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A GRAT is a type of irrevocable trust in which a grantor transfers assets to the trust in exchange for annual annuity payments during a fixed term, with the remainder of the gift passing to the grantor’s beneficiaries and excluded from the donor’s estate. The creation of a GRAT results in an immediate taxable gift… Read More

While Washington law defines community property as ‘property…acquired after marriage or after registration domestic partnership by either domestic partner or either husband or wife or both’ it does not address more nuanced issues like how to treat dogs, cats, exotic pets, embryos, etc. acquired during the marriage. It may be community property, but how should… Read More

As discussed in my previous post, earnouts can bridge significant valuation gaps between buyers and sellers in middle-market M&A. However, because operational control shifts to the buyer after closing, these provisions frequently lead to bitter post-sale litigation if the financial targets are not met. The best time to prevent earnout litigation is not after the… Read More

In small-market mergers and acquisitions (under $50,000,000), closing day feels like the finish line. The purchase agreement is executed, funds are wired, and both buyer and seller pause to celebrate a successful transaction. Yet with an earnout provision, closing day marks a beginning rather than an end. When part of the purchase price depends on… Read More

In the world of mergers and acquisitions, "sandbagging" refers to a buyer's decision to proceed with a transaction despite discovering—before closing—that one or more of the seller's representations and warranties are false. The buyer closes the deal anyway, then later asserts an indemnification claim for the breach. The practice raises a fundamental question: should a… Read More

In this webinar, Attorney Taylor Dawson from our Litigation Group will be discussing "Adverse Possession: Basic Principles and What to Know” https://youtu.be/iaB-w-sHhAA?si=1d0kkhPhNaQIZDuv&t=13 Read More

Beresford Booth is pleased to celebrate the inclusion of the following lawyers among The Best Lawyers in America® for 2027: David Tingstad, Partner and Chair of the Business, Mergers and Acquisitions Group, has been recognized for his work in the following areas: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law and… Read More

Whether you are a party to a case or a potential witness, you may be required to answer the other side’s questions under oath. What is a Deposition? A deposition is like an interview: You are providing testimony under oath and that testimony is being transcribed (written down verbatim). Depositions are a form of discovery… Read More

For families with substantial wealth, estate planning is often designed to prevent disputes. Trusts are carefully drafted. Assets are placed into entities or trusts. Professional fiduciaries may be appointed to manage property. Succession plans are developed for family businesses. Yet even the best planning cannot eliminate one fundamental problem: people can disagree. When significant wealth… Read More