Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes that matter most to you.

Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes that matter most to you. Whether through a bequest in your Will, a Charitable Remainder Trust, or naming a nonprofit organization as a beneficiary of an IRA or life insurance policy, planned giving can offer both personal fulfillment and potential tax advantages for your estate. It’s also a thoughtful opportunity to model generosity and purpose for the next generation. With proper planning, you can ensure that your values continue to make an impact long after you’re gone.

If you have questions about including charitable gifts in your estate plan, or any other estate planning questions, 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.

At its core, contract law is built on the simple yet powerful principle that people should do what they say they’re going to do.

At its core, contract law is built on the simple yet powerful principle that people should do what they say they’re going to do. This fundamental idea — known as the principle of “pacta sunt servanda,” or “agreements must be kept” — forms the backbone of our legal system’s approach to enforcing promises. When two parties voluntarily enter into an agreement, the law steps in to ensure that each side upholds their end of the bargain. Whether it’s a handshake deal or a complex written contract, this expectation of follow-through creates stability, accountability, and trust in both personal and business relationships. Without it, the predictability that underpins commerce and cooperation would break down.

If you’re a party to a contract and the other party isn’t holding up their end of the deal, 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.

After a catastrophic auto collision, hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

After a catastrophic auto collision, hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. These high-stakes cases often involve severe injuries, long-term medical care, permanent disability, loss of income, and complex liability issues. A skilled lawyer can investigate the collision, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. Acting quickly is important, as evidence can disappear and legal deadlines can pass. Don’t navigate the aftermath of a life-altering collision alone — legal guidance can make all the difference in your recovery and financial future.

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

When it comes to estate planning, gifting assets creatively to younger generations can not only reduce estate taxes but also foster financial literacy and responsibility.

When it comes to estate planning, gifting assets creatively to younger generations can not only reduce estate taxes but also foster financial literacy and responsibility. One effective approach is setting up a family trust that distributes funds based on milestones like college graduation or starting a business, encouraging personal growth while preserving wealth. Gifting shares in a family-owned business can instill a sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, funding a Roth IRA for a working teenager or contributing to a 529 college savings plan can offer long-term tax advantages while supporting education and retirement. These thoughtful strategies go beyond traditional inheritances, turning wealth transfer into a meaningful legacy.

If you have questions about generational transfers of wealth for estate planning purposes — or any other estate planning questions — 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.

Navigating the probate process in Washington can be complex, especially during a time of grief. Hiring a lawyer can help ease the burden.

Navigating the probate process in Washington can be complex, especially during a time of grief. Hiring a lawyer can help ease the burden by ensuring that all legal requirements are met, deadlines are followed, and assets are distributed according to the Will or state law. Washington has unique probate laws, including options for simplified procedures in certain cases, and an experienced lawyer can help determine the most efficient path forward. Whether you’re a Personal Representative managing the estate or a family member with questions about your rights, legal guidance can help prevent costly mistakes and protect your loved one’s legacy.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker have questions about the probate process in Washington, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can be of service.

Churches, like any other organization, face a wide range of legal challenges that require professional guidance to navigate safely and ethically.

Churches, like any other organization, face a wide range of legal challenges that require professional guidance to navigate safely and ethically. From property transactions and employment law to tax compliance and risk management, churches operate within a complex legal framework that must be respected to preserve their mission and integrity. A lawyer can help ensure that bylaws are correctly drafted and followed, board decisions are legally sound, and the church’s nonprofit status remains in good standing. Legal counsel also protects churches in areas like child safety policies, intellectual property rights, and liability issues. Simply put, having a knowledgeable lawyer is not just a safeguard — it’s a stewardship decision that supports the church’s long-term health and mission.

We have been represent individual churches and other nonprofit organizations for nearly 30 years. If your is facing legal issues and need representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can help.

Special rules can apply when doing estate planning for clients who own family farmland, timber land, or Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs).

When doing estate planning for clients who own family farm land, timber land, or Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs), we have to navigate a complex web of federal and state regulations designed to preserve these unique assets across generations. These holdings often qualify for special tax provisions — such as Internal Revenue Code Section 2032A for farmland or deferral options for timber and IFQs — that can significantly reduce estate tax liability if properly structured. However, eligibility hinges on strict use and ownership requirements, such as continued qualified use for a set period after death and limitations on who can inherit the asset. Failure to meet these rules can trigger recapture penalties or force asset sales, undermining legacy goals. Effective planning involves early and careful coordination with legal, tax, and industry professionals to ensure that these valuable, often sentimental assets remain viable for future generations.

If you have questions about special rules that can apply to certain estates, 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 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.