Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

If a spouse hid money during the marriage, then they will undoubtedly try to hide it during the divorce. The way a person manages money during the marriage is a roadmap for how they will behave during the divorce. If they were secretive with bank statements or kept a “private” stash while you were together, […]

If divorce law reflects the way people live, work, and plan their futures, then 2026 is shaping up to be a year of quieter strategy and longer-term thinking. The days of reactive decisions and splashy courtroom battles are giving way to preparation, privacy, and precision. Here’s what we’re seeing as “in,” and what’s quickly becoming […]

When you’re going through a divorce or other family law proceeding, there will inevitably be court orders that everyone must abide by.  Not everyone does.  These orders can relate to parenting plans, child support, restraining orders, and so on.  Oftentimes you can file a ‘Motion to Enforce’ the order at issue, but an alternative is […]

Many properties are affected by easements. An easement provides one property owner the right to use another property owner’s land. For example, a property owner (“easement holder”) may use water and sewer lines that cross a neighbor’s property (servient estate”) before connecting to the public utility lines in the street. However, there are times when […]

It is your first meeting with a divorce attorney. Towards the end of the meeting, the attorney recommends that you hire a financial expert to conduct an analysis that could help resolve your case. You like the idea of hiring an expert but, after the meeting ends, quickly forget why your attorney made this suggestion. […]

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) offer a flexible way to support causes that you care about while complementing your overarching estate planning goals. Incorporating a DAF is a strategic way to engage in charitable giving, maximize tax benefits, and leave a lasting legacy. An Expanded Overview of Donor-Advised Funds A DAF is a versatile philanthropic tool that […]

For many families, their home is their most valuable asset, both financially and emotionally. For families navigating a divorce, determining the future of the family home requires a careful assessment of the financial, practical, and personal factors that are involved. Washington is a community property state, meaning property acquired during the marriage that was not […]

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 […]