Musicians need lawyers too! When should you consider consulting an attorney?

Musicians need lawyers too! When should you consider consulting an attorney?

* You need a contract with a manager, booking agent, or producer;

* You need to formalize your internal band agreement (e.g., expenses, song splits, voting rights);

* You receive an offer for use of your song(s) in a film, commercial, videogame, app, etc. and need a licensing agreement;

* You need to register your copyrights (songs, recordings) or trademarks (band name, logo);

* You want to form your own publishing company;

* You need help affiliating with ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or SoundExchange;

* You find out someone is using the same band name;

* You discover that someone is using your song without permission;

* You want to record a cover of someone else's song;

* You need an exit agreement with a band member who is fired or quits;

* You have a record label interested in signing you or your band;

* You want to use someone else's music on your website or in a video;

* You co-wrote a song and want to establish your rights to freely exploit the song;

* You teach music lessons and need a services contract with your students;

* You perform at private functions and need a performance contract;

* You are running a festival and need contracts with the performers;

* You want to perform or shoot a video on someone's property; or

* You commissioned artwork for your album cover or merch and need to make sure you have all the rights you need to use the artwork.

Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see if we can help.

Including Trusts for grandchildren in your Will can be a powerful way to create a lasting legacy while maintaining control over how and when assets are used.

Including Trusts for grandchildren in your Will can be a powerful way to create a lasting legacy while maintaining control over how and when assets are used. Rather than leaving an outright inheritance, a properly drafted testamentary Trust allows you to set conditions — such as age milestones, educational purposes, or health and support needs — so funds are distributed thoughtfully over time. This can help protect young beneficiaries from financial mismanagement, creditor issues, or unforeseen life circumstances, while also ensuring that your values guide the use of the assets. In Washington, these Trusts can be tailored with significant flexibility, making them a valuable tool for grandparents who want to provide meaningful, long-term support without sacrificing oversight.

If you would like to talk about providing for grandchildren in your estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

In Washington probate proceedings, the creditors’ claims process provides a structured and time-sensitive mechanism for resolving a decedent’s outstanding debts.

In Washington probate proceedings, the creditors’ claims process — governed primarily by Title 11 of the Revised Code of Washington — provides a structured and time-sensitive mechanism for resolving a decedent’s outstanding debts. After appointment, the Personal Representative may publish a Notice to Creditors and provide actual notice to known or reasonably ascertainable creditors, which significantly shortens the time period for filing claims. Creditors who receive proper notice generally must present their claims within the later of four months after publication or 30 days after actual notice, or risk being forever barred. Claims must be presented in a statutorily compliant manner, and the Personal Representative then has a duty to allow or reject each claim; rejected claims must be pursued by the creditor in court within a strict 30-day window. This process is a powerful probate tool because, when properly followed, it allows the estate to cut off unknown or late claims, providing finality and facilitating timely distribution to beneficiaries.

If you’ve been named Personal Representative of a loved one’s estate and have questions about how to deal with creditors’ claims, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can be of service.

Personal injury litigation typically unfolds in several distinct stages, each with its own strategic considerations.

Personal injury litigation typically unfolds in several distinct stages, each with its own strategic considerations. It begins with pre-suit investigation and claim development, where the injured party and counsel gather medical records, evaluate liability, and often attempt early settlement through demand letters. If negotiations fail, the case proceeds to the pleading stage, with the filing of a Complaint and the defendant’s Answer. Next comes discovery, a critical phase involving written interrogatories, document exchanges, and depositions to uncover facts and assess the strengths and weaknesses of each side. Parties may then file dispositive motions, such as motions for summary judgment, seeking to resolve the case or narrow issues before trial. If the case survives these motions, it moves toward trial preparation, including expert disclosures and mediation efforts, as many courts require alternative dispute resolution. Finally, if no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury determines liability and damages, followed by potential post-trial motions or appeals.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured due to someone else’s negligence and have questions about the claim process, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

A Revocable Living Trust is one of the most effective tools available for Washington residents looking to create a flexible and efficient estate plan.

A Revocable Living Trust is one of the most effective tools available for Washington residents looking to create a flexible and efficient estate plan. By placing your assets into a Trust during your lifetime, you can avoid the time, cost, and public nature of probate, allowing your beneficiaries to receive their inheritances more quickly and privately. A Trust also provides seamless management of your assets if you become incapacitated, ensuring that a trusted individual can step in without the need for court intervention. Additionally, Revocable Living Trusts can be tailored to address blended families, minor beneficiaries, or specific distribution wishes, all while remaining fully amendable during your lifetime. For many individuals and families in Washington, a Revocable Living Trust offers peace of mind, continuity, and control that a simple Will alone cannot match.

