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.
Avoiding Guardianship and Conservatorship Court: Proactive Steps for Families in Washington and Oregon
When someone loses the ability to make decisions and hasn’t done proper planning, families often have no choice but to go through the courts for guardianship or conservatorship.
Guardianship (for personal affairs) and conservatorship (for financial affairs) are legal processes where the court appoints someone to manage another person’s financial and personal affairs. While sometimes necessary, it is:
5 Signs It’s Time to Review Your Estate Plan Before the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for family, reflection, and gratitude. It’s also the perfect time to make sure your estate plan still reflects your life today—not the way it looked five, ten, or twenty years ago.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we recommend that families in Washington and Oregon review their estate plans every 3–5 years—or sooner if major life changes occur. Here are five signs it may be time for you to update yours before the holidays.
