
What is Probate and How Does it Work?
Many people are unfamiliar with the term “probate.” But it’s an important process in terms of winding up a decedent’s affairs. The truth is also that you should be familiar with the process now in order to help your executor, the beneficiaries of your assets, and your estate. Please contact us now to help ensure your estate plan is current and works properly for you and your loved ones.
What...

What is a Pour Over Will and How Does it Work?
A pour over will is a type of estate planning document that works in concert with a trust. Whether this will is ideal for you simply depends on your particular wishes and assets. Please make sure to consult with a skilled estate planning attorney to ensure your plan is current and is consistent with your desires. The estate planning lawyers at the McWilliams Law Firm are always here to help!...

What is a Limited Liability Company?
A limited liability company is a specific type of business entity or structure. It’s often referred to as an “LLC.” The main benefits of the entity are that it provides business owners with liability protection, a flexible management structure, and certain tax advantages.
What are the Key Features of an LLC?
There are three important aspects to a limited liability company. The first is that it...

Sole Proprietorships – Advantages and Disadvantages
A sole proprietorship is a type of business structure where a person, referred to as a sole proprietor, is the sole owner of the business. While the sole proprietorship may have a business name, there is usually no legal distinction between the sole proprietor and his/her business. There are definitely several advantages associated with this type of business arrangement, but there are also...

Seattle’s New Independent Contractor Protection Ordinance
The Independent Contractor Protection Ordinance (ICPO) is a new Seattle ordinance that is set to go into effect on September 1, 2022. The new law is designed to protect independent contractors in terms of both payment and information surrounding their conditions of work. Since our firm has already screened several calls regarding the ICPO, we provide the following details.
Definition of...

What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Washington?
The quick answer is that the state will decide who gets your assets via the process of “intestate succession.” In general, assets are transferred to your closest surviving relatives. The most likely recipients are your spouse, your children, your parents, or your siblings. If you currently don’t have a will, you should contact a skilled estate planning attorney now.
Who Gets What When There Is...

What is a Partnership Agreement, and Do You Need One?
In short, a partnership agreement is a legal document that directs how a partnership will operate. The document helps ensure business success in that it allows you to run your business in the manner in which you want to. In its absence, your partnership’s operations could be governed by your state’s partnership laws. Please contact the McWilliams Law Group now and get the skilled business...

3 Tips to Help a Parent Create an Estate Plan
While the vast majority of us should have an updated estate plan, many seniors simply refuse to create one or ignore the thought of creating one. Reasons for these actions could come from a fear of death and worries about the expenses and anxiety involved. If your parents are reluctant to visit an estate planning attorney, you should try to gently intervene. The expenses associated with...

5 Estate Planning Tips if You’re Getting Divorced
If you’re facing a divorce, you know that it can cause stress, anxiety, and frustration. The last thing you may want while going through this process is something else on your plate to deal with. But you should take some time to review your estate plan. Ignoring it during this pivotal time can result in losing control over your assets and legacy.
1. Update Your Will
Most married people chose...

What is the Difference Between a Living Will and a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
Most people are surprised to learn that a living will is a distinct and separate document from a healthcare power of attorney. But there are important differences between the two and one cannot act as a substitute for the other when it comes to your estate plan. Both documents are necessary for complete medical protection in the case you suffer a serious medical condition that leaves you...