If you questions about Revocable Living Trusts — or any other aspect of estate planning — give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

High-value tangible personal property — such as art or classic cars — often carries significant financial and sentimental value, making it essential to address these items in your estate plan.

High-value tangible personal property — such as fine art, jewelry, collectibles, or classic cars — often carries both significant financial and sentimental value, making it essential to address these items thoughtfully in your estate plan. Without clear direction, these assets can become a source of confusion, dispute, or even unintended tax consequences for your heirs. A well-crafted plan may include specific bequests in a Will or Trust, detailed memoranda or gift lists describing who should receive particular items, and, in some cases, professional appraisals to establish value for equitable distribution. For especially valuable or unique assets, you might also consider using specialized Trusts, forming an LLC for ownership and management, or providing guidance on whether the item should be retained, sold, or donated. By proactively addressing these issues, you can help preserve both the financial value and the personal legacy attached to these cherished possessions.

If you have estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. Be proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

When starting a new business, one of the first structural decisions is whether to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or elect to have your company taxed as an S corporation.

When starting a new business, one of the first structural decisions is whether to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or elect to have your company taxed as an S corporation. An LLC is often favored for its simplicity, flexibility, and relatively light administrative requirements, while still providing liability protection for the owners. An S corporation is not a different type of entity but rather a tax election available to qualifying businesses, and it may provide certain tax advantages by allowing owners to split income between salary and distributions, potentially reducing self-employment taxes. However, S corporations come with stricter requirements, including payroll obligations and limitations on ownership. The best choice depends on factors such as expected income, administrative tolerance, and long-term business goals, making it wise to consult with both legal and tax professionals before deciding which structure best supports your new venture.

If you’re thinking about starting a new business and have questions about LLCs and S corporations, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can be of service.

Estate planning becomes especially important in second-marriage situations, where spouses often want to provide for each other while also preserving assets for children from prior relationships.

Estate planning becomes especially important in second-marriage situations, where spouses often want to provide for each other while also preserving assets for children from prior relationships. Without careful planning, the default rules of inheritance in Washington can produce results that neither spouse intended — for example, a surviving spouse might legally receive assets that the deceased spouse expected would eventually pass to their own children. Tools such as Revocable Living Trusts, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and thoughtfully drafted beneficiary designations can help balance these interests by allowing a surviving spouse to benefit from assets during their lifetime while ensuring that the remaining assets ultimately pass to the intended heirs. A well-crafted estate plan can reduce the risk of family conflict and provide clarity and security for everyone involved.

If you would like to talk about creating an estate plan to make sure your spouse and children are taken care of if something were to happen to you, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Administering a Trust in Washington requires careful attention to both the terms of the Trust document and state law, particularly the duties imposed by the Washington Trust Act.

Administering a Trust in Washington requires careful attention to both the terms of the Trust document and state law, particularly the duties imposed by the Washington Trust Act. A Trustee must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, manage and invest Trust assets prudently, keep accurate records, and provide required information to beneficiaries. Trustees are also responsible for tasks such as collecting and safeguarding assets, paying valid debts and expenses, filing any necessary tax returns, and ultimately distributing Trust property according to the Trust’s instructions. While many Trusts are designed to avoid probate, Trust administration can still involve complex legal and financial decisions, so Trustees often benefit from working with experienced legal and financial advisors to ensure they fulfill their fiduciary duties and minimize the risk of disputes.

If you have questions about Trusts and Trust administration, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can be of service.

In Washington, a spouse may bring a claim for loss of consortium when their partner is seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.

In Washington, a spouse may bring a claim for loss of consortium when their partner is seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence. This claim recognizes that an injury does not only harm the person who was physically hurt — it can also damage the marital relationship itself. Under Washington law, the uninjured spouse may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, emotional support, and the ability to share in the normal activities of married life that existed before the injury. Loss of consortium claims are typically brought alongside the injured spouse’s personal injury lawsuit and depend on proving the underlying liability of the at-fault party. Because these claims are fact-specific and can significantly affect the value of a case, couples dealing with a serious injury should consider speaking with a Washington personal injury attorney about whether a loss of consortium claim may apply.

If you or your spouse have been injured in an auto collision or other incident, give us a call at 263.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

When a loved one develops dementia or becomes otherwise incapacitated, having a Health Care Power of Attorney in place can make an incredibly difficult situation much easier for families.

