Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

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 […]

So, you have decided to pursue a divorce and you’ve chosen an attorney who you want to meet with. What do you do next? Your first consultation with a divorce attorney usually involves an explanation of your legal options, an overview of the divorce process, and discussion of any specific concerns you may have. The […]

Estate planning tends to be a topic that overwhelms most people.  It can be further complicated for modern-day global families whose lives include international nuances.  For example, when one spouse is not a U.S. citizen, certain legal considerations come into play that can impact your planning strategies.  Further, more and more families have international beneficiaries […]

When a divorcing parent asks this question, their attorney might respond with the common saying, “Children have a voice, not a choice.” In Washington state, the extent to which a child’s voice is heard in establishing a final parenting plan depends on several factors. First, in determining the residential schedule, the wishes of a child […]

When preparing your estate plan there are a number of things to consider including how to provide for your pets who are an important part of your life and ensuring that they are taken care of after your passing.  There are a couple of options for estate planning for pets that range from including a […]