News Category: Blog Articles
Washington Divorce: What You Need to Know About Relocating with Children and Providing Notice to the Other Parent
The Washington State legislature defines a “Parenting Plan” as “a plan for parenting the child, including allocation of parenting functions, which plan is incorporated in any final decree or decree of modification in an action for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, declaration of invalidity, or legal separation.”[1] Setting forth various procedures and responsibilities the
HOAs and Special Assessments: What to Know
If you have considered living in or currently live in a community with a homeowners’ association (commonly referred to as an HOA) such as a condominium or complex of townhomes, you have likely heard of special assessments. Generally, special assessments are what an HOA charges over and above regular periodic assessments that cover the routine
Commercial Tenant Evictions and What You Need to Know in Seattle
Mayor Bruce Harrell officially ended the City of Seattle Civil Emergency Proclamation on October 31, 2022, which affects the requirement for landlords to negotiate payment plans with commercial tenants that qualify as a small businesses or nonprofit organization. Despite the end of the eviction moratorium and the lifting of the COVID-19 Emergency Orders, commercial landlords
Employment Law ALERT – New Job Posting Requirements Begin January 1, 2023
Beginning on January 1,2023, all employers, with 15 or more employees (including employees in other states), engaging in any business, industry, profession, or activity in Washington (including recruiting for Washington-based employees) must disclose (i) a wage scale or salary range and (ii) a general description of benefits and other compensation on job postings that recruit
Disclosures – Sellers Have a Legal Obligation to Reveal Known Defects When Selling a Home
The process of selling a home can be a time consuming and complex process. As part of that process, owners looking to sell have the responsibility to disclose known defects in the property. If you are considering a private sale or want to ensure you have completed your due diligence, disclosures are an important part
Is Your Homeowners Association Limiting Short-Term Rentals Within Your Planned Community – and if Not, Should They?
With the rise of planned communities in Seattle, it is becoming more and more common for properties to be organized and operated as a Homeowner Association (“HOA”). An HOA is typically form as a separate entity with the intention of making and enforcing the rules for the properties and residents within the planned community. The
What to Know if You’re Getting Divorced and Your Spouse Holds Power of Attorney
Worried about a financial power grab in divorce? A power of attorney can be like writing a blank check to your spouse. Many married couples will sign powers of attorney as part of their estate planning documents, which provide broad authority to act on the other spouse’s behalf. Estranged spouses have used powers of attorney
Community or Separate Property? Beware of THE Mortgage Rule
What you don’t know about your mortgage could hurt you. In Washington State, we are not a “title state.” Accordingly, placing your spouse’s name on the title of a separate real estate does not automatically make it community property. However, beware; if your spouse signs off on the mortgage liability associated with your separate property
New Security System? Some Key Privacy Issues to Know Before Setting up that Camera
With the rise of smart security systems that can be placed inside and outside of the home, there are some key privacy issues to be aware of before you set-up that doorbell with a built-in camera that records video and sound. Washington State’s privacy act is considered one of the most restrictive in the nation.
Did You Really Say Goodbye? What is the Date of Separation and What is the Legal Impact of that Date in Divorce?
The lyrics “We only said goodbye with words” were famously written and sung in Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. The song was about the ending of a relationship, and the theme of goodbye. Under Washington law, “words of goodbye” are not enough in a divorce to establish separation and the end of the marital