News Author: Harman Bual
Pre-Litigation Mediation, Is it For You?
In today’s complex litigation landscape, many individuals and businesses are turning to alternative methods to resolve disputes as a way to avoid the time, expense, and unpredictability of traditional lawsuit. Pre-litigation mediation has emerged as one method to resolve disputes before initiating a lawsuit. Engaging in pre-litigation mediation involves working with a neutral third-party mediator
Regaining Possession of Real Property – Unlawful Detainer or Ejectment?
One of the greatest hurdles faced by landlords and property owners is regaining possession of real property in a timely manner. Unlawful Detainer (also referred to as an eviction) and Ejectment are actions are used by landlords and property owners to recover the possession of real property. Choosing the type of action depends on the
Judgment Collection: Using Charging Orders to Acquire LLC Membership Interests
Judgment creditors often encounter challenges when trying to collect a debt when a debtor’s assets are held in a limited liability company (LLC), as opposed to assets held directly in the debtor’s name. However, creditors have legal remedies available to address this situation. One useful remedy is a charging order, a legal tool codified under
Changes to Commercial Guarantees in Seattle
Landlords that lease commercial property in Seattle need to be aware of major changes to the Municipal Code. Seattle recently enacted Ordinance 126982, which introduces significant regulations for commercial property lessors within the City. Here’s what you need to know: The ordinance went into effect on January 29, 2024, and has been codified into Seattle
Concerned About Collecting Against a Shifty Debtor? Prejudgment Writs of Attachment in Light of Changes in the Law and RCW 6.25.030
Collecting against an insolvent debtor (i.e., defendant) creates issues and places pressure on the creditor (i.e., plaintiff) to secure the debtor’s assets while final judgment in a lawsuit is pending. Oftentimes there is a concern that the debtor is secreting/moving assets or not maintaining assets prior to or during the pendency of the lawsuit, to
The New Exception to Washington Landlord-Tenant Relationships and Leaseback Agreements
A Leaseback Agreement or a “rentback agreement” is an agreement between a buyer and seller of a property that permits the seller to continue living in the property for a period while paying rent to the buyer. Leaseback agreements are usually short-term arrangements that provide sellers with additional time to move out of the property
Remember the Remainderman: Rights and Responsibilities of a “Life Tenant” in Washington State
In the State of Washington, a life estate is a legal arrangement where a person, known as the “life tenant,” has the right to use and occupy a property for the duration of his or her life. The life tenant has all the same rights and responsibilities as a regular owner, but only for the
Commercial Tenant Evictions and What You Need to Know in Seattle
Mayor Bruce Harrell officially ended the City of Seattle Civil Emergency Proclamation on October 31, 2022, which affects the requirement for landlords to negotiate payment plans with commercial tenants that qualify as a small businesses or nonprofit organization. Despite the end of the eviction moratorium and the lifting of the COVID-19 Emergency Orders, commercial landlords
Is Your Homeowners Association Limiting Short-Term Rentals Within Your Planned Community – and if Not, Should They?
With the rise of planned communities in Seattle, it is becoming more and more common for properties to be organized and operated as a Homeowner Association (“HOA”). An HOA is typically form as a separate entity with the intention of making and enforcing the rules for the properties and residents within the planned community. The
New Security System? Some Key Privacy Issues to Know Before Setting up that Camera
With the rise of smart security systems that can be placed inside and outside of the home, there are some key privacy issues to be aware of before you set-up that doorbell with a built-in camera that records video and sound. Washington State’s privacy act is considered one of the most restrictive in the nation.