Recent News

Planning for Washington State Estate Tax: Disclaimer Trust Basics

Washington State Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer Sherry Bosse Lueders | 9/11/2024
A married couple will often plan for the surviving spouse to inherit their combined assets when one spouse dies. If those assets exceed the Washington estate tax exclusion amount when the second spouse passes, the surviving spouse’s estate is left to pay estate tax. With savvy planning, it is possible for a couple to reduce… Read More

Are Old Restrictive Covenants (CC&Rs) Still Enforceable?

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Andrew M. McKenzie | 9/4/2024
Property owners sometimes assume they can do (or should be able to do) whatever they want with their land.  Of course, the world is not that simple; living in a civilized society involves an interconnectedness which necessarily means that some land uses are bound to affect those around us.  Stemming from that recognition are a… Read More

How Spousal Support is Awarded. New Supreme Court Decision on “Need”

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Amanda N. Gamble | 9/3/2024
Spousal maintenance awards are governed by RCW 26.09.090. There are several factors set forth in the statute for a trial court to consider when determining the amount and duration of spousal maintenance to be awarded. The statute’s structure was created purposefully flexible, giving trial courts broad discretion when awarding maintenance. Spousal maintenance awards are not… Read More

Wills and Affidavits of Attesting Witnesses

Washington State Business and Real Estate Law Lawyer Per E. Oscarsson | 8/30/2024
In the state of Washington, a Will must be “attested” by at least two competent witnesses. Those witnesses must sign their names to the Will or to an affidavit that complies with law and must do so while in the presence or the electronic presence of the testator (the person whose Will is involved) and… Read More

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is Worried About Predatory Sales Through a “Contact for Deed.”

Washington State Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer Joshua G. R. Curtis | 8/28/2024
Coming out of the Great Recession, Congress and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) created safeguards to protect borrowers from predatory loans or loans that they could not afford to repay.  With a few exceptions, these new laws governed all loans to purchase a primary residence.  The laws required lenders to make certain disclosures and… Read More

How to Keep Your Co-Parenting Communication Amicable

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 8/28/2024
Maintaining healthy communication can be challenging if you have recently moved out or have been separated from your ex-partner for years. However, effective co-parenting is likely a top priority if you have children.  Your focus should be on taking positive actions for the benefit of your child and not seeking vengeance against your ex-partner. It's… Read More