Starting a new business is an exciting venture, but it comes with a myriad of legal considerations that can be overwhelming for an entrepreneur.

Starting a new business is an exciting venture, but it comes with a myriad of legal considerations that can be overwhelming for an entrepreneur. Hiring a lawyer from the outset can provide invaluable guidance on various critical aspects, such as drafting and reviewing contracts, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and protecting intellectual property. A lawyer can also help structure your business in a way that maximizes tax benefits and minimizes liability, laying a solid foundation for future growth. Investing in legal expertise early on can save significant time, money, and potential legal trouble down the line, allowing you to focus on growing your business with peace of mind.

If you are thinking about starting up a new business and need legal advice, 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.

Having a well-designed estate plan in place is critical if your goal is to ensure the well-being of loved ones who face mental illness or addiction issues.

Having a well-designed estate plan in place is critical if your goal is to ensure the well-being of loved ones who face mental illness or addiction issues. Establishing a Trust tailored to the unique needs of individuals suffering from these conditions can provide them with financial stability and access to necessary resources without jeopardizing their benefits or falling prey to poor financial decisions, mood shifts, compromised self-regulation, and instability. A well-crafted Trust allows for the appointment of a responsible Trustee to manage assets and disburse funds in a way that supports the beneficiary's health and recovery, offering peace of mind to families and a structured, supportive framework for those in need. This thoughtful approach to estate planning not only secures their future but also fosters a path towards stability and improved quality of life.

If you have questions about Trusts for beneficiaries with addiction and/or mental illness issues, or any other estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

Estate planning has always been tricky. It's not enough to ask a client, "What do you want to happen to your estate?" We'll also ask, "Who is really going to be unhappy about this?"

"Esau held a grudge against Jacob, because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, 'The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'" - Genesis 27:41

Estate planning has been tricky for a long, long time.

It's not enough to ask a client, "What do you want to happen to your estate?" We'll also ask, "Who is really going to be unhappy about this?" And that's when the true estate planning begins. A good part of estate planning is "lawyer-proofing" your Will. While it is impossible to protect against the most imaginative (and often misguided) legal minds, we often add provisions to Wills that we hope will make the most obtuse lawyer hired to fight the Will say, "That might be a problem." In this situation, there is no substitute to having been in these fights for over 25 years and knowing what works, what doesn't, and knowing to what judges will pay attention. Any old lawyer can write a Will. You want a lawyer who can write you a Will or Trust that the courts will enforce. Part of that is identifying the potential problems and dealing with them up front.

If you have kids or own a house, you should have an estate plan in place, and you should hire a lawyer with experience in preparing Wills and Trusts that not only accomplish your goals but are also designed to avoid family disputes in the future. 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. We proudly serve clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Lawyers play a vital role in helping clients settle personal injury claims, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Lawyers play a vital role in helping clients settle personal injury claims, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses. With our expertise in navigating complex legal systems, we gather and present evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for our clients' rights. This support is invaluable in cases where clients might otherwise be overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of an injury. By securing settlements that reflect the true extent of our clients' damages, we not only provide financial relief but also contribute to our clients' overall recovery and peace of mind.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured in an auto collision and need help dealing with an insurance company, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

The Summer Sounds at Skansie lineup has been announced! FREE outdoor concerts at Skansie Brothers Park on the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront, Tuesdays in July and August from 6-8 p.m.

The Summer Sounds at Skansie lineup has been announced! FREE outdoor concerts at Skansie Brothers Park on the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront, Tuesdays in July and August from 6-8 p.m.:

July 16: Wally & the Beaves, playing hits from the '50s, ’60s, ’70s & ’80s

July 23: Good Day Sunshine (Beatles tribute band)

July 30: The ABBAgraphs (ABBA tribute band)

Aug. 6: Victims of Love (Eagles tribute band)

Aug. 13: Beadhead (Jimmy Buffet tribute band)

Aug. 20: Danny Vernon (Elvis tribute artist)

Aug. 27: The Profits (Gig Harbor-based band playing '70s funk, '80s new wave, '90s pop, punk, R&B, country, rock, yacht rock, and reggae)

Incorporating a Family Limited Partnership (FLP) into your estate plan can be a strategic move to protect and manage your family's wealth while minimizing estate taxes.

