"Estate" is the legal term used to define your property and money—basically, everything that belongs to you. Estate planning attorneys tell you different strategies you can use to transfer your belongings after you die.
Probate is the legal process used to carry out a person's will after their death; a probate attorney advises you on how to perform the steps in the process.
A power of attorney is a document you sign to give someone else the right to make legal decisions for you. Unlike a guardianship, you determine the decision makers' authority by the language used in the power of attorney form.
A trust is an arrangement whereby someone owns and manages money or property for another person's benefit. Like a guardianship, a trustee has decision-making authority over the trust property, but no court is involved in the trustee's action.
A written will lets you decide what happens to your money and property after you die, while a living will lets you decide whether or not you wish to be placed on a medical life support system if you become disabled or incapacitated.
I grew up in the great state of Wyoming and attended undergrad at the University of Wyoming. After graduating, I traveled to Latin America, lived in San Diego, and eventually decided to go to law school. I attended Seattle University Law, graduating Cum Laude in 2012 with an emphasis in Estate Planning.
I enjoy gardening, neighborhood walks, and exploring the Inland Northwest with my husband and children.
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