Here in Washington, several streamlined estate planning tools can help you avoid probate, saving your loved ones time, money, and emotional stress.

Here in Washington, several streamlined estate planning tools can help you avoid probate, saving your loved ones time, money, and emotional stress. Establishing a Revocable Living Trust and properly funding it during your lifetime ensures your assets — such as real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles — are managed privately and distributed seamlessly by a successor trustee upon your passing. Alternatively, joint tenancy with right of survivorship or Community Property Agreements (for married couples) allow assets to transfer automatically to the surviving co-owner. Utilizing beneficiary designations — through payable-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death registrations for securities, and TOD deeds for real estate — ensures accounts and property bypass probate entirely. And for smaller estates under $100,000 (excluding real estate), a Small Estate Affidavit provides a simplified, probate-free path. By integrating these techniques, Washington residents can create an efficient and private plan that ensures assets pass smoothly to beneficiaries without the delays and expenses of probate.

If you have questions about how to avoid probate or any other estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.