Incorporating a Family Limited Partnership (FLP) into your estate plan can be a strategic move to protect and manage your family's wealth while minimizing estate taxes. An FLP allows you to transfer assets to family members in a controlled manner, often at a discounted value due to the nature of limited partnership interests. This structure not only provides significant tax advantages but also ensures that the management and decision-making power remain with the general partners, typically the senior family members. By leveraging an FLP, you can effectively manage gift and estate tax exemptions, protect assets from creditors, and provide for the seamless succession of family-owned businesses or investments, thereby preserving your family's financial legacy for future generations.

If you have questions about Family Limited Partnerships or any other estate planning tools or techniques, 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.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans can be a strategic tool in your estate planning toolkit.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans can be a strategic tool in your estate planning toolkit. These plans allow high-earning individuals to defer a portion of their income until a later date, usually retirement, which can provide substantial tax advantages. By deferring income, you can reduce your current taxable income and potentially lower your estate's taxable value. Additionally, NQDC plans can be structured to provide financial security for your heirs, ensuring that deferred payments continue to benefit your family after your passing. Incorporating NQDC plans into your estate plan not only enhances your long-term financial strategy but also supports your legacy goals by providing a steady income stream to your beneficiaries.

If you have questions about Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plans 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.

Incorporating charitable split interest Trusts into your estate plan can provide a unique blend of philanthropy and financial benefits.

Incorporating charitable split interest Trusts into your estate plan can provide a unique blend of philanthropy and financial benefits. These Trusts, such as Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) and Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs), allow you to support meaningful causes while securing tax advantages and income streams for yourself or your heirs. With a CRT, you can receive income from the Trust for a set period or your lifetime, with the remaining assets eventually going to a charity, potentially reducing estate taxes and providing an immediate charitable deduction. Conversely, a CLT enable you to transfer assets to heirs at reduced tax costs, as the Trust provides income to a designated charity for a specific term before the remaining assets revert to your beneficiaries. By integrating charitable split interest Trusts into your estate plan, you can create a lasting legacy, benefit from tax efficiencies, and support the causes you care about most.

If you have questions about charitable split interest Trusts or any 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, whatever is most convenient for our clients.

When you're injured in an auto collision, hiring a lawyer can be a crucial step in securing the compensation and justice you deserve.

When you're injured in an auto collision, hiring a lawyer can be a crucial step in securing the compensation and justice you deserve. An experienced lawyer understands the complexities of insurance claims legal procedures, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies aiming to minimize payouts. Lawyers can gather vital evidence, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, represent you in court, giving you peace of mind to focus on recovery. By leveraging a lawyer's expertise, you can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the collision.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured in an auto collision and need legal representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up a free initial consultation today.

The Maritime Gig Festival is this weekend! Here are the schedule of events and the lineup for live music at Skansie Brothers Park.

The Maritime Gig Festival is this weekend! Here are the schedule of events and the lineup for live music at Skansie Brothers Park. Also, be aware that Harborview Drive between Rosedale Street and Pioneer Way will close between 5 a.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. On Saturday only, Harborview Drive will close from Burnham Drive to Soundview Drive between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Lower Soundview, Judson Street, and parts of Stinson Avenue and Rosedale Street will close for the same period to accommodate the fun run and parade.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Saturday, June 1st

8:00 a.m. Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Skansie Brothers Park

8:30 a.m. Kids Dash

8:45 U.S. Bank Family Fun Run

10:00 a.m. Maritime Gig Grand Parade

12:00 p.m. Entertainment and Concerts Begin

12:00 p.m. Business Booths, Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, and Children’s Fair Open

