Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

When an estate owns rental property, the Personal Representative must strike a careful balance between the statutory obligations landlords owe to tenants and the fiduciary duties owed to the estate’s beneficiaries. While Washington law requires landlords to maintain habitable, safe, and functional living conditions, a Personal Representative must also ensure that the estate’s assets are […]

When planning your estate in Washington State, one of the most common questions is whether to use a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) or a Will.  Most are curious because of the horrors they hear or the experience they’ve had with the probate process. In Washington, both are efficient and effective estate planning tools, but they […]

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) continues to transform society in ways beyond imagination.   It is rapidly becoming clear that AI pervades every aspect of society, and criminal activity has been no exception.  AI is now reshaping the methods and scale of fraudulent activity. In 2024, Americans lost more than $158 billion dollars to Fraud and Scams according […]

On May 7, 2025, HB 1217 took effect bringing some changes to the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).  One of the most notable changes is the cap on rent increases for residential tenancies. Not only does HB 1217 apply to new tenancies, it also applies to tenancies existing prior to May 7, 2025. Subject […]

In Washington family law cases, a Guardian ad Litem (often abbreviated as a ‘GAL’) may be appointed by the court to represent and protect the best interests of the parties’ children. This could be during a divorce, a parenting plan modification, and other family law proceedings. Despite the varying contexts that could lead to the […]

As we elapse the quadricentennial of the 21st century and enter 2026, what is being called the “Great Wealth Transfer” is well underway. The Baby Boomer generation is noted for post-war perseverance, significant contributions to culture and politics like the counterculture movement, and of course: a workforce boom and economic prosperity. As the Baby Boomers […]

Have you ever wondered why some divorces make headlines while others quietly resolve behind closed doors? In Seattle, as in many major cities, not every divorce is straightforward. Some involve unique assets, intricate family dynamics, or sensitive issues that can turn an already difficult process into a truly complex legal matter. So, what exactly is […]

A divorce can change how people remember their weddings. Instead of reminiscing about the tender moments, they tend to fixate on the price tag. Here are notes on whether you can recover common costs of your wedding when you get divorced: Engagement Ring Clients often ask if they can be reimbursed for the cost of […]

What Is a Postnuptial Agreement—and Do You Need One? Have you ever wondered what happens if you do not sign a prenuptial agreement before the wedding but still want to set clear financial boundaries in your marriage? Sometimes, negotiations about finances and property cannot be finalized before the big day. In California, for example, the […]

If you use names, images, or likenesses in your business, whether for advertising, endorsements, or creative projects, it is essential you understand Washington’s right of publicity laws. Here is what you need to know about how these laws work, who controls these rights, and how to stay compliant. Washington law recognizes that every individual has […]

As of January 1, 2026, significant changes to child support obligations in Washington state are set to go into effect. House Bill 1014, the result of implementing the recommendations of the 2023 child support work group, will bring about immediate changes to those seeking new Child Support Orders in 2026, and provide an opportunity for […]

Jimmy Buffett passed away last year with an estate plan that detailed his wishes as to the disposition of his assets upon his passing.  All of Jimmy’s assets passed into trust for the benefit of his surviving spouse, Jane, and his children are the beneficiaries of that trust after Jane’s passing.  The trust requires two […]