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How to Talk to Aging Parents About Estate Planning (Without Overstepping)

Bringing up estate planning with your aging parents can feel awkward. You want to make sure they’re protected—but you also don’t want to sound pushy, intrusive, or like you’re trying to take over.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we often hear from adult children who say:
“I know my parents need a plan… but I don’t know how to start the conversation.”
The truth is, estate planning is just as much about peace of mind and dignity as it is about paperwork. And when approached with empathy and care, it can actually strengthen relationships and reduce stress for everyone involved.

September 9, 2025 No Comments

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Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney: What Every Family Needs to Know Before a Crisis

When a loved one becomes unable to manage their own affairs—whether due to illness, injury, or age-related decline—families are often left scrambling to figure out who can step in to help.

In these moments, the difference between having a Power of Attorney in place and needing to petition for guardianship through the courts becomes painfully clear. One gives you immediate, compassionate authority to help your loved one. The other can be a costly, public, and emotionally difficult process.

September 2, 2025 No Comments

Blog

The Cost of Doing Nothing: What Happens If You Die Without a Plan in Washington State

Leaving an inheritance is one of the most personal acts of love and responsibility—but what happens when you don’t intend to divide things equally among your children or heirs?

Whether due to differences in financial need, caregiving roles, estrangement, or previous gifts during your lifetime, there are many valid reasons for leaving unequal inheritances. The challenge is how to do it without sparking conflict, confusion, or resentment.

August 26, 2025 No Comments

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How to Leave Unequal Inheritances Without Creating Family Drama

Leaving an inheritance is one of the most personal acts of love and responsibility—but what happens when you don’t intend to divide things equally among your children or heirs?

At Pettis Webber Pacific, we help Washington families navigate this sensitive issue with clarity, compassion, and strategy—because your estate plan should reflect your values and protect your relationships.

August 18, 2025 No Comments

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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

Blog

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

Category: Planning