Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

Beginning January 1, 2023, many Washington employers will be required to disclose the salary range and benefits in their job postings.  Today, Governor Jay Inslee signed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5761, amending the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act to require all employers with 15 or more employees to disclose the wage scale or salary […]

In February 2022, Washington’s Court of Appeals for Division III reached a decision awarding attorney’s fees and costs for prelitigation bad faith in a matter of first impression for Washington courts.  In Dalton v. North Cascade Trustee Services and U.S. Bank, the appellate court reversed the superior court’s judgment in favor of a homeowner in […]

Most businesses today understand that the internet can be a dangerous place. As an organization grows beyond the very early stage of one or two employees and a few thousand dollars in sales, the cyber strategy of “security by obscurity” must give way to a balanced and nuanced approach to mitigating the risks posed by […]

Civil lawsuits can take a long time.  After the complaint and other initial pleadings are filed, the next phase of the case will typically turn to what is referred to as “discovery.”  Discovery is the mechanism the parties and their attorneys request and exchange information.  For various reasons, it is often a slow and tedious […]

Occasionally, a spouse preparing to go through divorce may attempt to hide assets in order to avoid disclosing and sharing those assets with their soon-to-be ex.  If you’re worried your spouse may be hiding assets, here are six places you should be sure to check: Bogus Debt Payoffs Did your mother-in-law gift you the down […]

When you’re in the throes of a separation or divorce, it is easy to forget the importance of updating your will and your estate plan.  With so much happening in the here and now, things like beneficiary designations and estate planning can feel very much like an “I’ll get to it someday” problem.  However, as […]

On January 1, 2022, the Washington Uniform Electronic Wills Act (“Act”) took effect and in so doing brought estate planning documents into the 21st century.  The Act modifies existing requirements in order to enable people to execute a valid Electronic Will.  The changes allow clients, witnesses, and attorneys to overcome challenges such as lack of […]

Buying a home remains one of the largest financial commitments and personal goals in an individual’s life. However, in the current market buyers are moving quickly, making large cash offers above-asking value and waiving contingencies in a rush to snap up a new home. Unfortunately, a decision to waive the inspection contingency can cause a […]

The Revitalizing Downtowns Act was introduced in Congress this summer with the goal of converting unused or outdated office buildings into residential or mixed-use spaces. The goal of this legislation is to amend the tax code to create an incentive for developers and building owners in city centers to transition outdated buildings from empty office […]

UPDATE: On January 27, Governor Jay Inslee signed two bills passed by the Legislature making key changes to WA Cares Fund. These reforms address coverage gaps and delay program implementation by 18 months. Significant changes include: Employees near retirement (born before 1968) will now be able to qualify for partial benefits on a pro-rated basis. […]

In a divorce, the judge will have to divide your marital property and debts between the spouses.  The division must be “just and equitable” under the circumstances of the relationship.  But can an unmarried couples receive a just and equitable division of property after breaking up?  Under the right circumstances, the answer in Washington is […]

Prenuptial agreements (prenups) are no longer the sole domain of the rich and famous.  There are many reasons why more couples consider one as they enter into marriage.  Each prenup is tailored to the needs, desires, and circumstances of the parties involved.  What follows are some common factors to help you determine whether you would […]