A guide to the estate-planning process for people who live in Washington that offers state-specific advice on setting up and executing a will, trust, or estate.

If you were to die tonight, what would happen to your family? Your belongings? Your savings? Everyone recognizes the importance of making a will in order to properly provide for dependents, but it is often a task that gets put off. Written by an attorney specializing in family law, simple wills, and employment issues, this guide explains in simple, everyday language the whys and hows of making a legally binding will. Including clear examples of the common will forms, it also contains convenient, tear-out forms so you can start on your own will right away.

The Department of Licensing has worked to keep the notary public application process as simple as possible. A prospective notary need only submit a complete application, proof of a $10,000 surety bond, and appropriate fees to the Department of Licensing in order to begin the process. Once an applicant has completed all application requirements and proven that he or she is eligible, the Department will have a new certificate of commission mailed out promptly. New in 2018, notaries public can also apply for an electronic records notary public endorsement, which allows the notary to perform notarial acts on electronic documents as well as paper documents. The application process is similar to the application process for the commission, and can be done at the same time or separately.