Recent News

The Difference Between a Psychological Evaluation and a DVIT Assessment

Washington State Family Law Lawyer Anne B. Bennette | 3/30/2023
When dealing with domestic violence issues, it is important to understand why a psychological evaluation is not helpful to determine (a) whether domestic violence occurred, (b) whether it is likely to continue, or (c) what treatment would be appropriate for the alleged perpetrator. Even though this concept has been memorialized in both the Domestic Violence… Read More

Change to the Washington Real Estate Excise Tax

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 3/27/2023
Transfers of real estate in Washington are subject to state and local real estate excise tax on the consideration given for the transfer of that real estate, unless an exemption from the tax applies. Prior to 2020, the state portion of the tax was 1.28% of the value of the consideration given for the transfer.… Read More

How to Prove Fraud

Washington State Litigation Lawyer J Patrick Diener | 3/9/2023
Fraud is a very popular claim in civil litigation, but it is one of the most difficult causes of action to prove in court.  Many people think if someone tells them something that turns out to be untrue, they have an ironclad case of fraud, but it is not so simple.  Though fraud can arise… Read More

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