Christopher S. Mulvaney,

Attorney and Counselor-at-Law

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THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES GENERAL INFORMATION & THE OPINIONS OF CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY. IT IS INTENDED TO STIMULATE A BASIS FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR PARTICULAR FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — BEFORE YOU ACT.  THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE MAKE A ZOOM APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME.

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Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”.  The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

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It’s crucial to address sentimental property in a personal property memorandum (PPM) before you die in Washington State in 2025 because:

1. Ensuring Your Wishes Are Followed: A PPM allows you to specify who should receive specific items of tangible personal property, ensuring they go to the individuals you intend to receive them.
2. Avoiding Family Disputes: Sentimental items, like family heirlooms or collectibles, often hold emotional significance and can become sources of conflict among beneficiaries if their distribution isn’t clearly defined. A PPM provides clear instructions, reducing the likelihood of disputes.
3. Flexibility: A PPM is a flexible tool that can be easily updated without having to amend your will or trust. This makes it convenient to adjust your instructions as you acquire new items or change your mind about who should receive specific possessions.
4. Preserving Sentimental Value: By designating who will receive specific items, you ensure they are passed on to individuals who will cherish and appreciate them, preserving family heritage and memories.
5. Simplifying Estate Administration: While a will or trust is essential for directing the overall distribution of your estate, a PPM allows you to provide detailed instructions for personal property separately, simplifying the legal documentation and administration process.
6. Washington State Law: Washington State law (RCW 11.12.260) specifically permits the use of a separate writing, like a PPM, to direct the distribution of tangible personal property not otherwise specified in a will.
7. Legally Enforceable: To be legally effective in Washington State, the PPM must be referred to in your will, be signed and dated by you, and describe the items and their recipients with reasonable certainty. 

 

In summary, addressing sentimental property in a personal property memorandum before you die in Washington State is important for ensuring your wishes are honored, minimizing potential family conflicts, providing flexibility in your estate planning, and simplifying the estate administration process. 

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Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary.  Just email me an image of your photo ID.