What are the estate planning documents I should have?
Having a complete estate plan is essential to ensure that your assets and wishes are handled in the manner you intended after you pass away. In Washington, creating an estate plan usually involves creating several documents to ensure that your wishes are carried out. An essential document in any Washington estate plan is a will. A will is a written legal document that outlines the distribution of a person’s estate among their heirs and beneficiaries. Another important document is known as a living trust. A living trust allows a person to control the distribution of their assets without going through probate court. Other documents that are components of an estate plan include a durable power of attorney, which grants another person control of certain decisions if the person is unable to do so, and an advance healthcare directive, which details what kind of care a person should receive in the event of incapacitation. Creating estate plans is essential to ensure that your wishes are respected when you’re no longer around to advocate for them. If you’re unsure about what documents your estate plan should include, it’s recommended that you seek advice from a qualified attorney to ensure your plan is comprehensive and legally sound.
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