Recent News

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

Legal Separation vs. Divorce… What’s my Best Option?

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 2/27/2023
Deciding to get divorced or separated is a huge decision. Going into this decision fully informed of your options is important. What’s the Difference? A divorce will legally terminate a marriage while a legal separation does not. A divorce and a legal separation will afford you the same relief. That means assets and debts will… Read More

If My Co-Parent and I Have an Equal Residential Schedule, Will I Still Have to Pay Child Support?

Washington State Family Law Lawyer Anne B. Bennette | 2/20/2023
 Two important aspects of co-parenting are determining the residential schedule and the financial support of the children.  Just because you might share an equal residential schedule with your co-parent, that does not mean you will receive a credit (also called a ‘downward deviation’) on the standard amount of the child support transfer payment.   The… Read More