Probate Attorney Blog

First, let’s talk about what doesn’t matter with a trust (necessarily) – money. People often have trusts without a lot of assets, because they provide the functionality they need. Here are those three reasons: 1. Avoid probate. 2. Management and control of assets after death (minor children that you don’t want to get a huge check when they turn 18). 3. Estate tax strategy (this would be a situation where you’d want assets before employing this strategy). And, here’s a…

Happy Sunday! This week I wanted to talk about something that’s a little depressing, but also empowering if you choose to view it that way. My parents are visiting this week from Kansas. They tend to get out here about once a year, and we tend to get back there once a year. Often, when one thinks about the people in their life and the time they get to spend with them (and with ourselves), they think in years. For…

Happy Sunday from sunny and rainy Austin, Texas! We had a great mastermind meeting this week and talked about everything from AI, to accounting and taxes, to client service, to therapy (there’s nothing off limits). I wanted to talk about one of the things we talked about because I think it reaches across all of these different topics, and that is procrastination. One of the people in the group, kind of playfully, was talking about the “type of person he…

Happy Sunday! And, happy birthday USA! I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I don’t think I can say it enough. For all the things people are unhappy with about the US right now, it is still the best place to live in the world. And it’s not even close. So, hope you had a great 4th. Now it’s time to settle into summer and enjoy the great pacific northwest weather. And, while you’re lounging by the pool, hopefully you’re…

Happy Sunday! And, if you’re a dad, Happy Father’s Day! I grew up with two dads. My biological dad, and my step-dad. Both were in my life, but in very different ways. And both shaped me for the better I’d like to think. Now that I’m a dad, it amazes me how much influence one has over their kids, and how much they can make you feel like they don’t care about you at the same time. :) One thing…

There are many reasons to make sure you have a Will, and as of last week, the State of Washington has decided to give you another one. Last week a new law went into effect for intestate estates (estates without a Will) that increases the amount of work, the amount of court supervision, and, ultimately, the amount of legal fees for these types of cases. The thought behind the new law is to prevent bad actors from opening probates for…

Today I thought I’d quickly discuss a frequently asked question when it comes to revocable trusts: “What happens if I move?” This question usually happens in two contexts. First, when you move into a new house in the same state. Second, when you move to a new state. Let’s talk about the first, first. Most people notice their address is included in their trust. They get concerned that if they move they need to update their trust to add the…