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How to Handle an Estate When There’s No Will: Your Legal Options in Washington State

Losing a loved one is never easy—and when that person passes away without a will, it can add stress and uncertainty to an already emotional time. You may be wondering who’s in charge, how assets will be distributed, and whether probate is even necessary.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we help families across Washington State navigate this exact situation. The good news is: there is a legal process in place for estates without a will, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

August 12, 2025 No Comments

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Understanding Medicaid Planning: How to Qualify Without Losing Everything

For many families, the rising cost of long-term care is one of the biggest financial threats they face in retirement. Nursing home care in Washington State can cost upwards of $100,000 per year—and most private insurance policies don’t cover it. That’s where Medicaid can be a vital lifeline.

But here’s the challenge: qualifying for Medicaid doesn’t happen automatically. And without careful planning, families are often forced to spend down their assets, sell property, or drain retirement accounts just to meet eligibility requirements.

The good news? With proactive legal guidance, you can qualify for Medicaid without losing everything you’ve worked a lifetime to build. The tools you can use to help are actually written in the law, but only help if you know about them.

August 4, 2025 No Comments

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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.

July 29, 2025 No Comments

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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.

July 22, 2025 No Comments

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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.

July 15, 2025 No Comments

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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.

July 7, 2025 No Comments

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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.

July 1, 2025 No Comments

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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.

June 23, 2025 No Comments

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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.

June 17, 2025 No Comments

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Leaving a Legacy: How to Plan Beyond Money and Create a Lasting Impact

When most people think about estate planning, they focus on who will inherit their money, property, or business. But true legacy planning goes deeper. It’s not just about transferring wealth—it’s about passing on your values, your vision, and the story of your life.

At Pettis Webber Pacific, we believe the most meaningful estate plans are the ones that reflect your whole legacy, not just your financial assets. Here’s how you can plan beyond money and create a lasting impact on the people you care about most.

June 9, 2025 No Comments

Category: Blog