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It’s Never Too Early to Start Estate Planning

It's Never Too Early to Start Estate Planning

October 31, 2025 | By: Alex Walton   When many people hear the phrase estate planning, they think of retirees or the very wealthy. In reality, estate planning is about ensuring that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected, regardless of age or net worth. In Washington State, where community property rules,… Continue reading It’s Never Too Early to Start Estate Planning

Why Insurance Companies Deny Valid Claims in Washington

Why Insurance Companies Deny Valid Claims in Washington

October 22, 2025 | By: Alex Rowan and Dubs Herschlip   Imagine that your entire life’s possessions were placed in a storage company, and then one day, when you went to visit, there was nothing there. Imagine then that you turn to the insurance company you’ve dutifully been paying premiums to for years, and they… Continue reading Why Insurance Companies Deny Valid Claims in Washington

The Probate Race to the Courthouse in Washington State

The Probate Race to the Courthouse in Washington State

September 9, 2025 | By: Dubs Herschlip    Based on my 25 years of experience, when someone dies in Washington State, the one who controls the estate is the one who wins the race to the courthouse. The “first to file” typically gains significant advantages in controlling estate administration, including decision-making authority over assets and… Continue reading The Probate Race to the Courthouse in Washington State

What Happens to My Finances When I Die in Washington State?

What Happens to My Finances When I Die in Washington State?

August 25, 2025 | By: Dubs Herschlip    Your financial assets that you own in Washington State may constitute the majority of your assets are often referred to as non-probate assets and may transfer according to your beneficiary designations with the financial institution outside of probate. Your financial assets may not need to go through… Continue reading What Happens to My Finances When I Die in Washington State?

Can I Write an Ethical Will in Washington?

Can I Write an Ethical Will in Washington?

August 20, 2025 | By: Dubs Herschlip    An ethical will, also known as a legacy letter or spiritual will, is a customized document separate from a legal will that allows you to pass on your personal values, beliefs, and life lessons to your loved ones. Unlike a legal will, which primarily focuses on the… Continue reading Can I Write an Ethical Will in Washington?

What Are the Benefits of Transfer on Death Deeds in Washington?

Recording transfer on death deeds in the county where real property is located in Washington allows property owners to transfer real estate without probate and without real property excise tax- avoiding the expense and hassle of probate in Washington state.

March 15, 2024 |  By: Dubs Herschlip   Traditionally, real estate must pass through a deed signed by all grantees of the last vesting deed, or if one of the grantees has passed away, then a probate proceeding allows a court to transfer title for the deceased grantee. The probate process can be time-consuming and… Continue reading What Are the Benefits of Transfer on Death Deeds in Washington?

Do I Need a Will or Living Trust in Washington State?

Learn the basic differences between a will and living trust in Washington State so you can make an informed decision in the estate planning process.

March 4, 2024 |  By: Dubs Herschlip   Choosing between a will and a living trust in Washington state can be confusing for various reasons. You may feel that you don’t know which estate planning tool will help you manage your financial portfolio or complex assets. You may be worried about your privacy during the… Continue reading Do I Need a Will or Living Trust in Washington State?

Why You Need a Will in Washington State

Having a will ensures your wishes are followed and avoids leaving important decisions about your assets and heirs in the hands of a court.

March 4, 2024 |  By: Dubs Herschlip   The estate-planning process can be stressful and unpleasant. Many people put drafting a will off because they don’t want to think about leaving their loved ones behind. In some cases, people think they don’t need an estate plan or that they are too young to worry about… Continue reading Why You Need a Will in Washington State

Intern Program

As part of our effort to recruit, develop and retail the best and brightest attorneys, Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig offers a summer intern program for promising law school students who are looking to work as part of an innovative and incredibly successful team. With a global team of lawyers, selected candidates are able to work on high level projects in a collaborative space.

Paralegals and Legal Support Staff

At Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, our team of paralegals and staff work together collaboratively along side our attorneys toward a common goal. We have created a positive work environment where our paralegals and legal assistants work to successfully reach firm-wide goals and support each other to combine individual strengths to enhance team performance. They regularly assist our attorneys with organizing and maintaining files, conducting legal research, and preparing documents.