Trustee, Executor, or Power of Attorney? Understanding Fiduciary Roles Across Washington and Oregon
When families begin estate planning, they often feel overwhelmed by the terms: trustee, executor, personal representative, attorney-in-fact, guardian, conservator. What do they all mean, and who should you choose for each role?
Understanding fiduciary roles is critical because these are the people who will carry out your wishes when you cannot. Choosing wisely can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a costly, painful family dispute.
Estate Planning for Adult Children: Preparing to Support Aging Parents in the Pacific Northwest
For many families, the roles eventually shift: parents who once cared for their children now need their children to help care for them. In the Pacific Northwest, we’re seeing more adult children stepping into these roles—sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly after a health crisis.
While the emotional weight of this shift is significant, the practical challenges can be even greater without proper planning. Estate planning is one of the most powerful tools adult children can use to prepare for their parents’ future—and their own peace of mind.
How to Protect a Loved One’s Finances if They Become Incapacitated
Protect your loved one’s finances before they become incapacitated. Learn key tools to avoid court delays and costly guardianships.
Imagine this: your father, who has always paid the bills on time and managed his investments carefully, suffers a sudden stroke. While he recovers in the hospital, you realize you have no legal authority to access his accounts, pay his mortgage, or even speak to his bank. Weeks go by, and late notices begin piling up. The only option? A stressful, costly guardianship or conservatorship process through the court.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen this scenario play out for families across Washington and Oregon—and it’s entirely preventable.
Caregiver’s Legal Toolkit: Essential Documents for Families in Washington and Oregon
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor the millions of people who step in to care for aging parents, spouses, or loved ones facing illness. At Pettis Webber Pacific, we see caregivers every day—devoted daughters, steadfast spouses, and caring sons—doing extraordinary work.
But caregiving without legal support can be overwhelming. Without the right documents, even paying bills or speaking to a doctor can be a struggle. That’s why every caregiver needs a legal toolkit.