When a loved one develops dementia or becomes otherwise incapacitated, having a Health Care Power of Attorney in place can make an incredibly difficult situation much easier for families. This document allows a trusted person — often a spouse, adult child, or close friend — to make medical decisions on the patient’s behalf when they are no longer able to communicate or understand their options. Without a valid Health Care Power of Attorney, family members may face delays, disagreements, or even court proceedings just to obtain the authority to help manage care. By planning ahead and signing this document while still competent, individuals ensure that someone they trust can speak with doctors, review medical records, and make important treatment decisions consistent with their wishes. It’s a simple but powerful part of any estate plan that can provide clarity and peace of mind during an otherwise stressful time.

If you would like to talk about preparing a Health Care Power of Attorney or have other estate planning questions, 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.

Appointing an in-law as a fiduciary in your estate plan can be either a thoughtful gesture of trust or an invitation to future conflict, depending on your family dynamics.

Appointing an in-law to serve as your Personal Representative, Trustee, or Agent under a Power of Attorney can be either a thoughtful gesture of trust or an invitation to future conflict, depending on your family dynamics. On the positive side, an in-law may bring financial sophistication, neutrality between siblings, or simple practical availability — especially if your own relatives live out of state or lack the temperament for fiduciary duties. A trusted son- or daughter-in-law might also be deeply invested in your children’s and grandchildren’s well-being and willing to handle complex administrative tasks with care. On the downside, however, family relationships can change through divorce, estrangement, or shifting loyalties, potentially placing your fiduciary in an uncomfortable position between you and your blood relatives. Even the perception of favoritism can fuel resentment and disputes. Before naming an in-law, consider not only their competence and integrity, but also the long-term stability of the relationship and whether adding a neutral co-fiduciary or professional Trustee might reduce the risk of future friction while preserving family harmony.

If you have questions about preparing an estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can be of service.

Running a business often means signing many contracts that can have long-term consequences, and having a lawyer review those documents before you sign can be one of the smartest investments you make.

Running a small business often means signing leases, vendor agreements, employment contracts, and partnership deals that can have long-term legal and financial consequences, and having a lawyer review those documents before you sign can be one of the smartest investments you make. An experienced attorney can spot vague language, one-sided indemnity clauses, automatic renewals, unfavorable termination provisions, and hidden liability risks that might otherwise go unnoticed, and can suggest revisions that better protect your interests and align with your business goals. Beyond just “redlining” a contract, a lawyer can also explain what the terms actually mean in plain English, help you assess risk, and negotiate improvements so you are not locked into obligations that hurt your cash flow or flexibility. For many small business owners, a short review on the front end can prevent costly disputes, litigation, or damaged relationships down the road — saving far more in time, stress, and money than the review ever cost.

If you’re a small business owner and want a lawyer to help you review the contracts you use in your day-to-day operations, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today.

Washington’s Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR) doctrine involves complex, fact-specific litigation that can be expensive, uncertain, and emotionally draining.

In Washington, many couples live together for years without ever marrying, often assuming that the law will automatically protect their financial and property interests if the relationship ends. However, Washington’s Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR) doctrine — formerly known as “meretricious relationships” — involves complex, fact-specific litigation that can be expensive, uncertain, and emotionally draining. Courts must analyze factors such as the duration of the relationship, shared finances, and the parties’ intent, with outcomes that are rarely predictable. A well-drafted cohabitation agreement allows couples to define their rights and expectations in advance, reducing conflict and avoiding costly disputes. By clearly addressing issues like property ownership, debt allocation, and financial responsibilities, cohabitation agreements provide clarity, control, and peace of mind in an area of law where ambiguity otherwise reigns.

If you have question about cohabitation agreements and Washington’s Committed Intimate Relationship doctrine, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

When preparing an estate plan for a family that includes a child with special needs, mental illness, or substance abuse challenges, careful planning is essential to avoid unintended harm.

When preparing an estate plan for a family that includes a child or grandchild with special needs, mental illness, or substance abuse challenges, careful planning is essential to avoid unintended harm. A well-intentioned inheritance can sometimes disrupt eligibility for vital public benefits, expose assets to exploitation, or worsen destructive behaviors. Tools such as supplemental or special needs trusts, discretionary trusts, and thoughtfully structured distributions can help protect assets while preserving benefit eligibility and providing long-term financial management. Just as important is selecting the right trustee, clearly expressing your intentions, and coordinating the plan with available support systems and treatment considerations. Because these situations involve sensitive financial, medical, and legal factors, personalized legal guidance is critical to ensure your plan provides stability, protection, and dignity for your loved one.

If you have estate planning questions and need som legal advice, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today.