When neck and back injuries result from someone else’s negligence — whether in a car crash, a fall, or another accident — it’s crucial to have an experienced lawyer on your side.

Neck and back injuries can be life-altering, often leaving victims with chronic pain, limited mobility, and expensive medical treatments. When these injuries result from someone else’s negligence — whether in a car crash, a fall, or another accident — it’s crucial to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Insurance companies may try to downplay the seriousness of spinal and connective tissue injuries, offering settlements that don’t come close to covering long-term needs. A skilled lawyer can gather medical evidence, work with experts, and advocate aggressively to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care. Hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference in securing a fair outcome and giving you the support you need to move forward.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured and need legal representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

When you live with your unmarried significant other, having a Cohabitation Agreement or Separate Property Agreement is an essential part of your estate plan.

When you live with your unmarried significant other, having a Cohabitation Agreement or Separate Property Agreement is an essential part of your estate plan. Unlike married couples, unmarried partners do not automatically have legal rights to each other’s property, which can create uncertainty and disputes if one partner passes away or the relationship ends. A well-drafted agreement clearly outlines each person’s ownership, financial contributions, and what happens to the property under different circumstances, ensuring your wishes are respected and reducing the risk of costly conflicts. By including such an agreement in your estate plan, you protect both your investment and your partner, while bringing peace of mind and clarity to a relationship built on trust.

A Charitable Trust can be a powerful tool to incorporate your values into your estate plan while also providing tax benefits for you and your heirs.

A Charitable Trust can be a powerful tool to incorporate your values into your estate plan while also providing tax benefits for you and your heirs. By placing assets into a Charitable Trust, you can support causes that matter to you — whether that’s education, health care, the arts, or local community programs — while potentially reducing estate and income taxes. Depending on the type of Trust, you may even provide an income stream to yourself or your family before the remainder goes to charity. Because Charitable Trusts are highly customizable, they allow you to leave a legacy that reflects your priorities and provides lasting impact well beyond your lifetime.

If you have questions about using Charitable Trusts as part of your 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.

In Washington, a valid Will must meet a few important legal requirements to ensure it can be enforced after your death.

In Washington, a valid Will must meet a few important legal requirements to ensure it can be enforced after your death. The person making the Will (the “testator”) must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. The Will must be in writing and signed by the testator — or by someone else at the testator’s direction and in their presence. In addition, the Will must be witnessed by at least two competent individuals who sign it in the testator’s presence. While notarization is not required for validity, having the Will notarized as a “self-proving” Will can make probate easier by eliminating the need for witnesses to testify later. Because mistakes can easily lead to disputes or even invalidate your Will, working with an experienced lawyer in Washington is the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out smoothly.

If you have questions about making a Will, 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 small business or nonprofit in Washington comes with plenty of moving parts, and it’s easy to put legal planning on the back burner — but that’s often where the biggest risks hide.

Running a small business or nonprofit in Washington comes with plenty of moving parts, and it’s easy to put legal planning on the back burner — but that’s often where the biggest risks hide. Choosing the right entity structure, keeping up with state and federal compliance, drafting solid contracts, and protecting your organization from liability are all key to long-term success. A lawyer who understands the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits can help you build a strong legal foundation, so you can focus on growth and serving your community with confidence. Proactive legal guidance isn’t just about avoiding costly mistakes — it’s about setting your organization up to thrive.

If you’re a small business owner or director of a nonprofit corporation and have legal questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today!

Here in Washington, estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or something to put off until later in life — it’s an important step for nearly everyone.

Here in Washington, estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or something to put off until later in life — it’s an important step for nearly everyone. Washington has its own estate tax with an exemption that is significantly lower than the federal level, which means more families may be affected than they realize. Without a solid plan in place, your loved ones could face unnecessary taxes, delays, and even disputes in court. By creating a well-crafted estate plan, you can protect your family, ensure your wishes are carried out, and reduce the stress and financial burden left behind. Working with an experienced estate planning lawyer can help you navigate the state’s unique laws and give you peace of mind for the future.

Estate plans aren't built in a vacuum — they're often the result of your lawyer and your financial advisor working together to protect assets, minimize taxes, and ensure your wishes are carried out.

A strong estate plan isn’t built in a vacuum — it’s often the result of your estate planning lawyer and your financial advisor working together to protect your assets, minimize taxes, and ensure your wishes are carried out. Your lawyer focuses on the legal side — drafting Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney that reflect your goals and comply with state law — while your financial advisor manages your investments, retirement accounts, and insurance to make sure the numbers align with your plan. When they collaborate, they can identify gaps, avoid conflicting strategies, and create a seamless roadmap that safeguards your legacy and provides clarity for your loved ones.

If you have estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can be of service.

After a serious auto collision, insurance adjusters may offer a settlement right away, hoping you’ll take the cash before you know the true extent of your injuries and future expenses.

