Recent News

Can I Get My Earnest Money Back?

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Andrew M. McKenzie | 3/11/2024
Most people have heard the phrase “earnest money,” which generally refers to money deposited (usually with an escrow holder) to show a good faith intention of a buyer to consummate a purchase of property (usually real estate).  Buyers often do not understand how earnest money operates and what determines its fate when a real estate… Read More

The Forgotten LLC Protection: Your Sale

Washington State Business & Real Estate Lawyer William O. Kessler | 3/8/2024
Clients sometimes tell me, “I would deed my property into a LLC, but I’m about to sell, so what’s the point?” The sale IS the point! If you own an investment property or vacation property, the most likely plaintiff you will face is your eventual buyer. The recent Washington Court of Appeals case Orvold vs.… Read More

Recent Washington Legislative Update concerning Estate Planning and Probate – Part 2

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 3/6/2024
Since the Uniform Electronic Wills Act took effect on January 1, 2022, allowing a Will to be executed in electronic form, the Washington State Legislature is further pondering during this year’s legislative session on the possibility of having other estate planning documents to be executed in electronic form.  The Senate Bill 5787 (2023-24) (now, the… Read More

Is it Legal to Scatter Cremated Human Remains in the State of Washington?

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 2/27/2024
The short answer is yes, but there are requirements. A person who is legally entitled to control the disposition of human remains by scattering may do so without a permit. That person could be the person whose ashes are involved if they signed a document, properly witnessed, that expressed their wishes. If that person did… Read More

Advice from Family Law Attorneys

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 2/26/2024
Here at Beresford Booth, I work with many experienced and knowledgeable family law attorneys. This week I put my boots on the ground and interviewed each one of them, to ask, what’s a piece of advice you would give to someone just beginning the divorce process, their answers may surprise you… Dimitra S Scott: “Keep… Read More

Agricultural Litigation: Washington’s Right to Farm Act

Washington State Litigation Lawyer J Patrick Diener | 2/22/2024
Washington is an agricultural state, with 34% of its land used as farmland (that is approximately 14.7 million acres).  Agribusiness contributes 13% of the state’s economy and contributes $51 billion to Washington’s annual GDP.  If you live in Washington, chances are you’re either involved in the agriculture industry or you know someone who is.  Urban… Read More