Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2012 by John S. Palmer
The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that stepchildren remain statutory beneficiaries under the wrongful death statute, even if the decedent’s marriage to the stepchildren’s biological parent was previously terminated by the death of the… More >
Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by John S. Palmer
A recent case in Illinois illustrates the wisdom of making smart choices for pets in your estate plan. Georgia Lee Dvorak died recently at age 76; her Will specifically required that any cats she owned at the time of her death be euthanized, because she… More >
Posted Monday, April 9, 2012 by John S. Palmer
The WSBA First Responder Will Clinic provides basic estate-planning documents — wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives — for free to Washington police officers and firefighters (and their spouses/state registered domestic partners). The… More >
Posted Friday, April 6, 2012 by John S. Palmer
Effective January 1, 2012, trustees of irrevocable trusts in Washington State are required to keep all parties with a legally recognized interest in the trust reasonably informed about the administration of the trust and of the material facts necessary… More >
Posted Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by John S. Palmer
Effective January 1, 2012, a new obligation was imposed on trustees of irrevocable trusts in Washington State. This obligation is set forth in RCW 11.97.010(2), and requires the trustee to notify those with a legally recognized interest in the trust of… More >