Practice - Estate Planning

Many people do not realize how important it is to their family to have estate planning needs taken care of before disability or death. By having a Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive (Living Will), you are no longer burdening your family with difficult decisions to make on your behalf.

It is important that you have a Will. This is your opportunity to direct what will happen in the event of your death. You will specify who is to receive what from your Estate. If you do not have a Will at the time of your death, Washington State Law will dictate who receives your assets. By having an attorney prepare your Will, you will ensure that the Will complies with current State Law.

A Financial Durable Power of Attorney protects you in the event that you are incapable of making financial decisions for yourself. You get to choose a person you trust to make any monetary decisions on your behalf. A Financial Durable Power of Attorney may be made effective immediately, or may take effect when you are found incompetent by two physicians.

A Health Care Directive puts in writing what health care procedures may be provided to you in the event of impending death or vegitative state. If you recall the news stories about Terri Schiavo and the Court battle that ensued between her husband and her parents, you will see how important it is that you be able to make this decision, instead of leaving it for your family members to decide.

A Health Care Power of Attorney is used to allow a person of your choosing to make health care decisions for you in the event that you are not able. This Health Care Power of Attorney also sets forth who takes priority in visiting you if you are hospitalized.

This instrument can be entered into by a married couple. This document, in essence, says that all property you have is also owned by your spouse. In the event of death, all property transfers to the suriving spouse - without need for a probate, which can be a costly Court proceeding.