Recent News

On January 28, 2013, the Washington State Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the Snohomish County Superior Court granting visitation rights to an acknowledged father as a de facto parent over the objections of the biological parents. The Court’s decision can be found at:  http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.disp&filename=677489MAJ Beresford Booth (425.776.4100), www.beresfordlaw.com BERESFORD BOOTH has made this… Read More

Washington State allows attorneys to appear for a limited purpose without having to hire or retain an attorney to handle your entire case.  In a legal proceeding, do you need assistance negotiating final orders, conducting mediation, or arguing a hearing?  Superior Court Civil Rule 4.2 allows attorneys to appear for a specific task, typically with… Read More

The 2013 Washington State Legislature is considering a bill that would amend RCW 26.09 (Dissolution/Legal Separation Proceedings). The proposed bill would require any parent who commences divorce or legal separation proceedings involving a minor child would be provided a pamphlet, which they acknowledge receipt, explaining the harmful effects of abducting a minor child. As stated… Read More

I have been handed a document from a stranger stating my ex-spouse intends to move to another State with our children. Two years ago, I went through an amicable divorce with my spouse. In those divorce proceedings, a final parenting plan was entered establishing the residential provisions for our children. Under the plan, I have… Read More

You have been offered a job in another State. The job offers better pay and better opportunity. Two years ago, you went through an amicable divorce with your spouse. In those divorce proceedings, a final parenting plan was entered establishing the residential provisions for your children. Under the plan, your ex-spouse has every other weekend… Read More

The Washington Department of financial institutions (DFI) closed Westside Community Bank citing inadequate capital and severe loan losses effective January 11, 2013. Westside Community Bank, headquartered In University Place, Washington, had 2 locations which are now open as branches of Sunwest Bank. Beresford Booth represents a number of local and regional banks. Beresford Booth (425.776.4100), www.beresfordlaw.com… Read More

When an obligation to pay money or perform some other obligation is secured by a deed of trust and that obligation has been satisfied, the owner of the real estate affected by the deed of trust is entitled to have the lien of the deed of trust removed from the records. Sometimes the lien is… Read More

On November 6, 2012, Washington voters approved (53.7%) Referendum Measure No. 74, allowing people of the same sex to legally marry in Washington State.  Nine states plus Washington, D.C., allow same sex marriage. Prior to Referendum 74, people of the same sex could register with the Secretary of State as “State registered domestic partners” provided… Read More

  Residential foreclosures in Washington probably just became more difficult and expensive for lenders. In a usual foreclosure, when the borrower stops paying the mortgage, the lender directs a third-party “trustee” of the deed-of-trust (mortgage) to go through the foreclosure process.  This process rarely involves the courts.  Instead, there is a “non-judicial” process under Washington… Read More