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Estate Planning Attorney in Vancouver, WA | Pettis Webber Pacific P.S.

Tag: planning

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incapacitated
Blog

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.

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caregiver
Blog

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.

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Guardianship and Conservatorship Court
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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:

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Review Your Estate Plan
Blog

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.

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Health Care Directives
Blog

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.

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Serious Health Diagnosis
Blog

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.

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Planning for Pets
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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.

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Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
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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.

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Planning with Compassion
Blog

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.

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Aging Parents
Blog

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.

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