After a serious auto collision, insurance adjusters may offer a settlement right away, hoping you’ll take the cash before you know the true extent of your injuries and future expenses. While the offer might seem tempting, especially with medical bills piling up, it’s often far less than you deserve. Once you settle, you can’t go back for more — even if you later need surgery, ongoing treatment, or time off work. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the full value of your claim and negotiate for fair compensation that covers not just your current losses, but your future needs as well.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto collision and need representation in dealing with insurance adjusters, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

In Washington, probate isn’t always required — but when it is, it’s important to understand why.

In Washington, probate isn’t always required — but when it is, it’s important to understand why. Generally, probate is necessary when someone dies owning assets in their name alone worth over $100,000, or if they owned real estate that wasn’t held jointly or in a trust. Even so, Washington has one of the more streamlined probate systems in the country, often allowing for an efficient and low-stress process if the estate is straightforward. Knowing whether probate is needed can save families time and legal expenses — and consulting with an experienced lawyer early on can make all the difference.

If you’ve been named Personal Representative (Executor) in a loved one’s Will or if a loved one has passed away without leaving a Will and you have questions about the probate process, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today.

The Biggest Mistake People Make in Estate Planning -- And How to Avoid It

The biggest mistake people make in estate planning is thinking that once the documents are signed, they’re done. Life doesn’t stand still — marriages, divorces, births, adoptions, deaths, and changes in assets can all make your carefully crafted plan outdated or ineffective. An outdated Will or Trust can lead to confusion, disputes, or unintended distributions after you’re gone. The good news? Avoiding this mistake is simple: review your estate plan every few years or whenever a major life event occurs. A quick check-in with your lawyer can help ensure your plan still reflects your wishes and protects the people you care about.

If you have questions about updating your estate plan or creating a new one, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

Running a small business means wearing many hats, but one you shouldn’t try to wear alone is that of a lawyer.

Running a small business means wearing many hats, but one you shouldn’t try to wear alone is that of a lawyer. Too often, business owners wait until they’re facing a legal crisis — like a lawsuit, contract dispute, or compliance issue — before seeking legal help. But having a lawyer involved early can prevent those problems in the first place. Whether it’s setting up the right business structure, drafting solid contracts, protecting your intellectual property, or navigating local regulations, a good lawyer helps lay a strong legal foundation and avoids costly mistakes. In short, hiring a lawyer before you think you need one is one of the smartest investments you can make for your business.

If you’re a small business owner and could use some legal advice, 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.

Creating a basic estate plan is an essential step in ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Creating a basic estate plan is an essential step in ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. At a minimum, a solid plan should include a Will, a Durable Power of Attorney for financial matters, a Health Care Directive, and a Health Care Power of Attorney. These documents allow you to name guardians for minor children, designate who will manage your finances or make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated, and clearly direct how your assets should be distributed after your death. Without a plan, your estate will be handled according to your state’s default laws, which may not reflect your personal preferences. Taking the time to prepare now can prevent confusion, conflict, and unnecessary legal costs later.

If you have questions about creating an estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today.

The probate process in Washington is a court-supervised procedure used to settle a deceased person’s estate, including paying debts and distributing assets to heirs.

The probate process in Washington is a court-supervised procedure used to settle a deceased person’s estate, including paying debts and distributing assets to heirs. Washington offers a relatively streamlined and cost-effective probate system compared to many other states, especially when the estate is uncontested and properly planned. A Personal Representative — often named in the Will — is appointed by the court to manage the estate, gather and inventory assets, notify creditors, pay taxes and expenses, and distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries. While probate isn’t always required, it’s often necessary when real estate is involved or when financial institutions require court authority to release assets. With proper legal guidance, Washington’s probate process can be navigated efficiently and with minimal stress for surviving family members.

If you’ve been named Personal Representative I a loved one’s Will and have questions about how the process works, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claims often hinge on understanding and correctly using a “Hamilton” letter — a demand before settling with a third‑party insurer.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claims often hinge on understanding and correctly using a “Hamilton” letter — a demand before settling with a third‑party insurer. After you’ve been injured in a collision where the at‑fault driver’s liability insurance is insufficient, your lawyer typically sends a Hamilton letter to your own insurer, offering them the chance to “buy out” the claim by paying what the third‑party carrier is tendering. This preserves the insurer’s right to subrogation and avoids unintentionally voiding your UIM coverage. Washington follows the “floating layer” or excess theory, so your UIM policy is designed to top off your compensation above the at‑fault driver’s limits — but only if these procedural steps are followed correctly. Failing to issue the Hamilton letter before accepting the tortfeasor’s payment can prejudice your claim, possibly costing you tens of thousands in compensation. In practice, this means before settling a $25,000 liability offer, you alert your insurer via the Hamilton letter; then, if they opt not to intervene, you proceed — with your underinsured motorist coverage providing the extra support needed to fully cover your damages.

UIM claims are complicated. If you’ve been injured in an auto collision where the at-fault driver has low insurance policy limits, or no insurance at all, and need legal representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.