Essential Estate Planning Steps for the Newly Retired
Retirement is a major milestone—one that brings new freedom, new priorities, and new responsibilities. It’s also one of the most important times to revisit your estate plan.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we work with many Washington residents who want to make sure their next chapter is not only fulfilling, but secure. Whether you’re newly retired or preparing to retire soon, now is the time to take a closer look at your estate plan to ensure it reflects your current goals, protects your assets, and supports your loved ones.
How to Protect Your Heirs from Creditors, Divorce, and Lawsuits with a Trust
When planning for the future, most people think about how to pass down wealth to their children or loved ones. But there’s another equally important consideration: how to protect what you leave behind from outside threats like creditors, divorce settlements, and lawsuits.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we help Washington families create estate plans that not only transfer wealth—but preserve it. One of the most effective tools for long-term protection is a trust.
The Importance of Power of Attorney: Who Should You Choose and Why?
A power of attorney (POA) is one of the most important legal tools you can include in your estate plan—yet it’s often overlooked until it’s too late. In Washington State, having a strong and properly executed POA can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your finances, your health care choices, and your peace of mind.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we often tell our clients that a POA is not just a legal form—it’s a plan for continuity, stability, and trust. Here’s what you need to know.
The Executor’s Guide: What to Expect When Settling a Loved One’s Estate
Being named the executor (also called a personal representative) of someone’s estate is both an honor and a serious responsibility. Whether you were appointed in a will or are stepping into the role through the probate court process, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. There’s a lot to do—and much of it happens during a time of grief.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we help personal representatives across Washington State, and even throughout the US, navigate the Washington estate settlement process with clarity and confidence. This guide is designed to give you a clear understanding of what to expect and how to avoid common pitfalls.
