Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

Re: my mom's creditors

You are not responsible for your mother debts when she dies whether she has a will or not.

It's a good idea to have a will, a durable power of attorney and a health care directive (and that goes for you and your husband, as well).

If you find your local bar association, many times there is a panel of lawyers who will do a simple will for a very nominal cost - and a home visit, if necessary.

Washington is a very easy state in which to administer a probate. There are formalities for wills which must be followed, but the rest is fairly simple. This is in marked contrast to other states where probate can be very costly. Not here. There is even an expedited procedure for estates of less than $60K which do not involve real property.

Hope this helps set your mind at ease a bit. Elizabeth Powell