Recent News

Please join us in congratulating Anne B. Bennette and J Patrick Diener, Beresford Booth’s newest partners. Anne Bennette joined the firm in 2016 after practicing nearly six years in Boston. She practices in our family law group. She will continue to bring compassion and clarity to her clients as she helps them work through parenting… Read More

Many clients come to me as victims of sometimes horrific domestic violence, whether it be physical, emotional or “coercive control.” If they want to leave the marriage or relationship and there are children involved, the main concern for the Parenting Plan is often how to protect the children. If children are victims of domestic violence… Read More

Has someone told you that you need “Letters” before they can tell you anything about your deceased loved one’s property? Clients will come in and tell me they went to the bank and were shut down by employees insisting they need “Letters” to settle their loved one’s estate. The bank will insist on Letters even… Read More

In previous posts, I have discussed aspects of Collaborative Divorce and Mediation as alternatives to the typical “messy” divorce we hear about from friends and see portrayed in the media. But as a spouse, sometimes your feelings of bitterness, rage, and even hate for your partner—all the emotions that may have led to your divorce—can… Read More

There are several sitcom bits based off of someone writing their own Last Will and Testament. One of my personal favorites is in the show Parks and Recreation where Ron Swanson reveals the Will that he’s been carrying in his pocket since childhood, which reads “All my belongings shall transfer to the man or animal… Read More

As discussed in previous blogs, the Collaborative Divorce process utilizes not only attorneys, but also various other types of professionals, depending on the needs of the parties and their case. Below is a brief discussion of the role of the Child Specialist in the Collaborative Law divorce process and why they might be included. Child… Read More

Beresford Booth would like to recognize the great community work of the Kiwanis Club of Edmonds.  Since 1978, they continue to find ways to support young children and adolescent programs in our community.  The Kiwanis Club supports Washington Kids in Transition, Bridge Receiving Center, Dawson Place, Clothes for Kids, Dale Turner Family YMCA, Children’s Hospital,… Read More

The 1970 Disney animated classic, the Aristocats, begins with the wealthy Madame Adelaide Bonfamille deciding to leave her substantial fortune to her pet cats. Her loyal butler, Edgar, is to inherit whatever is left after the four cats die. Edgar finds out about the terms of Madame Bonfamille’s Will and, after some poorly done mathematics,… Read More

As discussed in previous blogs, the Collaborative Divorce process utilizes not only attorneys, but also various other types of professionals, depending on the needs of the parties and their case. Below is a brief discussion of the role of the divorce coach in the Collaborative Law divorce process and why they might be included. Divorce… Read More