Was this the year you were going to get your estate and tax planning in order? Two-thirds of the year is past, so now's the time to take action. The following, brief checklist is offered as a device for getting you started:

1. Does your Will meet your family's present needs?

2. Do you have a Durable Power of Attorney, to provide for continued management of your affairs in the event of disability?

3. What is your attitude toward artificial life support? If you do not want it for yourself, have you executed a Health Care Directive?

4. Have Nonprobate Arrangements (such as Community Property Agreements, life insurance and retirement plan beneficiary designations, and joint tenancies) been checked to make sure they conform to the desires expressed in your Will?

5. Is your estate (including retirement benefits and proceeds of life insurance) over $600,000? If so,

(a) Have Trust Wills been executed to reduce estate tax?

(b) Have you considered a tax-saving program of gifts to family members?

(c) Have charitable gifts been considered?

6. Does your estate include an interest in a family business? If so,

(a) Have estate tax reduction possibilities been reviewed?

(b) May the payment of estate tax be deferred?

(c) Have steps been taken to ensure succession of control?

If you do have an interest in a family business, please note that one of our lawyers, Alan Macpherson, will be a presenter at the Family Enterprise Institute's week-long conference on "Leading the Family & Closely Held Enterprise" in late September. If you have an interest in attending this conference, please contact Alan at (206) 572-5050.

Best wishes for a happy and profitable Fall.