News Category: Blog Articles
You Purchased Real Property Together, and Now You Want Out. Partition is an Option.
It is not uncommon for family members, friends, or business partners to jointly own commercial or residential real property. With property values skyrocketing and Covid-19 allowing so many of us to work remotely, we saw a steep rise in the numbers of partners (romantic and platonic) who made the choice to jointly purchase real property,
Is Vaccinating your Children for COVID-19 an Emergency Parenting Decision?
If you are divorcing with children, there are two primary issues that the court must decide as it relates to your kids. The first is a residential schedule which addresses when your children will physically be with you and when they will be with your spouse. The second is decision-making which deals specifically with how
In re Marriage of Watanabe: Washington Divorce Law: Still No Joint Title Gift Presumption
The saying that “the beaten road is the safest” is typically associated with advice not to take unnecessary risks and to play things safe. In the law, the notion rings true for courts and their adherence to established precedent and rulings. Judges follow precedent to promote fairness and uniformity in handing down decisions, that way
Washington “Equal Pay and Opportunity” Now Means Job Postings Must Include Wage Scale or Salary Range
Beginning January 1, 2023, many Washington employers will be required to disclose the salary range and benefits in their job postings. Today, Governor Jay Inslee signed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5761, amending the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act to require all employers with 15 or more employees to disclose the wage scale or salary
Warning to Washington Corporations: Refusal to Engage and Assist Customers in a Valid Dispute May Prove Costly in Court
In February 2022, Washington’s Court of Appeals for Division III reached a decision awarding attorney’s fees and costs for prelitigation bad faith in a matter of first impression for Washington courts. In Dalton v. North Cascade Trustee Services and U.S. Bank, the appellate court reversed the superior court’s judgment in favor of a homeowner in
Washington’s New Capital Gains Tax is Overturned as Unconstitutional
In 2021, Washington State Legislature passed ESSB 5096, which created a 7% tax on the sale or exchange of long-term capital assets (stocks, bonds, business interests, or other investments, and many tangible assets) if the profits exceed $250,000 annually (up to $500,000 for married couples filing jointly), with inflation adjustments beginning in 2024. The Washington
The Price set on Ransomware – Avoiding the Cyber Sucker Punch
Most businesses today understand that the internet can be a dangerous place. As an organization grows beyond the very early stage of one or two employees and a few thousand dollars in sales, the cyber strategy of “security by obscurity” must give way to a balanced and nuanced approach to mitigating the risks posed by
Late or Untimely Discovery Responses in a Child Relocation Act Case: The Lawyer Escapes Sanctions (For Now)
Civil lawsuits can take a long time. After the complaint and other initial pleadings are filed, the next phase of the case will typically turn to what is referred to as “discovery.” Discovery is the mechanism the parties and their attorneys request and exchange information. For various reasons, it is often a slow and tedious
Let’s Talk About Divorce: Six Places Your Spouse Might be Hiding Assets
Occasionally, a spouse preparing to go through divorce may attempt to hide assets in order to avoid disclosing and sharing those assets with their soon-to-be ex. If you’re worried your spouse may be hiding assets, here are six places you should be sure to check: Bogus Debt Payoffs Did your mother-in-law gift you the down
The Importance of Post-Divorce Beneficiary Planning
When you’re in the throes of a separation or divorce, it is easy to forget the importance of updating your will and your estate plan. With so much happening in the here and now, things like beneficiary designations and estate planning can feel very much like an “I’ll get to it someday” problem. However, as