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If you’ve streamed Taylor Tomlinson’s recent Netflix comedy special, Prodigal Daughter, you know she tackles heavy life topics with a sharp comedic edge, including a big one that many people avoid: thinking about death. But, tucked between the laughs and bold personal storytelling, there’s a moment in the special where Tomlinson talks about something most adults should confront (but often put off) until it’s too late: getting your affairs in order, including writing a will and thinking through your health care wishes. Let’s unpack why the estate planning topics that Taylor talks about in her special matter to everyone, regardless of your age, income, or life stage. 1. Even Younger Adults Need a Plan Taylor jokes about the irony of writing a will when she’s not even “old” yet (a sentiment many of us share). Yet the truth is clear: having a will before a crisis happens is a gift to the people you care about most. A will: • Specifies who gets your assets when you pass away • Names an executor to handle your affairs • Designates guardians for minor children (if applicable) If you skip this step and something unexpected happens, the state’s default rules decide these outcomes. We find that most of our clients prefer to have the final say in how their estate is handled, rather than leaving it up to the government to decide. 2. Advance Health Care Decisions Matter While Tomlinson’s set focuses on the humor inherent in confronting mortality, it opens the door to a serious point: situations arise where we might not be able to speak for ourselves. That’s where Advance Health Care Directives come in. An Advance Health Care Directive lets you: • Appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf • Express your preferences about treatments you do or don’t want • Include wishes about things like organ donation or comfort care choices Tomlinson’s humor might make you laugh, but the underlying message is profound: planning ahead gives you control. 3. Laughing About Tough Topics Can Prompt Real Action Comedians have a unique power to make uncomfortable subjects feel less taboo. When someone as culturally visible as Taylor Tomlinson uses her platform to talk about these realities of life, it can be a nudge for people to take real steps. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly. If you have people who depend on you, property you care about, or strong medical preferences you want honored, it’s for you. And humor can be one more reminder to get it done. If Prodigal Daughter made you chuckle and made you think, here are some practical steps you can take right now: ➡️ Create or update a will that reflects your current relationships and assets ➡️ Set up an Advance Health Care Directive to name a trusted agent and state your wishes ➡️ Consider other planning tools, like financial powers of attorney, trusts, or beneficiary designations ➡️ Review your documents regularly, especially after major life changes (marriage, kids, divorce, etc.) Estate planning doesn’t have to be morbid! It can be liberating. Laughing about it with Taylor Tomlinson is one thing… but putting a plan in place can be a life-changing act of responsibility and love for your family and friends. If you’d like help crafting a plan that fits your life and goals (whether you’re just starting out, or updating old out-of-date documents) contact Limitless Law PLLC to schedule your strategy session with one of our attorneys. We’ll make the legal side as manageable and clear as possible. Call 360-685-0145 or click here to learn more about how we can help!
Washington State's Estate Tax Exemption Just Increased for Tax Year 2026
You have options if none of your loved ones is willing or able to be in charge of your estate
Consider Getting These Important Legal Documents in Place ASAP
If you live in Washington State, you may already know that our state has its own estate tax, separate from the federal estate tax. Washington’s estate tax rules have recently undergone a substantial change. As of July 1, 2025: The estate tax exemption is now $3 million per person (up from just over $2 million prior to the change in the law). The estate tax rates are now higher, ranging from 10% to 35%, depending on the size of the taxable estate. That means many Washington families (even those who don’t consider themselves “wealthy”) may face significant estate tax exposure. The good news? A well-designed estate plan, including a disclaimer trust, can help reduce or even eliminate Washington estate taxes. Washington State Estate Tax Exemption in 2025 The estate tax exemption is the amount you can pass at death without owing estate tax. In Washington for 2025: Each individual has a $3 million exemption. A married couple can potentially shelter $6 million by taking advantage of special estate planning tools like disclaimer trusts. Anything above these exemption amounts may be subject to Washington’s estate tax. Because home values, retirement accounts, and life insurance proceeds all count toward the value of your estate, many families find themselves unexpectedly above the $3 million threshold. Washington State Estate Tax Rates in 2025 For deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025, Washington estate tax applies as follows (only to the value of an estate above $3 million): $0 – $1 million → 10% $1 – $2 million → 15% $2 – $3 million → 17% $3 – $4 million → 19% $4 – $6 million → 23% $6 – $7 million → 26% $7 – $9 million → 30% Above $9 million → 35% These higher brackets make strategic estate planning more important than ever. What Is a Disclaimer Trust? A disclaimer trust is a flexible estate planning tool often used by married couples in Washington. It works like this: When the first spouse dies, everything could pass to the surviving spouse. But with a disclaimer trust, the surviving spouse has a choice—they can “disclaim” (refuse) part of the inheritance. The disclaimed assets go into a trust, where they are sheltered by the deceased spouse’s $3 million exemption. The surviving spouse can still access the trust income, and in many cases, principal as well. Benefits of a Disclaimer Trust in Washington Here’s why a disclaimer trust can be so powerful for estate tax planning: Preserves Both Exemptions: Instead of wasting one spouse’s $3 million exemption, both can be used—shielding up to $6 million. Flexibility: The surviving spouse doesn’t have to decide today. They can wait until the first spouse dies to see what makes the most financial sense. Tax Savings: With rates as high as 35%, preserving both exemptions can save families hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars in Washington estate tax. Protection for Heirs: A disclaimer trust can also protect assets for children and future generations. Is a Disclaimer Trust Right for Your Family? You might benefit from a disclaimer trust if: You and your spouse (as Washington State reisdents) have a combined estate of more than $3 million. You own valuable real estate, retirement accounts, or life insurance. You want flexibility to adapt to future changes in the law. You want to minimize or avoid Washington estate taxes. If you want to learn more about how a disclaimer trust could help your family, contact our office today to schedule a strategy session. We’ll walk you through your options and help you create a Washington estate plan that makes sense for your goals. If you are seeking assistance with estate planning, probate, adoption, real estate transactions, or business legal questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the experienced team at Limitless Law PLLC. We're here to help. Call 360-685-0145 or click here to learn more!
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