Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

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 […]

One of the most common questions we receive in our Estate Planning practice is “when do I need a personalized estate plan?”  While there are many factors to consider, you will want a personalized estate plan when there is a significant change in your life, or you do not like the default plan created for […]

In a prior blogpost, I discussed the statutory notice you have to give to another parent when you plan to relocate with a child.  If the non-relocating parent objects to the move, then the parents will need to go to court and have a judge determine whether to allow the move.  The governing statutory scheme […]

In Washington State, closely held companies are those in which the ownership is concentrated among a small number of shareholders. These companies may also be family-owned or held by a group of individuals who have a relationship with one another beyond just being co-owners. While these companies may have a different dynamic than public corporations, […]

Going through a divorce can be incredibly stressful.  Save yourself additional upset by doing your best to avoid: Listening to the Wrong People.  Make sure to do your research and choose the right attorney; then be sure to listen to and follow what that attorney says.  It can be hard to ignore the personal divorce […]

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. […]

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 […]

Sua sponte • inter alia • sine qua non • in pari materia • ex parte • stare decisis • in limine • ejusdem generis • per curiam •   ad litem • in loco parentis • pro se • de novo • sui generis • de jure • intestate • arguendo • ipso facto […]

Many clients opt to make charitable donations to further charitable intentions and to perhaps help reduce estate tax exposure in the process.  Charities often fulfill needs and perform work that the government does not otherwise provide, and supporting a charity can stretch one’s dollars further as charities can be more efficient with the contributions than […]

Legal proceedings tend to take longer than people expect or desire.  For people facing divorce, most want the matter finalized as quickly as possible.  An oft-asked question is how long it will take to be officially divorced.  This depends on several factors and following are some of the key factors. First, in King County, the […]

In Washington State, couples going through divorce are required to attend a mediation in an attempt to settle the case before trial, unless excused for reasons such as domestic violence. As a divorce attorney, I have prepared hundreds of clients for mediation.  I have also served as a mediator in many family law cases.  Below […]

When custody arrangements are in dispute and the parties cannot agree on a parenting plan, the trial court may order that a “parenting evaluator” be assigned to the case.  The evaluator acts as a neutral, third-party who provides a report to the court assessing the family and offering recommendations as to what is in the […]