December 2024
Recent Posts
Washington's estate tax exclusion is now $3M, but the top rate jumped to 35%. Seattle's Brothers Henderson Durkin breaks down what these 2025 changes mean for you.
Find the right Washington estate planning attorney with this guide from Seattle's Brothers Henderson Durkin. Learn what to look for in fees, experience, and fit.
Lost a loved one? Seattle's Brothers Henderson Durkin shares what to look for in a Washington probate attorney — from experience to fees to avoiding probate fraud.
At 18, your child is a legal adult — and you lose access to their medical and financial info. Seattle's Brothers Henderson Durkin explains what every family needs.
Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. proudly announces the promotion of Katie Marrs and Amy Spitzer to partners, recognizing two outstanding attorneys whose leadership, judgment, and dedication to clients exemplify our values. Both Katie and Amy have become trusted leaders within the firm distinguishing themselves through exceptional client service, practice area knowledge, and leadership within the elder law, disability, guardianship, and healthcare communities. Their advancement strengthens our management team and reflects our long-standing commitment to compassionate, high-quality representation. “We are delighted to promote Katie and Amy to partners of the firm,” said named partners Joshua Brothers, Christopher Henderson, and Katrina Durkin in a joint statement. “Both are leaders in disability and elder law and have earned the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike. As partners, they will continue delivering exceptional client service while taking on expanded leadership roles guiding the firm’s growth and mentoring the next generation of attorneys.”
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Blended families often face unique challenges when it comes to probate matters. These challenges can lead to disputes that may require legal intervention. Understanding the common types of probate disputes that arise in blended families can help you with your estate planning. Disputes over inheritance rights In blended families, conflicts frequently occur regarding who has the right to inherit . Children from a prior marriage may contest a will if they believe a stepparent unfairly excluded them. Washington’s intestacy laws, which govern inheritance when no will exists, may also lead to disagreements, as they prioritize biological and legally adopted children over stepchildren unless stated otherwise in estate planning documents. Will contests Challenges to the validity of a will are common in probate cases involving blended families. Disputes may arise over claims of undue influence, especially if one spouse in a blended family had significant control over the other’s decisions. Questions about the deceased’s mental capacity or allegations of forgery can also spark will contests. Conflicts over non-probate assets Non-probate assets, such as jointly owned property, payable-on-death accounts, or life insurance policies, can create disputes if beneficiaries are not clearly designated or if multiple family members believe they are entitled. Washington law allows these assets to bypass probate, but this can lead to confusion and contention among family members. Disagreements about executor decisions Executors in blended family situations often face scrutiny over their decisions. Family members may accuse the executor of favoritism, mismanagement, or breaching fiduciary duties. These disputes can delay probate proceedings and increase costs for everyone involved. Seeking guidance from an experienced probate attorney familiar with Washington state law can help protect your interests and facilitate a resolution. Resolving disputes effectively Probate disputes in blended families can become emotionally charged and legally complex. However, working to address those issues as you plan your estate can help reduce these issues.
