, especially for new entrepreneurs. A crucial decision involves what entity to form for the new company. An intelligent choice of ownership structure can lay the foundation for success or struggle in a business....