Amid the busyness of raising kids, estate planning might not be at the top of your to-do list. But if you have minor children, creating a Will is one of the most important steps you can take.

Becoming a parent changes everything. Suddenly, life is no longer just about you — it’s about the little lives that depend on you for love, guidance, and protection. Amid the busyness of raising children, estate planning might not be at the top of your to-do list. But if you have minor children, creating a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to secure their future.

A Will does far more than divide your property. It allows you to name a legal guardian for your children — someone you trust to raise them if you and your partner are no longer around. Without a Will, that decision could fall to the courts, who may not know your wishes or choose the person you would have wanted. By naming a guardian, you provide clarity and avoid potential conflicts among family members during an already emotional time.

Your Will also lets you determine how your assets will be managed for your children. You can appoint a Trustee to handle any inheritance, ensuring it’s used wisely for your children’s education, living expenses, and well-being until they are old enough to manage it themselves. Without a Will, your assets might be tied up in probate or distributed in ways that don’t reflect your values or priorities.

In short, making a Will is not about anticipating the worst — it’s about being prepared. It’s an act of love, responsibility, and peace of mind. If you have young children, don’t wait. Take the time to create or update your Will so your children’s future is protected, no matter what.

If you are the parent of minor children and want to talk about asking a Will, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

If you’ve been involved in an auto collision, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect both your health and your legal rights.

If you’ve been involved in an auto collision, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect both your health and your legal rights. First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine — some injuries take time to surface. Next, call the police and ensure a report is filed; it can be crucial for your insurance and any future claims. Gather evidence at the scene if you can, including photos, witness contact information, and insurance details from the other driver. Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Finally, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you through the process, deal with insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured in an auto collision, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

Planning ahead by preparing Powers of Attorney while you still have mental capacity is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future.

Planning ahead by preparing a Durable Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney while you still have mental capacity is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future. These legal documents ensure that trusted individuals of your choosing can make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so, either because of age, illness, or injury. Without them, your loved ones may face costly and time-consuming court proceedings to gain the authority to act on your behalf, potentially delaying critical care or financial management. By taking the time now to set up these powers of attorney, you maintain control over who will make decisions for you and provide peace of mind for both you and your family.

If you have questions about Powers of Attorney or any other aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

BREAKING NEWS OUT OF OLYMPIA: Last night, the Washington House of Representatives passed SB 5813, with two amendments. Here is what has been agreed upon between the House and the Senate.

BREAKING NEWS OUT OF OLYMPIA: Last night, the Washington House of Representatives passed SB 5813, with two amendments. Gov. Ferguson has NOT YET signed it...but here is what has been agreed upon between the House and the Senate:

(1) The Estate Tax Exemption will be adjusted to $3 million per person, to be adjusted annually with the CPI report that includes the City of Seattle, hopefully forever preventing a future "stall" in adjustments when the CPI report changes its name.

(2) The tax brackets remain the same.

(3) The tax rates for the respective brackets will change, with the top effective tax rate being 35%, here is the table:

Washington Taxable Estate, the Current Rate, and the New Rate

$0 to $1,000,000, old rate 10%, new rate 10%

$1,000,001 to $2,000,000, old rate 14%, new rate 15%

$2,000,001 to $3,000,000, old rate 15%, new rate 17%

$3,000,001 to $4,000,000, old rate 16%, new rate 19%

$4,000,001 to $6,000,000, old rate 18%, new rate 23%

$6,000,001 to $7,000,000, old rate19%, new rate 26%

$7,000,001 to $9,000,000, old rate 19.5%, new rate 30%

$9,000,001 and up, old rate 20%, new rate 35%

What is NOT yet agreed to: (a) When this will take effect. The Senate version has it retroactive to January 1, 2025 (good news for those over $2.193 million and below $3 million, bad news for those in the top two tax brackets). The House version has this taking effect on July 1, 2025. (b) The House version includes the qualified non-familial heir. It is very likely that both of these House amendments will pass the Senate version.

Please note that Gov. Ferguson has not weighed in on this specific topic (at least not publicly), but experts believe that this will be signed into law.

