Recent News

Active Duty Military & Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

the Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 5/28/2013
The Servicemember's Civil Relief Act (SCRA), an expansion of the former Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, protects active duty military service members.  The act is intended to postpone or suspend certain civil obligations to enable service members to devote full attention to duty and to relieve stress on the family members of those service… Read More

You May Avoid Estate Tax In Washington State By Gifting Through A Family Limited Partnership, Family LLC

Washington State Estate Planning & Probate Lawyer William O. Kessler | 5/28/2013
One method of avoiding estate tax is through a Family Limited Partnership.  In fact, “Family Limited Partnership” is often a misnomer, because the entity formed is usually a Family LLC instead. Regardless, the purpose and function are the same.  The Family LLC allows Mom and Dad to (a) form an LLC owned only by the… Read More

Washington Court of Appeals Reverses Lower Court In Civil Harassment Matter Involving Multiple Owners Of Real Property

the Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 5/28/2013
The Washington State Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Superior Court granting a civil anti-harassment order against the appellant, which prohibited the appellant from the use and enjoyment, her real property.  The property, a beachfront home, was owned by several members of the same family, including the appellant.  Following a series of alleged… Read More

Washington State’s New Social Media Password Law

the Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 5/28/2013
Companies can request ‘content’ from employees’ social media sites as part of corporate investigations, but the employee is under no obligation to provide such content to the employer. As social media continues to evolve in our society, so too evolves its boundaries when applied to the workplace.  Washingtonians experiences with the new law will undoubtedly… Read More

Shuttle Mediation In Washington State Family Law Cases Such As Divorce

the Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 5/17/2013
Most counties in Washington State require mediation in family law cases such as divorce or the establishment of a parenting plan prior to the case going to trial.  A bill has been introduced in the Washington State legislature, which requires mediation in all divorces involving children, except in certain circumstances. The typical mediation process involves… Read More

Neighborhood Boundary Line Dispute Escalates Into A Bulldozer Rampage

the Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 5/17/2013
Just days after a Port Angeles man made national news by demolishing his neighbor’s home and flattening his neighbor’s truck, along with damaging several other homes, media outlets are reporting that the bulldozer-wielding man “was angry about a longstanding dispute over a property line and fence.” Lawyers at Beresford Booth have extensive experience in resolving… Read More

What’s in a Name under the Uniform Commercial Code in Washington?

the Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 5/17/2013
For a secured transaction under the Uniform Commercial Code (the “UCC”) starting on July 1, 2013, it is a lot.  It could mean the difference between success and failure.  Article 9 of the UCC (Article 9A in Washington) governs the creation of most security interests in personal property.  In most cases, a financing statement must… Read More