Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

In recent years, divorce has been quietly changing. While divorce rates among younger couples have declined, divorce later in life—often called “gray divorce”—has risen steadily, reshaping how families, finances, and futures are untangled. That shift is now firmly in the public spotlight, in part due to the widespread reaction to Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage, […]

As Tax Day rapidly approaches, the IRS recently released it’s annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-tax-scams-for-2026-irs-reminds-taxpayers-to-watch-out-for-dangerous-threats).  Whether you have a complicated income tax return or a straightforward tax filing, these warnings are applicable to all taxpayers.  Below is a highlight of a few of the key scams to beware of, along with some […]

Divorce is more than a legal process. When children are involved, it can mark a profound transition in family structure, roles, and responsibilities. A parenting plan is one of the most important outcomes of that transition. It defines how children will spend time with each parent, how major decisions will be made, and how future […]

In March, the Washington Legislature passed HB 1155, a bill banning noncompetition agreements in Washington effective June 30, 2027.  Washington will join California, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and a few other states that prohibit or significantly restrict noncompetition covenants. The bill bans noncompetition agreements for all employees and narrows the scope of nonsolicitation agreements. […]

Divorce and other related family law matters can be complex, time-consuming, and stressful. In 2026, generative AI (“Artificial Intelligence”) models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot are rapidly becoming part of everyday life, both in personal and professional settings. As this technology grows and becomes more accessible, individuals going through divorce or other family […]

A client called me to ask how she could resolve a dispute with her business partner.  After 10 years of working together circumstances had changed.  They were no longer seeing eye-to-eye on business strategy and as 50-50 owners, their Company was in deadlock. They needed a separation. While a traditional lawsuit seeking dissolution of the […]

Legal notices are integral to exercising rights under contracts and must be sent timely and via an appropriate method in order to be valid.  These communications may include rent payments, default notices, termination notices, renewal notices, and other time-sensitive contractual communications and/or notices.  Postmarks are commonly used to determine when mail was sent and whether […]

The start of the new year is an ideal time to review your current estate plan or to create an estate plan for the first time.  January brings updated exemption amounts, inflation adjustments, and, in some years, new regulatory guidance that can affect planning strategies.  This year presents some timely opportunities to implement strategic gifting […]

Collaborative Divorce is a structured legal process wherein parties resolve their disputes without going to court. The process focuses on reaching mutually agreeable solutions, while using shared neutral experts, and aiming to meet the priorities of each party. I practice both traditional litigation and Collaborative Law. I’ve run across many litigation attorneys who think Collaborative […]

Lasher is pleased to announce that, effective February 10, 2026, attorney Elizabeth “Betsy” Hershman has joined the firm as a Principal in our Family Law Practice Group. Betsy brings sharp litigation skills with a thoughtful, compassionate approach to dispute resolution. A seasoned litigator and trained Collaborative lawyer, Betsy represents clients across the full spectrum of […]

Securing a federal trademark registration is one of the most effective ways to protect your brand, deter copycats, and enhance the value of your business. Yet, the path from concept to registration is full of strategic choices and technical requirements. Missteps can delay registration, narrow your rights, or even jeopardize enforceability. The following guidance outlines […]

Washington’s construction lien statutes provide contractors with remedies to secure payment from property owners for furnished labor and/or materials.  These statutory requirements are strictly enforced, and even minor mistakes can invalidate an otherwise legitimate lien and eliminate a contractor’s ability to foreclose.  The following are some of the most common mistakes that can cause a […]