Making changes to your Revocable Living Trust Agreement is a smart and often necessary step to ensure your estate plan stays aligned with your current wishes and life circumstances.

Making changes to your Revocable Living Trust Agreement is a smart and often necessary step to ensure your estate plan stays aligned with your current wishes and life circumstances. Whether you've experienced a major life event -- like marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or the purchase of new property -- or simply want to change beneficiaries or update your successor Trustee, modifying your Trust is both possible and relatively straightforward. Since a Revocable Trust is, by nature, changeable, you can work with your lawyer to create Trust Amendment or a Restatement, depending on the extent of the changes. Keeping your Trust current helps avoid confusion, ensures your assets are distributed according to your latest intentions, and gives you peace of mind knowing your estate is well-managed.

If you have questions about updating or creating a Revocable Living Trust, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Nonprofit organizations, while driven by missions rather than profits, face a complex web of legal responsibilities that make having legal counsel essential.

Nonprofit organizations, while driven by missions rather than profits, face a complex web of legal responsibilities that make having legal counsel essential. From drafting bylaws and obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to navigating employment laws, contracts, intellectual property, and compliance with state and federal regulations, legal guidance helps nonprofits operate ethically and efficiently. Lawyers play a critical role in risk management, ensuring that the organization's actions align with its mission while protecting it from potential liabilities. With the right legal support, nonprofits can focus more confidently on serving their communities and achieving their goals.

If you nonprofit organization needs legal assistance, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help.

Choosing a lawyer who offers estate planning legal services on a flat fee basis provides clients with transparency, predictability, and peace of mind.

Choosing a lawyer who offers estate planning legal services on a flat fee basis provides clients with transparency, predictability, and peace of mind. Instead of worrying about hourly rates and escalating legal bills, clients know upfront what the total cost will be, allowing them to budget confidently and focus on making thoughtful decisions about their legacy. Flat fees also encourage open communication between the client and the lawyer, since there's no pressure to "watch the clock" during consultations. This pricing structure aligns the lawyer's interests with the client's goals, fostering a more collaborative and efficient planning process.

Our law firm provides estate planning legal services on a flat fee basis. If you would like a copy of our fee schedule or have other estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434.

There are a number of issues that can add complexity to your estate plan and emphasize the need for a comprehensive estate plan that meets your and your family's needs and goals.

Do you have kids who are still minors? Do you own a small business or rental properties? Are you an artist, author, musician, or songwriter? Do you own an out-of-state vacation property? Do you have a child or grandchild with special needs or who is battling addiction or mental health issues? Do you own a family farm or timber land? Are you part of a blended family, where you and your spouse each have children from previous relationships? Are you part of an unmarried couple who own a home together? These are all issues that can add complexity to your estate plan and emphasize the need for a comprehensive estate plan that meets your and your family's needs and goals.

If you'd like to talk about Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and other estate planning tools and techniques that fit your specific situation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Effective communication with your lawyer is critical during a personal injury case, as it directly impacts the strength and outcome of your claim.

Effective communication with your lawyer is critical during a personal injury case, as it directly impacts the strength and outcome of your claim. Your lawyer relies on timely and accurate information from you to build a compelling case, negotiate settlements, and respond to any legal developments. Failing to respond to questions, provide documents, or update your lawyer on new medical treatments or changes in your condition can lead to delays, missed opportunities, or even jeopardize your case entirely. By staying responsive and proactive, you can help ensure your legal team can advocate for you with full knowledge and confidence -- maximizing your chances for a successful resolution.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured in an auto collision or other incident, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

Estate planning for licensed professionals -- such as doctors, psychologists, and other healthcare providers -- requires special consideration due to the strict confidentiality mandates of HIPAA.

Estate planning for licensed professionals -- such as doctors, dentists, psychologists, and other healthcare providers -- requires special consideration due to the strict confidentiality mandates of HIPAA. When preparing Wills, Trust, or Powers of Attorney, it's critical to ensure that any transfer of control over client records complies with federal privacy law. This means appointing fiduciaries who are not only trustworthy but also aware of their obligations to safeguard protected health information (PHI). Professionals should work with lawyers familiar with HIPAA to craft provisions that allow for the seamless, lawful transition of practice management in the event of incapacity or death. Failing to do so can risk privacy violations, disrupt client care, and create legal exposure for estates and successors.

