Planning for Death

Know Your Rights

Other Planning Problems

After a Death Occurs: A Checklist

General information and a checklist of important things to do when someone close to you dies. Click on the link below to view the resource.

Get financial help to bury or cremate someone who died from COVID-19

If your loved one died from COVID-19 after January 20, 2020, you can get financial help called COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. #9901EN

Health Care Directive (or Living Will)

A Health Care Directive (also called a Living Will) lets you state what kind of medical treatments you do or do not wish to have if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious and cannot make decisions for yourself. It also lets you write down your health care values. You can fill out your Health Care Directive here on Washington Forms Online, or download a printable packet. #9607EN

How do I Sign Documents When I am Physically Unable?

As long as you are mentally competent to understand what you are signing, the fact that you cannot actually sign does not need to keep you from executing the document. Just follow the procedures we explain here. #8401EN

Life and Death Planning: A Checklist

A checklist of important documents and information you should put in writing.

Native American and Alaska Native Property Owners: Exemptions from Estate Recovery

This is about property owned by Native Americans and Alaska Natives. You can find information about exemptions for other types of property in our brochure called, "Estate Recovery for Medical Services paid for by the State." That brochure also explains which DSHS medical programs require estate recovery. #9208EN

What happens to my kids if I am sick or die?

If you are a single parent, you may worry who will care for your kids if something happens to you. This explains your options. You should also talk to a lawyer. #3115EN

What You Should Know about Estate Planning Documents

An overview of estate planning documents like wills, powers of attorney, living wills and guardianship.

After a Death Occurs: A Checklist

General information and a checklist of important things to do when someone close to you dies. Click on the link below to view the resource.

Claiming the Personal Property of Someone Who Has Died: DIY Affidavit for Small Estates

The affidavit procedure allows people who are entitled to a dead person's (also called a decedent) personal property, to get that property without going through probate. #9502EN

Get financial help to bury or cremate someone who died from COVID-19

If your loved one died from COVID-19 after January 20, 2020, you can get financial help called COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. #9901EN

King County Probates

A website designed to help families with some basic legal questions regarding property issues and inheritance after their loved one living in King County has died.

What happens to my kids if I am sick or die?

If you are a single parent, you may worry who will care for your kids if something happens to you. This explains your options. You should also talk to a lawyer. #3115EN

How do I Sign Documents When I am Physically Unable?

As long as you are mentally competent to understand what you are signing, the fact that you cannot actually sign does not need to keep you from executing the document. Just follow the procedures we explain here. #8401EN

King County Probates

A website designed to help families with some basic legal questions regarding property issues and inheritance after their loved one living in King County has died.

Washington Wills

Create your own simple will and other basic estate planning documents with free forms and instructions.

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