Trusts, Wills & Probate

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

Some questions that your estate planning attorney needs to know are obvious: assets, property, who gets what. But some questions may be less obvious, even bordering on intrusive, if you don’t understand why they are being asked or what implication they can have on your plans for your estate. Have you had any serious or chronic health issues? These questions…Read More

Part of your estate plan should include how to take care of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, boats, ATVs or golf carts that are in your possession. It can be more complicated to leave vehicles to a friend or relative in Washington, since it does not allow transfer-on-death registration of vehicles. In some states, you can register a vehicle with…Read More

Some estate planning issues are obvious. But some things can present a problem if not disclosed, no matter how uncomfortable it is. For some of these questions, you may be the only living person who does know the truth, so be honest and upfront with your estate-planning attorney at the very least, and there won’t be any uncomfortable surprises when you’re…Read More

Gift-giving can allow you to reduce your taxable estate and help your beneficiaries before you’re gone. There are several ways to give gifts to family, friends or charitable organizations without getting hit with large tax penalties. Designating these gifts while you are still alive allows you to carry out your specific wishes, keep your money free of tax burden in many…Read More

A power of attorney is important for situations in which you are unable to act or make decisions in your own best interest. These situations could include an accident, catastrophic illness, or a progressive condition. Some circumstances are more foreseeable than others. If a court has to step in and appoint a guardian for you, it can cost over $3,000…Read More

Around the holidays, most people make a point to give to their favorite charity. Either because it’s the holidays, or because it’s only a few days until the end of the year, when you are cut off from getting an immediate tax benefit from your donations. But when there is a cause especially dear to you, or you would like…Read More

You’ve probably heard the term “trust-fund baby.” But you don’t have to be among the super wealthy to have a trust. Trusts distribute certain assets with minimal tax impact after your passing—and that’s something anyone can benefit from. Trust pass assets on without the need to disclose all of your assets to the entire World. Further, when you leave something…Read More

You can’t plan an estate, make a will, or establish a trust without answering three key questions. These questions create the foundation of documents such as living wills, medical directives, and trusts. Before you begin your estate planning, answer these 3 Questions: Whom do you want to inherit your assets? The answer to this question can and will change over…Read More