November 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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Acquiring legal guardianship/conservatorship over your adult sibling is often the best way to ensure their health, safety and happiness. However, it typically involves a lengthy legal process as well as several key factors you need to consider. Becoming a guardian/conservator is a big decision, but the journey will be easier when you know what to expect. Here are some of the most important things you need to know. The requirements for guardians/conservators and wards First, you have to determine if your sibling truly needs a guardian/conservator. People are presumed to have capacity to make their own decisions. Generally, a “ward” or someone under guardianship/conservatorship cannot make certain decisions for themselves and therefore needs another person to make those decisions for them. Usually, people needing guardianship/conservatorship are those with: Mental or intellectual disabilities Severe mental illness Serious injury or illness Age-related diseases On the other hand, you must be 21 years old to qualify as a legal guardian/conservator under Washington law. Additionally, you must not have any criminal convictions involving abuse, dishonesty or neglect. The process of acquiring guardianship/conservatorship You will need to file a petition in court, outlining the reasons for seeking guardianship/conservatorship and why you are a suitable candidate. Consider consulting an attorney who specializes in guardianship/conservatorshipe law. An attorney can help you navigate the guardianship process and collect requirements specific to your area. They can also help you with potential roadblocks that may arise, such as a living yet unsuitable parent disputing your petition. The duties of a legal guardian/conservator Once you have guardianship and/or conservatorship over your sibling, your overall duty is to care for them and make decisions that align with their best interests , while taking into consideration their express or historical wishes or preferences. You might be responsible for a number of things, such as taking care of their daily needs, making medical decisions and overseeing their finances, among many others. With all this information at hand, you now have a better understanding of what you need to do care for your sibling. Ultimately, becoming a guardian/conservator is a serious commitment, but it can provide invaluable support and protection for your loved one.
Choosing the right trustee for a special needs trust is crucial for ensuring a loved one receives the care and financial support they need. The trustee’s role involves managing the funds and making decisions in the beneficiary’s best interest. To ensure success, it’s essential to understand the qualities and considerations involved in selecting a good trustee. Look for experience and understanding A trustee should have experience with managing finances, investments, and record-keeping. Knowledge of the specific needs of individuals with disabilities is also important. An ideal trustee understands government benefit programs, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, and how to manage the trust so that eligibility remains intact. If family members lack these skills, consider professional trustees, such as small trust companies or banks. Consider reliability and trustworthiness Reliability and trustworthiness are essential traits for a trustee. The trustee must act in the beneficiary’s best interest and make ethical choices regarding the trust’s funds. Choosing a responsible individual or company who can be depended upon to follow through on duties is critical. This person will handle sensitive decisions that impact the quality of life for the beneficiary. Balance family ties with objectivity Family members are often selected as trustees because of their close relationship with the beneficiary. This personal connection can help the trustee make informed decisions about care. However, it is also important that the trustee remains objective and makes decisions without emotional bias. Sometimes appointing a family member in a more limited role than trustee helps achieve the right balance between familiarity and expertise. Understand the benefits of a professional trustee Professional trustees, such as trust companies or banks, offer expertise and reliability. They understand regulations and manage trust assets according to legal requirements. While professional trustees charge fees, they provide consistency and avoid the emotional challenges that family members might face. Families should weigh these benefits against the costs when considering a professional trustee. Choosing the right trustee can feel overwhelming, but focusing on the needs of the beneficiary and seeking the right balance of expertise and empathy will help ensure the right outcome.
