Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

Merriam-Webster defines “defunct” as “no longer living, existing, or functioning.” In Washington, a “defunct marriage” is a term for spouses who have given up any hope of salvaging the relationship, and yet for whatever reason have not filed for divorce.[1] This blog explains why defunct marriages are relevant for purposes of a divorce. It is […]

When considering whether to enter into a contract to buy or sell property, you may come across various types of deeds by which title may be transferred. In Washington State, there are three common types of deeds that may be used: a statutory warranty deed, a bargain and sale deed, and a quit claim deed. […]

Beneficiary designations are an essential component of every estate plan; however, these designations are often overlooked. As a bit of background, there is a distinction between probate assets and non-probate assets.  Probate assets are distributed according to your will during a probate administration whereas non-probate assets are distributed outside of the probate process and are, […]

Dating apps are the most popular place to find people to date.[1] As a divorce attorney, I hear many anecdotes from clients or former clients who met their new partner on a dating app. However, there are a few considerations people getting divorced should keep in mind when deciding whether to get on the apps: […]

In an effort to provide Americans with various forms of tax relief, in 2017 Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”).  This act provided tax reductions in many different categories, but one of the most significant was that it nearly doubled the Estate Tax and Lifetime Gifts Exemption (“Exemption”).  However, these tax […]

We all make important decisions and engage in regular financial transactions without giving a second thought about our capacity to do so.  But what if you suddenly lost the ability?  What would happen? While most of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it, unexpected things can and do occur.  For instance, you […]

Landlords that lease commercial property in Seattle need to be aware of major changes to the Municipal Code.  Seattle recently enacted Ordinance 126982, which introduces significant regulations for commercial property lessors within the City. Here’s what you need to know: The ordinance went into effect on January 29, 2024, and has been codified into Seattle […]

Many people going through divorce wish they could “just mediate” their case.  The good news is that several counties in Washington state, including King and Snohomish County, require that spouses engage in “alternative dispute resolution” (“ADR”) at least 30 days prior to the trial date. ADR is the formal process of resolving disputes without going […]

While many of the issues affecting LGBTQ+ couples are the same as those affecting opposite-sex couples, it is important to have an attorney with experience working with same-sex couples and the unique issues faced by their families during divorce. LGBTQ+ Divorce & Child Custody Washington State has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights for […]

You have a child with another person—either an ex-partner, ex-spouse, or someone with whom you never actually had a romantic relationship. You’ve gone through the court system and agreed upon or litigated a final parenting plan and child support order. You’ve been trying to coparent under the terms of the parenting plan for some time; […]

Here are some frequently asked questions about Executive Divorce. 1.  What is an executive divorce?An executive divorce involves a divorce where one or both spouses hold high-ranking positions in their careers, often accompanied by substantial income, complex financial portfolios, and significant business interests. These cases require careful handling due to the intricate nature of assets […]

Studies show that divorces among those over 50 have indeed been rising. For example, research from the U.S. has shown that the rate of divorce among those aged 50 and older has roughly doubled since the 1990s. Here are some frequently asked questions about Gray Divorce. What is a gray divorce? A gray divorce refers […]