Recent News

Why Does it Matter that Washington is a No-Fault Divorce State?

Washington State Family Law Lawyer Anne B. Bennette | 9/29/2025
In at-fault states, a party filing for divorce must allege that their spouse committed misconduct in the marriage leading to its demise.  Washington is not one of those states.  Here, a spouse must attest that their marriage is irretrievably broken, but misconduct is irrelevant.  The statute specifically states: “the court shall, without regard to misconduct,… Read More

Massive Compass Merger Likely to Increase Private Listings

Washington State Real Estate Law Lawyer Babak Shamsi | 9/29/2025
In April of this year, I published two blog posts here and here regarding the push for private real estate listings spearheaded by Compass Real Estate. In a nutshell, Washington State real estate brokerage firms have traditionally agreed to share all real estate property listings publicly through the multiple listing service. This policy is known as “Clear Cooperation.” The… Read More

Special Webinar – Should I Put My Rental Property in An LLC?

Washington State Business Lawyer Andrew J. Tingstad | 9/25/2025
Lawyer Andrew Tingstad participated in a webinar in Partnership with Andy Joseph of The Joseph Group earlier this month related to setting up and maintaining an LLC for rental properties entitled “Should I Put My Rental Property in An LLC?” Drew covered a wide range of topics, including the benefits of an LLC for asset… Read More

Did You Settle That Lawsuit? Are You Sure?

Washington State Litigation Lawyer William O. Kessler | 9/23/2025
A “CR 2A agreement” refers to Washington Superior Court Civil Rule 2A (SEE HERE). This rule means courts will enforce a settlement when it meets certain criteria, even when the lawyers have not yet drafted a complete and detailed settlement agreement. Lawyers in Washington state must exercise great care when they discuss settlement in writing.… Read More

What LLC Members Can Learn from the Tegna–Sinclair Merger

Washington State Business Lawyer C. Michael Kvistad | 9/22/2025
As Tegna and Sinclair Broadcasting propose a high-profile merger in the local television space, the headlines may seem distant from the day-to-day concerns of small business owners. But beneath the surface, this deal offers valuable insights for LLCs navigating ownership transitions, mergers, and strategic exits. Here are four key lessons worth considering. 1. Valuation Premiums… Read More

Giorgio Armani’s Succession Plan and the Art of Selling a Legacy

Washington State Business Lawyer C. Michael Kvistad | 9/18/2025
Valuation Vigilance: Planning the Sale of a Business with Purpose and Protection When Giorgio Armani passed away, he left behind more than a fashion empire—he left a roadmap for how to sell a business with precision. His will outlines a phased sale: a 15% stake within 18 months, followed by up to 54.9% over five… Read More

RCW 64.50: Builders, Give Defect Notice Before Work Begins

Washington State Litigation and Real Estate Lawyer Trevor H. Lane | 9/18/2025
In Washington, homeowners (and associations)[1] of newly constructed or substantially remodeled[2] residential projects[3] have a unique vehicle to sue builders.[4] Under the Construction Defect Claims Act (RCW 64.50), for up to six years homeowners can sue builders for damages arising from alleged construction defects. Homeowners often rely on these Defect Claims after the common one-… Read More