The Law Office of Julie Jansen

07/27/2026

Top 10 Reasons Why Every Adult Needs an Estate Plan 📝

02/17/2026

Washington’s estate tax rates have increased for estates over $3 million, with the top rate now reaching 35% for estates valued above $9 million (for deaths on or after July 1, 2025).

With rising property values in our state, more families may fall into these thresholds than they realize.

If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently, now may be a good time to take a look and understand how these changes could affect your family.

Attached is an illustration created by the Seattle Times about the new tax increases.

01/28/2026

Did you know in Washington state if you die without a Will anyone can file a probate proceeding after 40 days. No relationship required. Just one more excellent reason you need a well thought out estate plan!

DETAILS:

During a hearing on Tuesday, the Attorney General's Office pushed for new legislation to bring protection and transparency to the probate system.

07/29/2025

A great reminder of the top six reasons why it’s important to have a will from Farm Bureau Financial Services.

A will is an important estate planning document that allows you to document your wishes and minimize conflicts after your passing. Learn why you need one.

09/18/2024

Did you know that less than half of all adults living in America have a will? Even more shocking is this number is decreasing year after year.

Do not be one of these individuals. Having a detailed estate plan is vitally important for every adult. Here’s a great article from Forbes detailing the legal documents to be considered and their purposes.

Having an estate plan is among the most important things you can do for your loved ones. It is, however, a task many of us dread and put off dealing with until later in life. If there is one thing we can recommend, it is that it is never too early to start planning, but it can be too late.

10/09/2023

Just a friendly reminder to all those pet owners, make sure to get your affairs in order 💀🥴😂

02/13/2023

One of the biggest reasons people need to have a will is the following:

If you die without a will in Washington with a spouse and shared children together. Your partner will get 100% of the community property and only 1/2 of any separate property. The other half will be divided evenly among your children.

If you die without a will in Washington with a spouse, no children but your parents are alive. Your partner gets the community property and 3/4 of separate property. Your parents get 1/4 of any separate property.

Estate planning is really important to make sure your family has the resources it needs to continue without you. If you have children or are married, you need a will!

You can read more about intestate succession and its pitfalls in this great article.

In this detailed guide of Washington inheritance laws, we break down intestate succession, probate, taxes, what makes a will valid and more.

01/18/2023

It’s tax prep season again. This is an excellent time to get your estate plan done as well.

These attorneys have seen it all, and they want you to avoid these costly legal and financial problems for your family's sake.