If you're a healthcare provider and have questions about how your estate plan interacts with HIPAA's confidentiality rules, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Running a restaurant or bar comes with unique legal challenges, from liquor licensing and employee disputes to health code compliance and contract negotiations.

Running a restaurant or bar comes with unique legal challenges, from liquor licensing and employee disputes to health code compliance and contract negotiations. Hiring a lawyer who knows hospitality law can help protect your business from costly legal issues and ensure you stay compliant with local regulations. A skilled lawyer can assist with drafting contracts, handling liability concerns, and navigating employment laws, giving you peace of mind to focus on running your establishment. Whether you're dealing with lease agreements, intellectual property for branding, or potential lawsuits, having legal guidance can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Investing in a lawyer isn't just about avoiding trouble -- it's about settling your business up for long-term success.

If you're a restaurant or bar owner or otherwise involved in the hospitality industry and have need of legal advice, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

Incorporating philanthropy into your estate plan is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy while supporting the causes you care about.

Incorporating philanthropy into your estate plan is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy while supporting the causes you care about. By including charitable bequests in your Will or setting up a donor advised fund, you can ensure that your wealth benefits future generations. Options like Charitable Remainder Trusts or family foundations can also provide tax advantages while fostering a culture of giving within your family. Thoughtful planning allows you to maximize the impact of your generosity, ensuring that your values live on through organizations and initiatives you support. Consulting with an estate planning lawyer can help tailor a philanthropic strategy that aligns with your financial goals and charitable vision.

If you have questions about make charitable giving a part of your general estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

This morning, we asked ChatGPT to write about estate planning in the style of Beth Dutton from Yellowstone. This is what we got.

This morning, we asked ChatGPT to write about estate planning in the style of Beth Dutton from Yellowstone. This is what we got:

Listen up, because I’m only gonna say this once — estate planning ain’t just for the old or the dying. It’s for the smart. You think the world is gonna sort your affairs out for you when you’re gone? That’s adorable. Without a plan, the government and the greedy will pick your bones clean before your family even knows what hit ‘em. A Will, a Trust, Power of Attorney — those aren’t just fancy words; they’re the weapons you use to protect what’s yours. So pour a drink, sit your ass down, and handle your business. Because if you don’t, someone else sure as hell will.

The Washington State Legislature is considering two bills affecting our State estate tax. Hearings were recently held in the Senate on SB 5405 and in the House on HB 2019.

The Washington State Legislature is considering two bills affecting our State estate tax. Hearings were recently held in the Senate on SB 5405 and in the House on HB 2019. These bills, if signed into law by Gov. Ferguson, would increase the State estate tax exemption amount, change the rate of tax, and update the inflation adjustment for the estate tax exclusion amount. However, according to at least one Democratic legislator and one Republican legislator, neither bill is likely to make it out of committee and both are essentially dead. So it looks like Washington will continue to tax estates with a gross value of $2.193 million or more at the current rates, at least through 2026.

If you have questions about estate taxes and how they might affect your estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

When we represent injured people or their survivors, after we've gathered all pertinent evidence, we start by sending a settlement demand package to the insurance company for the at-fault party.

When we represent injured people or their survivors, after we've gathered all pertinent evidence, we start by sending a settlement demand package to the insurance company for the at-fault party. A settlement demand includes a comprehensive collection of documents and evidence aimed at presenting a compelling case for compensation. It typically includes a detailed demand letter outlining the facts of the incident, the legal basis for the claim and theory of liability, and the specific damages being sought. Supporting materials often include medical records and bills, proof of lost wages, photographs of injuries and property damage, witness statements, and any relevant police or incident reports. The package may also feature a personal narrative describing the impact of the injury on the client's daily life. Altogether, this package serves to substantiate the claim and set the stage for settlement negotiations.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto collision or other incident and need legal representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment for a free initial consultation today.