If you reside in Washington, you might be curious about the estate tax; what it means, and its potential impact on your assets and loved ones upon your passing. In this article, we will dive into the details of the Washington estate tax, including the current exemption, how it is calculated, and ways to minimize…
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the process of settling their estate can be overwhelming. If you have been named as the personal representative of an estate, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to begin opening probate and the estate administration process. In this article, we will outline some…
RCWs and WACs and Bears “OH MY!” In Washington, we are governed by a system of laws. These include federal, state, and local (municipal) statutes, regulations, rules, and ordinances. In addition, there is a whole body of case law, that serves to interpret the application of these underlying laws. For example, there are many laws…
Dealing with the distribution of physical items in an estate can be a daunting task, and the question of “Who gets what?” often poses a significant challenge. Below, we’ll explore common issues people face and some creative potential solutions to make the estate inventory process smoother and more equitable. The Problem: Cut the Car in…
Prescriptive Easements Easements grant legal authority for one person (the dominant property owner) to use the property of another person (servient property owner) without possessing legal property ownership. We have discussed this previously in a blog post describing what you need to know about easements. While people are typically granted easements voluntarily, there are cases…
The Whipple Law Group is proud to announce its selection to Expertise.com’s Top 9 List of Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Spokane for the year 2024. This prestigious recognition is a testament to our firm’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional legal representation in estate planning. Expertise.com, a trusted source for connecting individuals with top-rated professionals,…
EASEMENTS: What you need to know. Property Rights: a bundle of sticks Easement defined Thinking about easements How are easements created? Can an easement be terminated? Key Takeaways Property Rights: a bundle of sticks Owning property is a basic, fundamental right. When looking at property ownership, it is helpful to look at it as owning…
Special Needs and Guardianship You’ve been doing a great job as a caregiver while your child is a minor; however, you may need to navigate the Guardianship/Conservatorship court, or consult with an attorney, once your child turns 18. Sometimes, reaching the age of majority (18) results in banks, benefit providers, and medical providers refusing to…
What Does it Mean to Be a Personal Representative? Being appointed as the personal representative, commonly known as the executor or administrator, of an estate is a position of significant responsibility and trust. Ultimately, the role demands integrity, clear communication, and a commitment to honoring the deceased’s legacy while ensuring the estate’s proper administration, which…
Starting an Estate Plan Creating a plan for your estate is an essential task. It creates a road map for your family and beneficiaries to follow, in the event of your passing, that is clear and legally binding. The scope of your estate plan should consider all assets, as well as your medical care and…