Recent News

Taylor Swift and Estate Litigation –
an Unlikely Duet

Washington State Litigation Lawyer William O. Kessler | 3/9/2023
In her hit song “Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift includes the lyric I have this dream my daughter-in-law kills me for the moneyShe thinks I left them in the willThe family gathers 'round and reads it and then someone screams out"She's laughing up at us from hell" Ms. Swift raises some interesting legal issues here. This post… Read More

They Did What? With Who!? Social Media and my Divorce Case

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 3/8/2023
Some people may say “You are what you post” and during your divorce proceeding, this quote can become even more meaningful. In this day and age, you may be hard pressed to find an adult who is not active on some kind of social media site. Whether that be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or a site… Read More

Congratulations to our Adoption/ART practice on a new website and a recent distinction for our Practice Group Chair!

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 3/8/2023
In addition to serving business clients locally and throughout Washington, Beresford Booth also helps families to grow through our Adoption and Assisted Reproduction practice. Our team includes leaders regionally and nationally in this area. Collectively, they have helped thousands of families in adoption and assisted reproduction matters throughout the country. To highlight this leading practice,… Read More

What are my Rights as a Stepparent Going Through a Divorce?

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 3/3/2023
Helping to raise your partners children can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, however, more and more people find themselves in a complicated custody battle regarding a child who is not theirs biologically. The care and kindness you showed your stepchild doesn’t just dissipate after your divorce. Read more if you want to become well… Read More

What is Estoppel in Pais?

Washington State Business and Real Estate Law Lawyer Babak Shamsi | 3/2/2023
In Washington State, several doctrines have emerged to protect the rights of real property owners who have long used areas of land that do not actually sit within the record boundaries of their own property. Classic examples include buildings that developers have built in a fashion that encroaches upon neighboring land, or owners placing a… Read More

Penalty Clauses In Contracts- Beware

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Andrew M. McKenzie | 3/1/2023
Many people assume that every clause in a contract is enforceable, so long as it was agreed to.  But that is not true, and parties who make that assumption without further analysis do so at their peril. Typical contract scenarios could include the following: Scenario A:  A and B enter into a contract that A… Read More

The Limits of After-Acquired Property Provisions

Washington State Real Estate Law Lawyer Eli K. Yim | 3/1/2023
By statute, the conveyance of an interest in real property must be accomplished by deed. Sometimes the operative deed includes an “after-acquired property” provision, in which the grantor conveys all of its interest in the real estate, “together with all after acquired title of the Grantor therein.” The effect of this language has its limits.… Read More

Collaborative Divorce: Why A Divorce Coach in the Process?

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 2/28/2023
As discussed in previous blogs, the Collaborative Divorce process utilizes not only attorneys, but also various other types of professionals, depending on the needs of the parties and their case. Below is a brief discussion of the role of the divorce coach in the Collaborative Law divorce process and why they might be included. Divorce… Read More