Recent News

On January 1, 2020, Washington state’s new graduated real estate excise tax takes effect.  The excise tax (aka transfer tax) is paid upon closing the sale of real property.  The amount of tax changes depending on the value of the sold property.  The existing excise tax is a flat 1.28%. The new excise tax is… Read More

Today the Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) announced a settlement with Leadpoint Business Services (Leadpoint) as the largest in the agency’s history. Leadpoint is an Arizona based staffing company that provided workers for two waste recycling facilities in Seattle. The OLS settlement requires Leadpoint to pay $686,202.00 in backpay, interest, and liquidated damages to… Read More

The Washington Supreme Court’s recent decision in Banowsky v. Backstrom, No. 96200-6, 2019 WL 3333172, -- P.3d – (Wn. July 25, 2019), clarifies the interplay between two seemingly conflicting Civil Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (“CRLJ”)—CRLJ 14A(b) and CRLJ 12(h)(3)—in a matter improperly (but in good faith) filed in Washington State District Court.  Reversing… Read More

Businesses have life cycles: birth (formation), life (operation), and death (liquidation and winding up). Many business owners form a limited liability company (“LLC”) by filing a Certificate of Formation, but fail to complete the necessary structuring of the LLC to maximize the benefits of LLC. When utilized properly, the flexibility the LLC offers coupled with… Read More

What is IFCA? Washington’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act (“IFCA” or the “Act”) took effect in 2007 to protect insureds against unfair practices by insurance companies.  IFCA provides protections and remedies to insurance policyholders upon an unreasonable denial of a claim for coverage or for payment of benefits.  Additionally, IFCA establishes a statutory scheme to ensure… Read More

Washington State is known as the “Evergreen State” for a reason – our majestic evergreen trees are abundant, and we value them.  In the Timber Trespass Statute (codified at RCW 64.12.030), Washington’s legislature has created an effective tool for landowners seeking redress for the unauthorized removal of their trees (whether timber, ornamental trees, or shrubs).… Read More

A homestead exemption protects homeowners and the equity in their homes from judgment creditors seeking to collect on unsecured debts.  Pursuant to RCW 6.13.010, a “homestead” is real or personal property that the owner uses as a residence.  Washington allows for these homesteads to be protected for up to $125,000 of a home’s value.  In… Read More

As Summer arrives in the Pacific Northwest, the lawyers and staff at Beresford Booth are proud to spotlight an outstanding local organization that thrives during this time of year: Pacific Little League (or “PLL”).  For over 50 years, Pacific Little League has provided opportunities for the youth of the greater Edmonds area to participate in… Read More

What is Earnest Money? In the purchase of real estate, it is common for a buyer to put down a deposit called earnest money. This deposit is made to a seller to represent the buyer’s good faith towards buying the real property at issue.  Earnest money is typically held in an escrow account until closing,… Read More