News
News
Estate Planning in the 21st Century
On January 1, 2022, the Washington Uniform Electronic Wills Act (“Act”) took effect and in so doing brought estate planning documents into the 21st century. The Act modifies existing requirements in order to enable people to execute a valid Electronic Will. The changes allow clients, witnesses, and attorneys to overcome challenges such as lack of
Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson Announces New Additions to Business Litigation and Employment Law Practice Groups
Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson is pleased to announce that attorneys James Blankenship and Joseph Evans have joined the firm as of January 18, 2022. James Blankenship joins the firm’s Employment Law and Business Litigation practice groups. James represents and advises employers and employees in disputes involving wrongful discharge, discrimination, wage and hour claims, and
Buying a New Home? What To Know Before Making An Offer
Buying a home remains one of the largest financial commitments and personal goals in an individual’s life. However, in the current market buyers are moving quickly, making large cash offers above-asking value and waiving contingencies in a rush to snap up a new home. Unfortunately, a decision to waive the inspection contingency can cause a
UPDATED: Two Major Changes Address Living-With-COVID Concerns
TWO MAJOR CHANGES ADDRESS LIVING-WITH-COVID CONCERNS: A national vaccination mandate directed at employers with more than 100 employees became effective 1/10/2022. Although the U.S. Supreme Court expedited oral arguments regarding judicial stays facing the mandate, the Court’s failure to do so to date means that covered employers should be prepared to comply. Under the mandate,
Revitalizing Downtowns Act and Other Efforts to Resuscitate Downtown Areas in the Post-COVID Era
The Revitalizing Downtowns Act was introduced in Congress this summer with the goal of converting unused or outdated office buildings into residential or mixed-use spaces. The goal of this legislation is to amend the tax code to create an incentive for developers and building owners in city centers to transition outdated buildings from empty office
Overview of Washington State Tax Law Changes Beginning January 1, 2022 – Neither Definitive
Two tax changes took effect January 1, 2022 in Washington State, but neither is definitive. Capital Gains Tax The new capital gains tax became effective on Jan. 1. This 7% tax applies to profits from selling long-term assets, such as stocks and bonds. Whether individuals, or married couples, filers would have to make more than
Lasher Welcomes Brent Beecher, Of Counsel, to the Firm
Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson is pleased to announce that Brent W. Beecher, formerly of Hackett Beecher, has joined the firm, Of Counsel, to practice with our Business Litigation and Real Estate Law groups. Brent concentrates on insurance policy and bad faith disputes. His practice is unusual in that he represents both insurance policy holders
Lasher & Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
LHSE is embracing the wisdom of former US secretary of Labor, Alexis Herman, as we learn about and implement changes to our firm. We understand that inclusion and fairness in the workplace is not simply the smart thing to do; it’s the right thing to do. Led by the Chairs of our DE&I Committee, Lasher
Not Married, Not a Problem: Washington State’s “Committed Intimate Relationship” Doctrine Provides a Means for Some Unmarried Couples to Have Their Property Divided Just Like in a Regular Divorce
In a divorce, the judge will have to divide your marital property and debts between the spouses. The division must be “just and equitable” under the circumstances of the relationship. But can an unmarried couples receive a just and equitable division of property after breaking up? Under the right circumstances, the answer in Washington is
Seven Things to Consider about Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements (prenups) are no longer the sole domain of the rich and famous. There are many reasons why more couples consider one as they enter into marriage. Each prenup is tailored to the needs, desires, and circumstances of the parties involved. What follows are some common factors to help you determine whether you would