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Year-End Estate Planning Checklist for Washington and Oregon Families

As the year draws to a close, many of us reflect on what we’ve accomplished and where we want to go. But there’s one task that often gets overlooked: making sure your estate plan is up to date.
For families in Washington and Oregon, year-end is the perfect time to review your documents, update your fiduciaries and beneficiaries, and ensure your plan still matches your life. A little preparation now can save your family thousands later—and give you peace of mind heading into the new year.

December 2, 2025 No Comments

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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.

November 25, 2025 No Comments

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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.

November 18, 2025 No Comments

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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.

November 4, 2025 No Comments

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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.

October 21, 2025 No Comments

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How Health Care Directives (or Advance Directives) Work in Washington and Oregon: What Families Need to Know

When families come to us in times of crisis, one of the first questions we often hear is: “Who has the right to make decisions for my loved one?”
Too often, the answer isn’t clear—because no health care directive or advance directive was ever put in place. Without this crucial document, families can be left scrambling, arguing, or even forced into court just to make medical decisions.
A health care directive is more than a form. It’s your voice in moments when you may not be able to speak for yourself.

October 13, 2025 No Comments

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Facing a Serious Health Diagnosis: Why Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind in Washington and Oregon

Few words can shake a person’s world like “you have cancer.” A serious health diagnosis—whether it’s breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, or another life-changing illness—brings an avalanche of emotions and questions. What does treatment look like? How will this affect my family? Will my finances hold up?
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we walk alongside families in Washington and Oregon who are facing these kinds of moments. Again and again, we’ve seen how estate planning becomes a source of stability and peace of mind when life feels most uncertain.

October 7, 2025 No Comments

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Planning for Pets in Your Estate Plan: Don’t Leave Them Behind

For many people, pets are more than companions—they’re family. They provide unconditional love, daily comfort, and a deep sense of connection. But when it comes to estate planning, pets are often unintentionally left out.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we regularly work with clients who say, “I just want to make sure my dog is taken care of,” or “Who will feed my cat if something happens to me?” These questions are more than sentimental—they’re practical, and they deserve thoughtful answers.

September 29, 2025 No Comments

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The First Legal Steps to Take After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Hearing the words “you have Alzheimer’s” is life-changing—for the individual and for their loved ones. While emotions may run high and questions about the future feel overwhelming, one of the most empowering things you can do early on is take legal steps to protect yourself and your family.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we walk alongside families facing this journey. Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean you lose your ability to make decisions right away. In fact, acting quickly ensures your wishes are heard, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are spared unnecessary stress later on.

September 23, 2025 No Comments

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Planning with Compassion: How Estate Planning Supports Families Facing Alzheimer’s

Each year on September 21st, World Alzheimer’s Day brings awareness to a disease that affects millions of individuals and families across the globe. For many, Alzheimer’s is not just a medical diagnosis—it’s a journey that reshapes family roles, finances, and futures.

At Pettis Webber Pacific, we meet families who are navigating these challenges every day. While we cannot control the course of the disease, we can prepare for it with thoughtful legal planning. Estate planning offers tools that preserve dignity, protect assets, and bring peace of mind to families walking through the uncertainty of Alzheimer’s.

September 16, 2025 No Comments

Tag: estate planning