If you own real estate in more than one state, incorporating a Revocable Living Trust into your estate plan is a smart strategy to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of ancillary probate.

If you own real estate in more than one state, incorporating a Revocable Living Trust into your estate plan is a smart strategy to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of ancillary probate. When you pass away, any out-of-state property not held in a Trust typically must go through probate in that state, which can delay distribution to your heirs and increase legal fees. By transferring ownership of each property into a Revocable Living Trust during your lifetime, you maintain control over the assets while alive and ensure they pass directly to your beneficiaries upon your death — without the need for separate probate proceedings in each state. This not only streamlines estate administration but also preserves privacy and can significantly reduce the overall burden on your loved ones.

If you have questions about any aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 today.

A settlement demand for a personal injury case involves presenting a comprehensive narrative that demonstrates the liability of the opposing party and the extent of the client’s damages.

When preparing a settlement demand package for a personal injury case, a lawyer must meticulously compile and present a comprehensive narrative that clearly demonstrates the liability of the opposing party and the extent of the client’s damages. This process typically involves gathering all relevant medical records and bills, proof of lost wages, traffic collision reports, photographs, witness statements, and any expert evaluations necessary to support the claim. The lawyer then crafts a demand letter that outlines the facts of the case, details the client’s injuries and treatment, and quantifies the economic and non-economic losses sustained. This letter is often the foundation for negotiations and must be persuasive, well-organized, and supported by solid documentation to encourage a favorable settlement without proceeding to trial.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured and need legal representation to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

Washington has enacted significant estate tax reforms effective July 1, 2025, aimed at easing the tax burden on middle-income families while increasing obligations for high-value estates.

This week, Gov. Ferguson signed SB 5813 into law, meaning that Washington has enacted significant estate tax reforms effective July 1, 2025, aimed at easing the tax burden on middle-income families while increasing obligations for high-value estates. The exemption threshold has been raised from $2.193 million to $3 million, adjusted annually for inflation, reducing the number of estates required to file a return. Additionally, a new Spousal Personal Residence Exclusion allows a decedent’s share of the family home to be excluded from the estate’s value when determining filing requirements, provided the surviving spouse inherits the home and both spouses occupied it for at least six months prior to death. To fund education initiatives, the state has introduced a more progressive estate tax rate structure, with rates increasing up to 35% for estates exceeding $9 million. What are Washington’s estate tax funds used for? They provide funding for:

* The student achievement fund for reducing class sizes, professional development of teachers, extended learning such as before- and after-school programs, and pre-kindergarten learning;

* Learning assistance programs to help K-12 students who are not up to standards; and

* Higher education (which includes money for financial aid, supporting additional enrollment of students, adult basic education programs in community colleges, work-study programs, etc.).

These changes to the estate tax laws underscore the importance of proactive estate planning to navigate the evolving tax landscape. If we can be of service to you, your family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

One of the most effective ways to prevent family disputes after your passing is by creating a clear, legally binding Will.

One of the most effective ways to prevent family disputes after your passing is by creating a clear, legally binding Will. Without a Will, your estate may be divided according to generic state laws, which often don’t reflect personal relationships or your true intentions — leading to confusion, resentment, and even costly legal battles among loved ones. By specifying your wishes in a Will, you provide guidance, reduce uncertainty, and ensure that assets are distributed fairly and respectfully. Taking the time to plan now offers peace of mind and protects your family from unnecessary conflict during an already emotional time.

If you have questions about Wills or any other aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help.

If you’ve inherited investment property with your siblings, setting up a limited liability company (LLC) can be a smart way to manage and protect your shared asset.

If you’ve inherited investment property with your siblings, setting up a limited liability company (LLC) can be a smart way to manage and protect your shared asset. An LLC offers liability protection, helps avoid personal legal exposure, and provides a clear structure for ownership, decision-making, and profit distribution. It also simplifies tax reporting and can make it easier to transfer ownership in the future. By forming an LLC, you and your siblings can establish a formal agreement outlining each person’s responsibilities and rights, reducing the potential for conflict and ensuring the property is managed efficiently and fairly.

Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can help you and your siblings handle your inherited investment properties.

Many people mistakenly believe that if a person leaves a Will, probate is unnecessary — but this is simply not true.

Many people mistakenly believe that if a person leaves a Will, probate is unnecessary — but this is simply not true. A Will is a legal document that expresses a decedent’s wishes, but it does not automatically transfer assets to beneficiaries. Instead, the Will must be validated through the probate process, which is overseen by a court to ensure the document is genuine and properly executed according to State law. During probate, the court also appoints the Personal Representative (formerly called the “Executor”) named in the Will, authorizes the payment of debts and taxes, and supervises the distribution of the estate according to the Will’s terms. In fact, having a Will almost always guarantees that probate will be necessary, whereas alternative estate planning tools — like Revocable Living Trusts or joint ownership — are often used specifically to avoid it.

If you have questions about Wills or the probate process, give us a call at 253.858.5434 today. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

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.