Recent News

In one of only two published family law cases for the Washington Supreme Court in 2024, the Court held that a party's post-dissolution promotion and salary increase could not be used to calculate the community portion of their retirement. (In re Marriage of Porter v Porter, No. 102355-3) In this case, the husband had a… Read More

If you are the primary breadwinner in your family and have purchased a life insurance policy to provide for your loved ones in the event of your untimely demise, you may be wondering whether the proceeds from that policy could expose your estate to estate taxes. Depending on the policy, these proceeds can range from… Read More

September 12th, 2024 Beresford Booth Attorney C. Michael Kvistad talks about Navigating Ownership Transitions: What Happens to an Entity When the Owner Passes Away? Read More

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

September 5th, 2024 Beresford Booth Attorney Amanda N. Gamble talks about Divorce 101. Read More

August 29th, 2024 Beresford Booth Attorney Joshua G. R. Curtis talks about The Single Most Important Estate Planning Document. Read More

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

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

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