What does “community property” mean?
Washington is a community property state, but what does that mean? In Washington, the property owned by a person who is married (I’m using marriage and spouse in this post, but the same rules apply to a couple in a state registered domestic partnership) falls into...
What happens when you lose your will?
Do you know what happens if you lose your will? You may have a safe, a filing cabinet, or a fireproof box where you keep all of your important papers. When you die, your executor needs to file your original will with the court to open the probate of your estate, but...
Do you know what it takes for your will to be valid?
For your will to have been validly executed, if you are signing it in Washington, it has to meet the legal requirements for a will under Washington law. If your will doesn’t meet the legal requirements, then you really don’t have a will. If your will is not valid,...
Gift List
Using a gift list to supplement your will While a gift list can’t replace your will, using a gift list and a will together is a great way to add flexibility to your estate planning. When you do your estate planning, you may want to leave a specific item to someone. ...
Using a Small Estate Affidavit to Avoid Probate
Did you know that when you die, your heirs and beneficiaries may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of a probate to transfer your assets? While small estate affidavits are very useful, there are some limitations on when affidavits can be used and who can...About Talis Law PLLC
Stephen King practices law in Bellevue, WA. He writes short articles about estate planning to be informative and empowering.