Recent News

Beresford Booth Lawyer Andrew McKenzie Gets The Kids Paying Attention 

BeresfordBooth | 6/25/2026
Andrew McKenzie loves being in front of a crowd.  But he also has a passion for education, civics, and history.  So recently, he volunteered a day of his time teaching middle schoolers about American government and the history of the English language.  What many 6th graders might consider boring subjects became alive through Andrew’s energetic and… Read More

Washington Estate Tax Changes

Washington State Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer Sherry Bosse Lueders | 6/25/2026
July 1 falls on a Wednesday this year, but it is anything but an ordinary Wednesday for Washington estate tax. July 1, 2026, is the date Washington’s estate tax rates are scheduled to change once again—and this time, the news is mostly good for estates of all sizes. Washington's estate tax has been in flux… Read More

Who Gets the Final Say When You’re Gone?

Washington State Business, Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer Rachel J. Wright | 6/25/2026
In a related post, “Your Last Party: Why Funeral Planning Matters”, we talked about all the ways a person can make their grand exit: burial, cremation, composting, water cremation, space travel, tacos, dancing, and the critically important question of whether there should be an open mic at the celebration of life. Now comes the less… Read More

How Same-Sex Divorces are Impacted by the 2014 Legalization.

Washington State Divorce and Family Law Lawyer Kelsey L. Affronte | 6/24/2026
June is Pride Month – an annual remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall riots and how LGBTQIA+ communities have contributed to each other’s culture, community, and enhanced legal rights. Stonewall occurred nearly 60 years ago, but same-sex marriage was not legalized until 2014 – only 12 years ago. How does that impact same-sex couples in their… Read More

“Is My Property Line Off?” The Common Grantor Doctrine

Washington State Real Estate and Litigation Lawyer William O. Kessler | 6/24/2026
Maybe you are in the process of buying a home. Maybe you have lived there for years. At some point, you might have asked yourself is that fence really on the actual property line? Figuring out where your land ends and your neighbor’s begins can be more complex than you think. The recent Washington Court of Appeals… Read More

Planning for Adoption Expenses

Washington State Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 6/23/2026
One of the first questions most prospective adoptive parents ask is simple: "How much does adoption cost?"  Unfortunately, the answer is not always simple. Unlike many major life purchases, adoption expenses can vary significantly depending on the professionals involved, the circumstances of the adoption, and whether the placement occurs within Washington or another state. For… Read More

Adoption Tax Credit For 2026

Washington State Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Lawyer Dimitra S. Scott | 6/23/2026
One of the most valuable financial benefits available to adoptive families is the federal Adoption Tax Credit. This tax benefit can help offset many of the costs associated with building your family through adoption. For adoptions finalized in 2026, eligible families may claim a federal Adoption Tax Credit of up to $17,670 per child, subject… Read More

Capital Calls in Passive Real Estate Investment: Fast Passes to Litigation

Washington State Litigation and Business Lawyer J Patrick Diener | 6/23/2026
Most passive real estate investments begin with a simple promise. Investors contribute capital, the sponsor executes the business plan, and everyone shares the profits generated by the property. Unfortunately, real estate projects rarely unfold exactly as projected. Construction costs increase. Interest rates rise. Lease-up periods take longer than expected. Refinancing opportunities disappear. Operating expenses climb.… Read More