General Info (7)
-
Basic Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
This memo provides you with some basic background information to get you started on preparing your "estate plan." Read More
-
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 in this publication. Read More
-
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 Read More
-
Social Security Survivor Benefits
When a worker dies, the surviving spouse may be entitled to benefits based on the worker’s earnings record, if you also meet age or other requirements. Publication #7204EN. Read More
-
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 Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
What You Should Know about Estate Planning Documents
An overview of estate planning documents like wills, powers of attorney, living wills and guardianship. Read More
-
Why Am I Left In the Waiting Room? Understanding the Four C’s of Elder Law Ethics
There are several reasons why lawyers need to meet with your family member or friend alone for at least part of the case evaluation process, so please don’t be alarmed or offended. Read More
After a Death Occurs (7)
-
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. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
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 Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Dealing with Death
General information on who to contact after a death occurs and link to relevant laws. Read More
-
Getting Help for Your Grief
Losing someone close to you may leave you feeling sad, lost, alone, or even angry. You may miss the person who has died—you want them back. You might have also been so busy with caregiving that it now seems you have nothing to do. This can add to your feelings of loss. This is all part of mourning, a normal reaction to the loss of someone you’ve cared for. Read More
-
King County Probates
Detailed information about what a probate is and how the process works. This site offers step-by-step instructions on how to get through a probate, including up-to-date documents and forms, the proper notices to provide, how to deal with creditors, how to close the probate, among many other topics. The instructions and forms are specific to King County. Read More
-
Probate Resources
This site contains general information, forms and instructions for probate in Washington state. Read More
-
When a Tenant Who Lives Alone Dies
Read this if you rent your house, manufactured home, or apartment (dwelling unit) from a landlord and are the sole occupant of the dwelling unit OR someone has designated you to take care of their things in their rental unit after they die. Read More
Planning for Death (7)
-
Basic Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
This memo provides you with some basic background information to get you started on preparing your "estate plan." Read More
-
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 in this publication. Read More
-
Life and Death Planning: A Checklist
A checklist of important documents and information you should put in writing. Read More
-
Planning for Death
Information about Funerals, Burial, and Organ Donation and how to make your wishes known to friends and family. Read More
-
Putting My House in Order Form
The Putting My House in Order Form contains all the death certificate information the funeral director will need, your wishes for burial and indicate your organ donation preference. Be sure to discuss your wishes with your survivors and let them know where your original documents are filed so they can present them to the funeral home at time of death. Read More
-
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 Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Why Am I Left In the Waiting Room? Understanding the Four C’s of Elder Law Ethics
There are several reasons why lawyers need to meet with your family member or friend alone for at least part of the case evaluation process, so please don’t be alarmed or offended. Read More
Wills (2)
-
Washington First Responder Will Clinic
The Washington Will Clinic aims to provide basic estate planning documents - wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives - for Washington first responders and their spouses/state registered domestic partners at no cost. Read More
-
Washington Wills
Create your own simple will and other basic estate planning documents with free forms and instructions. Read More