12:00 p.m. Harbor History Museum Opens

12:00 p.m. Harbor Wildwatch Opens

2:15 p.m. Parade Awards

Sunday, June 2nd

10:00 a.m. Local Makers Market Opens

10:00 a.m. Entertainment and Concerts Begin

10:00 a.m. Harbor Wildwatch Opens

11:00 a.m. Wheels on the Water Car Show

1:00 p.m. Blessing of the Fleet

3:00 p.m. Car Show Awards

MUSIC SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 1st

11:45am | My Guilty Pleasure

1:00pm | Kellee Bradley Band

2:30pm | Nick Cain

3:30pm | Brian James was Here

5:00pm | Kim and Brian Music, LLC

6:30pm | Kalimba

Sunday, June 2nd

10:00am | The Jewel Tones

11:30am | Caroline Goodwin

12:00pm | Dixie Dusters / NMS Ceremonial Band

2:00pm | Stacy Jones Band

3:30pm | The Shy Boys

Give us a call if you have questions about the income, estate, and gift tax ramifications of charitable giving or if you want to make charitable contributions a part of your estate plan.

A charitable contribution is a gratuitous transfer of property to charitable, religious, scientific, educational, or other specific organizations. If the recipient of the gift falls within categories designated by the Internal Revenue Code, a charitable deduction may be taken for income, gift, or estate tax purposes.

Charitable contributions have tax value, therefore, because they result in a current income tax deduction, may reduce estate taxes, and can be made free of the gift tax. From the charity's point of view, charitable contributions are also tax favored; the charity itself pays no tax upon the receipt of either a lifetime gift or a bequest and, generally, no income tax is paid by the qualified charity on income early by the charity on donated property.

If you have questions about the tax ramifications of charitable contributions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help!

Dynasty estate planning is an intricate process that ensures wealth and assets are preserved and managed across multiple generations and branches of a family.

Dynasty estate planning is an intricate process that ensures wealth and assets are preserved and managed across multiple generations and branches of a family. By employing strategies like creating Trusts, establishing family offices, and leveraging tax-efficient investments, families can safeguard their legacy while maintaining financial harmony among various branches. This type of planning not only addresses the distribution of assets but also instills governance structures and shared values that promote unity and responsible stewardship. Effective dynasty planning minimizes potential conflicts, provides for each generation's needs, and reinforces the family's collective vision for the future, ensuring their wealth endures and benefits all descendants.

If you have 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.

For small business owners, having a relationship with a lawyer to serve as the business's general counsel is critical for safeguarding the company's interests.

For small business owners, having a relationship with a lawyer to serve as the business's general counsel is critical for safeguarding the company's interests. We can provide proactive legal advice, helping to prevent issues before they arise, from compliance with regulations to drafting and reviewing contracts. We ensure your business is protected against potential lawsuits, intellectual property theft, and employment disputes. Furthermore, having a dedicated legal advisor means swift and knowledgeable responses to any urgent legal matters, allowing business owners to focus on growth and operations without being bogged down by legal uncertainties. This partnership not only mitigates risks but also provides a strategic advantage in making informed, legally sound business decisions.

If you are a small business owner and are seeking legal advice and representation, 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.

The topics of Wills, Trusts, estates, and probate are often shrouded in misconceptions. We're here to dispel those myths for you.

Drafting a Will and managing estates can be daunting tasks, often shrouded in myths and misconceptions. One prevalent myth is that Wills are only for the wealthy. In reality, Wills are essential for anyone who wants to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes. Without a Will, state laws dictate how assets are divided, which may not align with your intentions. Additionally, some believe that a Will is a one-time document. However, life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth or adoption of children necessitate updates to reflect new circumstances accurately.

Another common myth is that estate planning is only for the elderly. Regardless of age, anyone with assets should consider estate planning to protect their loved ones and assets. Furthermore, some believe that estate planning is only about distributing assets after death. However, it also includes important documents like appointing guardians for minor children and establishing health care directives. Understanding these myths helps individuals navigate the complexities of Wills and estates, ensuring their wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected.

If you have questions about Wills and estates, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.