When Should You Update Your Will or Trust? Key Life Events to Watch For
Creating a will or trust is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out. But even the best estate plan isn’t meant to sit untouched for decades.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we often tell clients that estate planning isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. As your life changes, so should your plan. Failing to update your documents could result in unintended consequences, family conflict, or assets ending up in the wrong hands.
Avoiding Family Conflicts: Clear Estate Planning Strategies for a Smooth Transition
Estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about people. And when emotions, expectations, and relationships intersect during times of loss or transition, the risk of family conflict rises.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we’ve seen how grief, confusion, and lack of communication can quickly turn even well-meaning families into adversaries. The good news? Most of these conflicts are preventable with clear, thoughtful planning.
Here are key estate planning strategies you can use to help ensure a smooth transition—and keep your family united when it matters most.
Common Probate Mistakes That Cost Families Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away—and while it serves an important legal function, it can also be time-consuming, public, and expensive. Unfortunately, many families lose thousands of dollars (and countless hours) due to common probate mistakes that could have been avoided with some simple planning.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we’ve guided many Washington families through the probate process—and we’ve also helped others plan ahead to stay out of it. In this article, we’ll explore the most common probate missteps and how to avoid them.
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.
