Recent News

In Washington State, real estate brokers may represent buyers and sellers on opposite sides of the same transaction. These agents function as “dual agents.”  I will openly admit my own immediate anxiety at the prospect of dual agency. I believe that in most cases, buyers and sellers would benefit from having their own independent brokers,… Read More

Generally speaking, making defamatory statements about people can subject you to liability, though there are some procedural considerations for plaintiffs seeking damages (see my prior blog post here. In the context of litigation, American courts have long recognized a “litigation privilege” which generally insulates litigants from liability for statements made in the course of litigation. … Read More

Individuals who co-own real property often do so in a variety of different arrangements. They may own community property as a married couple. They may have purchased real estate as tenants in common with siblings or friends, with each retaining their independent right to sell their own interest. They may own real property as joint… Read More

Someone has been spreading lies about your business and suddenly you’re seeing a decrease in sales or some of your most trusted vendors and partners no longer want to work with you.  Maybe this awful liar is communicating directly with your customers and vendors, or maybe they are posting untrue “reviews” online.  Either way, what… Read More

Most people have heard of probate, but many don’t know exactly what it is and why it is important.  Probate is the court process of settling and distributing the assets and liabilities of a deceased person’s estate.  Some assets are able to pass to heirs or beneficiaries without having to go through the process- those… Read More

I recently presented a webinar on “The Benefits and Process of Non-Judicial Foreclosure in Washington State.”  In case you missed the live presentation, you can view the webinar below through Beresford Booth’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/embed/9pfRD6JAJaU You can also download a copy of my PowerPoint presentation: Download To learn more about Non-Judicial Foreclosures in Washington State,… Read More

May 18th, 2023 Todd J. Cook presented The Benefits and Process of Non-Judicial Foresclosure in Washington State, covering: What is foreclosure? Why a non-judicial foreclosure is beneficial When a non-judicial process is available The process of a non-judicial foreclosure Read More

On May 8, 2023, Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1110 into law. I previously wrote an article regarding the congressional deliberations over House Bill 1110 here. While proponents argued that passing this law would expand access to housing, detractors expressed concern about the significant reduction in local control over zoning throughout Washington State. Whatever… Read More

Litigation can be complex and full of twists, turns and obstacles.  One of the biggest, and often most unexpected, obstacles occurs when one of the parties passes away before the litigation is resolved.  Defendant clients will often say: “So I am off the hook now, right?  The case is over?”  And plaintiff clients may ask… Read More