News & Insights from Lasher

In 2014, long before the pandemic spurred the proliferation of short-term residential home rentals like those offered through Airbnb and other services, the Washington Supreme Court in Wilkinson v. Chiwawa Community Associations addressed whether a homeowners’ association (“HOA”) exceeded its power to amend covenants when a simple majority of the homeowners voted to prohibit short-term […]

When considering whether to enter into a contract to buy or sell property, you may come across various types of deeds by which title may be transferred. In Washington State, there are three common types of deeds that may be used: a statutory warranty deed, a bargain and sale deed, and a quit claim deed. […]

In an effort to provide Americans with various forms of tax relief, in 2017 Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”).  This act provided tax reductions in many different categories, but one of the most significant was that it nearly doubled the Estate Tax and Lifetime Gifts Exemption (“Exemption”).  However, these tax […]

We all make important decisions and engage in regular financial transactions without giving a second thought about our capacity to do so.  But what if you suddenly lost the ability?  What would happen? While most of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it, unexpected things can and do occur.  For instance, you […]

Estate planning tends to be a topic that overwhelms most people.  It can be further complicated for modern-day global families whose lives include international nuances.  For example, when one spouse is not a U.S. citizen, certain legal considerations come into play that can impact your planning strategies.  Further, more and more families have international beneficiaries […]

Selling a business is a significant milestone. Whether you’re moving on to new ventures, retiring, or simply cashing in on your hard work, the process involves more than just finding a buyer and cashing a check. Selling your business is a complex process that requires careful planning, due diligence, and legal consideration. Here are a […]

When faced with a residential construction defect problem—such as water intrusion, poor workmanship, or material/design deficiencies—Washington homeowners are often left wondering whether they have a claim, who is at fault for the construction issues, and what to do if they believe a claim exists.  These are complicated questions that can get even more complicated if […]

***UPDATE: Per the U.S. Treasury Department announcement, FinCEN is now dead except for some limited foreign entity reporting. See post at FINCEN Filings Terminated for additional information.*** A few years ago, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act, 31 U.S.C. 5336 (“CTA”), which established certain required information filings with the U.S. Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network […]

In recent years, the interest in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) has grown exponentially in response to housing shortages and affordability issues. The regulatory landscape for ADUs is dynamic and can be affected by changes at local, state, and/or federal levels. It is crucial for property owners and builders to be informed about the latest requirements […]

***UPDATE: Per the U.S. Treasury Department announcement, FinCEN is now dead except for some limited foreign entity reporting. See post at FINCEN Filings Terminated for additional information.*** The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was enacted to enhance corporate transparency and combat illicit activities such as money laundering and tax evasion. While the primary focus of the […]

Around the world there are millions of people who rely on insurance for homes and vehicles to celebrity body parts.  Nowadays, there is even insurance to cover the postponement or cancellation of one’s wedding.  Ironically, the average couple prefers to forgo the “marriage insurance” a proper prenuptial agreement can provide because of the stigma associated […]

The concept of the metaverse, a virtual world where users interact with digital environments and each other in immersive ways, has gained significant attention in recent years. With advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, the metaverse is becoming more accessible and has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including real estate. […]