Market Intelligence

Washington State's recent probate law updates have created unexpected challenges for estates without wills, significantly increasing the complexity and cost of opening intestate probates. The new requirements demand additional documentation, heir searches, and asset identification that can substantially raise legal expenses. Understanding these changes reveals why having even a basic will can save your heirs considerable time and money during estate administration.

Florida's new probate statute creates a mandatory fee-shifting mechanism that strengthens personal representatives' authority to enforce their court-granted powers. When disputes arise over estate control and administration, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other parties who resist valid authority now face potentially significant exposure to attorney's fees and costs. Understanding this powerful enforcement tool and the risks of noncompliance has become essential for all parties involved in estate

When is a minor guardianship appropriate in Washington State, and who has the legal standing to petition the court? Understanding the requirements for parental function assessment, interested party qualifications, and the critical preliminary steps can help determine whether guardianship serves a child's best interests.

National Estate Planning Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder that estate planning isn't just for the wealthy or elderly—it's a crucial process for everyone. From designating guardians for minor children to managing beneficiary designations and planning for incapacity, comprehensive estate planning addresses far more than just asset distribution after death.

The court will look at each parent’s income to determine issues such as child support or post-secondary support. Imputed income is an estimate by the court of an individual’s income, even if they are not actually earning that amount.

When parents separate, dividing holiday time can be challenging. Each parent may want to continue family traditions, spend Thanksgiving with the children, or wake up with them on Christmas morning.