Informational Blogs
Q: I have been making payments to a debt collector and now have received an "ex parte" notice; why the summons?: I have made payments for the last 4 months per their "EZ Offer" and now have received an "ex parte note for hearing issue of law" from the debt collector...why are they requesting this when I have been making payments? Asked…Read More
Power of attorney (POA) is a document that allows someone else to make legally binding decisions for you. These decisions could be financial, medical, or legal decisions that impact you or loved ones. There are several different types of power of attorney. Springing power of attorney means there are conditions under which the power of attorney is put into action. They…Read More
An executor is someone you name in your will to be in charge of carrying out the will. This is no small task. The duties of an executor includes determining all heirs and next of kin, notifying them, preserving all assets named in the will, collecting all debts due to the deceased, dealing with any pending lawsuits, taking care of taxes,…Read More
Single parents with minor children need a strong estate plan in place for a variety of reasons. The laws concerning estates are generally made with married couples in mind. When your child’s mother or father is estranged, or living in another state, or even if they live in the same city and you are on friendly terms, the fact that…Read More
There is one estate-planning mistake that you could be making right now that could have devastating effects on your family after you pass. However, it’s an easy mistake to fix. On every document you sign related to any asset, from your 401k to life insurance to social security, it will ask for the name of a beneficiary. At the time, it…Read More
Your will is the record of everything you own and what you want done with it after you die. Without a will, the state or relatives will decide what happens to your assets. Once you have a properly signed and executed will, you should give copies to the executor, but not beneficiaries. Your will may change several times throughout your…Read More
How Often Should I Update My Will? Once you have a will or trust on file, you may think you are done with future estate planning. However, there are several circumstances that have nothing to do with you, and a few that do that could necessitate a change. Here are five (5) that should cause you to update your estate Planning:…Read More
There’s a theme going around that proposes that everyone should have someone assigned to the task of erasing their browser history after they die. These days, that is not far from the truth. Estate planning should extend well past cars and homes. Most everyone has a personal computer, blog, website, or device that has personal or even sensitive information on…Read More
What is Portability Election? A remnant of the Bush tax cuts preserved in 2010 left intact a useful tool for those wishing to avoid additional estate taxes: portability election. Portability Election is a provision that allows the unused federal estate tax exemptions unclaimed by one spouse to pass on to another instead of expiring upon their death. This provision was…Read More
The Law Offices of Christopher A. Benson, PLLC is pleased to offer a Special Free Seminar: "Peace of Mind Planning. What is Your Plan?" on January 29, 2014 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott in Federal Way, Washington. Seating Space is limited to the first 35 people who register. You can only register by sending a Reservation Request…Read More