Washington LawHelp

The Basics (8)+

• 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

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Life and Death Planning: A Checklist

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

  By:

  Legal Voice

• 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

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• 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

  By:

  End of Life - Washington

• Quitclaim Deeds and Life Estates

  Before selling or gifting any property, consult with a lawyer. Some lawyers will provide services free of charge or for a reduced fee. Your local bar association may have more information. #6260EN Also called Quit Claim Deed. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• 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

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  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

  By:

  SOUND Generations

• 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

  By:

  American Bar Association

After a Death (6)+

• 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

  By:

  Legal Voice

  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

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  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

  By:

  Washington State Attorney General

• 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

  By:

  Curran Law Firm P.S.

• Probate Resources

  This site contains general information, forms and instructions for probate in Washington state. Read More

  By:

  King County Law Library

• 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. #6301EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

Planning for Death (2)+

• Planning for Death

  Information about Funerals, Burial, and Organ Donation and how to make your wishes known to friends and family. Read More

  By:

  Legal Voice

• 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

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

Special Needs Trusts (2)+

• Pooled-Asset Special-Needs Trusts for Medicaid & SSI Beneficiaries

  This explains the benefits of special needs trusts and the role of pooled-asset trusts – special needs trusts in which the assets of many individuals are pooled for certain purposes. Read More

  By:

  Columbia Legal Services

• Protecting Resources for Medicaid & SSI Beneficiaries with Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts

  The countable resource limit for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and many Medicaid recipients is only $2,000. However, some of these recipients can protect additional resources in a Special Needs Trust or an ABLE account. This bulletin will explain these options and who can benefit from them. Read More

  By:

  Columbia Legal Services

Wills (2)+

• 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

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Washington Wills

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

  By:

  Washington Wills