Our office will be closed on December 24 and 25 as we celebrate Christmas with our families. We'll be back and ready to assist you on Thursday the 26th.
A Revocable Living Trust is a powerful tool for individuals looking to streamline their estate plans and avoid the often lengthy and costly probate process. Unlike a Will, which must go through probate court to distribute assets, a Revocable Living Trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into the Trust during your lifetime. You retain control as the Trustee and can amend or revoke the Trust at any time. Upon your passing, the successor Trustee you've designated can distribute the Trust's assets directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement, saving time and preserving privacy. By bypassing probate, a Revocable Living Trust can reduce legal fees and minimize the emotional stress on your loved ones during an already difficult time. This makes it an essential component of an efficient and effective estate plan.
If you have 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. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.
If you've suffered a neck or back injury in an auto collision, an experienced lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve. These injuries often involve complex medical diagnoses like sprain/strain, herniated discs, or spinal damage, which can result in long-term pain, costly treatments, and lost income. An experienced attorney understands the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and can advocate for your best interests. We will gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other damages are covered. Don't face the aftermath of a serious injury alone -- consulting a lawyer can help protect your rights and your future.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto collision and have questions about the insurance claim process and how we can help, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.
Life is full of changes, and some of these can significantly impact your estate plan. Major events like marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a loved one are clear signals to review your estate plan. Financial changes, such as acquiring significant assets, starting or purchasing a business, or retiring, may also require adjustments to ensure your plan aligns with your goals. Even changes in tax laws or your beneficiaries' circumstances -- like a child reaching adulthood or someone becoming incapacitated -- might warrant an update. Regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan ensures it reflects your current wishes and protects the people and causes you care about most.
If you have questions about creating or updating an estate plan, 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.
A Disclaimer Trust can be a powerful tool in your estate planning strategy, offering flexibility and tax efficiency for your beneficiaries. This type of Trust allows a surviving spouse or beneficiary to "disclaim," or refuse, part or all of an inheritance, which then passes directly into the Trust. By doing so, the disclaimed assets are typically excluded from the disclaiming party's estate for tax purposes, preserving them for future generations while potentially avoiding higher estate taxes. Disclaimer Trusts are particularly beneficial in uncertain tax environments, as they allow beneficiaries to make decisions based on the financial and tax circumstances at the time of the inheritance, rather than being locked into rigid plans. To ensure the Trust is properly structed and complies with IRS rules, it's essential to work with an experienced lawyer who can tailor the Trust to your specific needs and goals.
If you have questions about Disclaimer Trusts or any other aspect of estate planning, 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.
It is important to renew your LLC or corporate status annually to maintain your business's legal and operational standing. Failing to do so can result in significant consequences, such as losing liability protection, incurring penalties, or even the involuntary dissolution of your business. Staying compliant demonstrates your business's credibility and ensures you can legally operate, enter contracts, and access financial services. Additionally, renewal often requires updating key information with the state, keeping your records current and accurate. By prioritizing this simple yet essential task, you safeguard your business's reputation and position for long-term success.
If you have questions about filing your LLC's or S Corporation's annual report, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help.
The Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 plays a critical role in the flexibility of estate planning, particularly when using Revocable Living Trusts. This legislation prohibits lenders from enforcing due-on-sale clauses in specific cases, such as when a property is transferred into a Trust where the borrower is still the beneficiary and occupant. This exemption means that homeowners can place their real estate into a Revocable Living Trust -- commonly used to avoid probate and maintain privacy -- without triggering the loan's acceleration. By safeguarding these transfers, the Act ensures that individuals can effectively use Trusts for estate planning without risking financial penalties or disruptions to their mortgage agreements.
If you have 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. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.
Funding a Revocable Living Trust is a critical step in ensuring that your estate plan functions as intended. This process involves transferring ownership of your assets -- such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, and other property -- into the Trust. By doing so, these assets are no longer held in your name but are owned by the Trust, allowing them to bypass probate and be distributed to your beneficiaries seamlessly upon your death. Proper funding also enables the appointed Trustee to manage these assets if you become incapacitated. Many people overlook this step, which can render the Trust ineffective. To avoid complications, it's essential to work with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process of re-titling assets and updating beneficiary designations, ensuring your Trust achieves its intended purpose of simplifying estate administration and protecting your loved ones.
If you have 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. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.
Incorporating Powers of Attorney into your estate plan is an important step in safeguarding your financial and healthcare decisions. A Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to designate a trusted individual to act on your behalf if you become unable to manage your affairs because of age, illness, or injury. There are two primary types: a financial POA, which grants authority over your assets and financial matters, and a healthcare POA, which empowers your agent to make medical decisions in line with your wishes. By establishing these documents, you can ensure your preferences are respected, avoid unnecessary court involvement, and provide clarity for your loved ones during challenging times. Proactively creating Powers of Attorney as part of your estate plan offers peace of mind and comprehensive protection for your future.
If you have questions about Powers of Attorney or any other aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.
When liability is at issue in a personal injury case, hiring a lawyer becomes crucial for achieving a fair outcome. In these situations, determining who is at fault isn't always straightforward, and insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts or deflect responsibility. An experienced lawyer understands the intricacies of proving liability and can gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and build a compelling case on your behalf. Lawyers are skilled in interpreting statutes, leveraging expert witnesses, and countering tactics that may be used to downplay your claim. By having legal representation, you're not only better equipped to handle complex legal challenges, but you also have a stronger chance of receiving 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 or other incident, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment for a free initial consultation today.
Setting up a testamentary Trust for minor children is a vital step in estate planning, ensuring that assets are managed and used wisely for your children's benefit until they reach an appropriate age. A testamentary Trust, which takes effect upon the death of the Trust creator and is typically outlined in a Will, provides a structured way to protect and allocate funds to children over time rather than giving them access to a large inheritance at once. The Trustee, appointed by you, will manage the assets according to your instructions, covering expenses such as education, healthcare, and general support. Testamentary Trusts offer parents peace of mind, knowing their assets will be used responsibly to support their children's well-being and future, even if they are not personally there to do so.
If you have questions about Wills and Trusts, 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.
Our office will be closed on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day as we honor those who have served our country. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday.
Moving to a new state is an exciting change, but it's also an important time to review and update your estate plan. Laws governing Wills, Trusts, and other estate planning documents vary by state, which means that an estate plan valid in one state may not hold up in another. Updating your plan ensures that all documents, like your Healthcare Directives, Power of Attorney, and Will, comply with the new state's legal requirements. This process can prevent potential issues for your heirs and maintain the integrity of your wishes. Consulting with a local estate planning attorney can help make the transition smoother, giving you peace of mind that your estate plan is fully up-to-date and aligned with your new home state's regulations.
If you've recently moved to Washington or Idaho and would like to update your estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.
Business succession planning ensures a smooth transition across generations for family-owned businesses. Without a solid plan, unexpected events like illness or sudden loss can create instability and put the company's future at risk. A well-thought-out succession plan involves identifying potential successors, assessing their skills, and providing them with the necessary training to lead effectively. It also considers tax implications, ownership transfer, and establishing clear roles to minimize conflicts among family members. By proactively planning, family-owned businesses can safeguard their legacy, maintain stability, and continue thrive in the hands of the next generation.
If your family-owned business needs advice regarding succession planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.
Do you own a house? Do you have kids? Are you a small business owner? Do you own vacation or rental property outside of the state where you live? Do you have a child with special needs? Do you have a child who's battling addiction or mental illness? Do you want to give significant assets to charitable organizations? Any of these are good reasons to prepare an estate plan or update an existing one. Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out why!