A power of attorney is one of the most useful tools in an estate plan. It lets someone you trust step in and manage your affairs if you’re unable to do it yourself. But there’s one moment when that authority ends completely—and many people are surprised by it. The Exact Moment a Power of Attorney Becomes Invalid A power of attorney only works while the person who created it is alive. The authority granted in the document is tied…
When someone passes away owning real estate, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do first. As a probate and estate planning attorney, I see the same avoidable mistake over and over again—and it can create unnecessary headaches during an already stressful time. The Mistake: Calling the Mortgage Company Too Soon One of the first instincts people have after a homeowner dies is to call the bank or mortgage company to “let them know.” Don’t do that….
Estate planning often reveals more about family dynamics than any holiday gathering ever could. Recently, I had an experience in my law firm that perfectly illustrates a common — and growing — problem: adult children feeling entitled to their parents’ assets. It’s a story worth sharing, because it highlights a simple truth many people forget. A Grandmother’s Plan, and the Reactions That Followed A woman came into my office wanting to update her estate plan. She wasn’t making dramatic…
When a family member passes away, it’s natural to want to keep everything in order—including their finances. But when it comes to credit card bills, paying them out of pocket is one of the biggest mistakes you can make during probate. As a probate and estate planning attorney, I see this issue come up often, so let me walk you through what you should and shouldn’t do. You Are Not Personally Responsible for Their Debt One of the most…
When a loved one passes away, managing their financial accounts can quickly become confusing. One of the most common questions I hear as a probate attorney is: “How do I find out if there’s a beneficiary on a bank account?” Many people are surprised by how banks handle these inquiries—and the rules they follow. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know. Understanding Beneficiary Designations Beneficiary designations are instructions that the account holder gives to a bank,…
Happy Sunday! Hope you had a chance to eat all the Turkey. But turkey day is over – time to talk tax! Last week I was talking with some clients who’d done their estate planning several years ago and were not over the WA state estate tax threshold (we’ll talk numbers in a sec). I explained to them a common strategy to provide some more room before tax savings, and they asked me if I had any additional info they…
Happy Sunday! In honor of Thanksgiving I thought I’d share 10 things I’m thankful for (in no particular order) AND remind you that our office will be closed Thursday and Friday this week. Without further adieu, here we go. 1. A healthy family – you never know how special this is until you experience a loved one with health problems. Enjoy your people, even the eccentric ones. 2. My team – if you’ve worked with us you’ve probably had a…
