Are you concerned about how to give assets to your beneficiaries (outright or in a testamentary trust being distributed over time)? Or, how to provide for a surviving spouse, but being able to protect assets from their next spouse, or their creditors? What about how your beneficiaries will manage the assets that are given to them? Or, how such a distribution would impact your beneficiaries' lives? How about what would happen if all of your primary beneficiaries are deceased?

We are excited to share that after reviewing feedback, analyzing how visitors use the RLG website, and exploring new ways to better serve the RLG community, the website has received a major upgrade designed with your experience at the forefront.   One of the first things you will notice is the refreshed look and feel. The updated design focuses on simplicity, improved readability, and a more open layout. This cleaner presentation helps you quickly find what you need without u

March is a month filled with all things green! Shamrocks, parades, and celebrations of luck and prosperity. But while many people hope for a little extra good fortune this time of year, the most reliable way to protect your financial future isn’t luck at all- it’s thoughtful estate planning.   A thoughtful plan can help you stay out of probate, a process that can be both lengthy and expensive, if that is your desire. Court fees, attorney fees, and ongoing administrative expen

Are you worried about who would take care of your pet if you passed away?  Or are you more worried about your chosen caretaker having sufficient funds to provide for your pet's care throughout your pet's life?  If your answer is "yes," then there is a tool available to you-- a Pet Trust.   Washington State allows Pet Trusts.  Like testamentary trusts for your minor children or other (possibly irresponsible) beneficiaries, you can set up a testamentary trust for the benefit of

On Monday afternoon, our Rehberg Law Group team spent the afternoon volunteering at the Kent Food Bank to support local families and individuals in need. Sixteen members of our firm worked together to sort crates of donated food, pack grocery boxes for delivery, and clean and restock pantry shelves to help ensure the food bank could continue serving the community efficiently. Giving back is an important part of who we are as a firm. Community organizations like the Kent Food

Are you concerned about how to give assets to your beneficiaries (outright or in a testamentary trust being distributed over time)? Or, how to provide for a surviving spouse, but being able to protect assets from their next spouse, or their creditors? What about how your beneficiaries will manage the assets that are given to them? Or, how such a distribution would impact your beneficiaries' lives? How about what would happen if all of your primary beneficiaries are deceased?

Beneficiary designations control many major assets, including retirement accounts, bank accounts, and life insurance policies. Because these assets pass outside of a will or trust, even small errors can override an entire estate plan. Unfortunately, beneficiary forms are often treated as an afterthought. That is where problems begin.   Mistake 1: Outdated beneficiaries Life changes quickly. Marriage, divorce, remarriage, births, deaths, and blended families all affect who som

When a loved one dies, families are often unsure what to do with outstanding bills. Should they pay them immediately? Are they personally responsible? What happens if there is not enough money in the estate?   In Washington State, the answers are governed by specific probate and creditor laws. Understanding these rules is essential, especially for Personal Representatives (executors), because mistakes can lead to personal liability.   Are Family Members Responsible for a Dece

Are you concerned about how to give assets to your beneficiaries (outright or in a testamentary trust being distributed over time)? Or, how to provide for a surviving spouse, but being able to protect assets from their next spouse, or their creditors? What about how your beneficiaries will manage the assets that are given to them? Or, how such a distribution would impact your beneficiaries' lives? How about what would happen if all of your primary beneficiaries are deceased?

On October 9, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued  Revenue Procedure 2025-32 , providing the annual inflation adjustment amounts for tax provisions to be used by individual taxpayers for the 2026 calendar year. The adjustments include the following: The estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions for 2026 are $15 million, reflecting the increased exemption amount under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ; this is an increase from $13,990,000 for tran

Season’s Greetings! The holidays are a time for twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and heartfelt generosity. As we celebrate with family and friends, it’s also the perfect moment to reflect on how our giving can create lasting impact. Thoughtful holiday gifting isn’t just about spreading cheer; it can also be a smart way to support your estate planning goals and secure your loved ones’ futures.   One of the simplest ways to give meaningfully is by using the annual gift tax ex

Join us Thursday for this in-person seminar 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SeaTac office in the Earhart Conference Room, Plaza Level (PL). RSVP by email or phone at: kolsson@rehberglaw.com 206.246.8772 You have worked hard for what you have. Do you know what will happen to it? Are you considering creating a Living Trust or already have one? Or perhaps you are wondering how a Will fits into your estate plan?   Many peop

In March 2024, Professor Tanya D. Marsh and Quincey J. Pyatt conducted the first academic survey regarding preferences in disposition of remains. For their study, Marsh and Pyatt defined six methods of disposition and asked a representative sample of the U.S. adult population whether they 1) had heard of the method, 2) knew anyone who was disposed in that method, and 3) would consider being disposed by that method. The methods of disposition used in the study are defined in t

Should I stay or should I go? More people are thinking about moving out of the United States for many different reasons. Some want new career opportunities, a different lifestyle, more global mobility, to be closer to family, or simply because the world in the United States feels overwhelming. Others are thinking about long term tax planning or starting fresh somewhere new. Before making a move, it is important to understand how your U.S. status affects your taxes and legal o

Because nothing says gratitude like avoiding probate. Thanksgiving is the one day a year when families gather around the table, pass the mashed potatoes, and quietly judge each other. It also happens to be a great reminder to look at your estate plan. 1. The turkey is not the only thing that needs carving: If it has been a few years since you reviewed your Will or Trust, it may be filled with outdated information. This is your chance to remove anyone who borrowed something an

RSVP by email or phone at: kolsson@rehberglaw.com   206.246.8772 You have worked hard for what you have. Do you know what will happen to it? Are you considering creating a Living Trust or already have one? Or perhaps you are wondering how a Will fits into your estate plan?  Many people don’t realize that setting up a Living Trust or a Will involves more than just signing paperwork. Funding these documents is an essential step that determines how your estate plan actually work

When a loved one passes away, someone will receive the assets (if any) that the loved one left behind. What is not as well known is who is responsible for paying a loved one's bills. Is it the family? Is it the loved one's estate? Who?  It is important to remember that the debts of a deceased person do not normally pass down to children, the heirs of the estate, the Personal Representative, or anyone else. However, there is a very important exception to this rule. A Personal

What fears are plaguing you about leaving your assets to others? Are you more concerned about the possibility that your beneficiaries may get sued in the future? Are you concerned about a beneficiary losing their inheritance in a divorce? Are you concerned that your beneficiaries will have an additional tax burden due to their inheritance from your estate? Fortunately, there are ways you can protect your beneficiaries from themselves and others: Testamentary Irrevocable Trust

If you attended the September 18 Seminar, the following are some of the important takeaways from the presentation:   Effective July 1,...

We are pleased to announce two new additions to the Rehberg Law Group team, each bringing unique strengths and fresh perspectives to...