Our office will be closed on Monday, September 2, for Labor Day. For all who work hard every day and keep the world moving forward, let's honor unity, determination, and every job's value! Everyone enjoy a well-deserved break!
Leaving a Will is one of the most considerate things you can do for your family, as it greatly simplifies the estate administration process during a difficult time. Without a Will, your loved ones may face legal complexities, disputes, and delays in distributing your assets according to your wishes. A Will provides clear instructions as to how your estate should be managed and who should receive what, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and confusion. It also appoints a Personal Representative, someone you trust, to oversee the process, ensuring that your estate is handled efficiently and in line with your intentions. In short, a Will eases the burden on your family, allowing them to focus on healing rather than navigating legal hurdles.
If you have not made a Will or feel like your existing Will could use some updating, 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.
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car crashes, often resulting in personal injury claims. When a vehicle is struck from behind, the impact can cause injuries ranging from connective tissue "whiplash" type injuries to traumatic brain injuries and severe spinal damage. Typically, the driver of the trailing vehicle is presumed to be at fault, as they are expected to maintain a safe following distance. Victims of rear end collisions may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It's crucial to seek legal advice promptly to navigate the complexities of filing a personal injury claim and to ensure that all rights are protected.
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 make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.
Administering a Revocable Living Trust after the Trustor's death involves several key steps to ensure that the assets are distributed according to the Trust's terms. First, the successor Trustee must locate the Trust document and gather all necessary financial information, including bank accounts, real estate, and personal property. The Trustee should notify beneficiaries and creditors, settle any outstanding debts, and file necessary tax returns. Depending on the complexity of the estate, professional guidance from a lawyer or accountant may be advisable to ensure compliance with state laws and to avoid potential disputes. Once all obligations are fulfilled, the Trustee distributes the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as outlined in the Trust.
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.
When working with non-citizen estate planning clients, Qualified Domestic Trusts (QDOTs) are essential tools to ensure that the estate tax marital deduction is available. Unlike U.S. citizens, non-citizen spouses do not automatically qualify for the unlimited marital deduction, which can lead to significant estate tax liabilities. By establishing a QDOT, the transfer of assets to a non-citizen spouse can be structured to defer estate taxes until distributions are made from the Trust or upon the spouse's death. This allows the surviving non-citizen spouse to receive income from the Trust while preserving the marital deduction, providing a crucial layer of financial security and tax efficient in cross-border estate planning.
If you have questions about QDOTs 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.
As a new small business owner, you're likely focused on growing your venture, but it's important to stay vigilant against scammers who prey on startups. Scammers often target new businesses with fake invoices, fraudulent payment requests, or too-good-to-be-true offers. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, unfamiliar service providers, and anyone requesting sensitive information or upfront payments. It's essential to verify the legitimacy of vendors, partners, and clients before committing to any transactions. By staying informed and implementing security measures, you can protect you business from falling victim to these schemes.
If you're a small business or are thinking about starting up a new business, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can be of service. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.
Estate planning is essential for Washington residents who want to minimize or avoid estate taxes, which can significantly reduce the value of an inheritance. Washington imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $2.193 million as of 2024. To avoid or reduce this tax, consider strategies such as gifting assets during your lifetime or setting up a Family Limited Partnership. Another approach is to use the unlimited marital deduction, which allows you to transfer an unlimited amount of assets to your spouse tax-free. Proper planning with an experienced lawyer can help you protect your assets and ensure that more of your wealth is passed on to your heirs rather than the state.
If you have questions about the Washington State estate tax and how to minimize or avoid it upon your death, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.
Regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan is critical to ensure that your wishes are accurately reflected as your life circumstances change. Over time, significant events such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of children, changes in financial status, or new laws can impact your estate planning needs. by revisiting your plan every few years, you can make necessary adjustments to your beneficiaries, appoint new guardians, update your Will, or revise Trusts to ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your current intentions. Keeping your estate plan up to date provides peace of mind and helps avoid potential disputes or complications for your loved ones in the future.
If you would like helping reviewing and updating your estate plan or if you need to start from the beginning and create an estate plan from scratch, 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.
When you have a personal injury case pending, keeping your lawyer updated on your treatment status and your contact information is critical for the success of your case. Timely communication ensures that your lawyer has the most current details about your medical progress, which is essential for accurately assessing the extent of your injuries and the associated costs. This information enables your lawyer to negotiate more effectively with insurance company and opposing parties to secure the best possible settlement for you. Additionally, up-to-date contact information guarantees that your lawyer can reach you quickly for urgent updates or decisions that may impact your case. Consistent communication helps maintain a strong attorney-client relationship and ensures that your legal representation is as effective as possible.
If you have been injured in an auto collision or other incident and need legal representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment for a free initial consultation today.
August is National Make a Will Month, a reminder to create a Will or update your current one. Did you know that only one-third of all adults in the U.S. currently have a Will? Many cite that they don’t have one because of time, or it’s not for them. And while it’s true that an individual’s wealth and assets may determine how long the planning process may be, it does not dictate the need.
Every adult needs a Will regardless of age or how many assets they have. Your Will is an important and powerful document: it ensures that your assets end up where you want them to go while providing your family with peace of mind and instructions during a vulnerable time. In other words, it’s the perfect tool to make your mark on everything you care about.
Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment to get started on you Will today!
Estate planning for doctors, dentists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals is crucial not only for the distribution of personal assets but also for the orderly winding up of their practice. Appointing a knowledgeable and trustworthy individual to manage the process is essential, particularly to handle HIPAA-protected materials. This designated person must ensure that patient records are securely stored or transferred according to legal requirements, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations. Proper estate planning can prevent disruption in patient care and protect the professional's legacy, ensuring a smooth transition and safeguarding sensitive information.
If you are a healthcare professional and your practice maintains HIPAA-compliant materials and have questions about appointing someone to take care of your estate if something were to happen to you, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We represent clients throughout Washi
Here in the great State of Washington, pet owners can ensure their beloved animals are cared for after their passing by establishing a Pet Trust. A Pet Trust is a legal arrangement that allows individuals to set aside funds specifically for their pet's care and designate a Trustee to manage these funds. This Trustee is responsible for ensuring the pet receives proper care according to the owner's instructions. Washington law recognizing Trusts for pets provides a reliable way to make sure pets are not left without care, giving peace of mind to pet owners. By wetting up a Pet Trust, owners can detail to the standard of care they expect for their pets, covering everything from food and veterinary care to grooming and boarding.
If you would like to make a Pet Trust part of your general estate plan, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.
Hiring a lawyer to collect delinquent accounts is a prudent move for small business owners looking to maintain their cash flow and protect their financial health. We bring expertise in navigating the complexities of debt collection laws, ensuring that all actions comply with legal standards and reducing the risk of costly mistakes. We can employ a range of legal strategies, from sending demand letters to initiating lawsuits to garnishing bank accounts and obtaining Writs of Attachment and Writs of Execution to order the county sheriff to seize debtors' assets, which can be more persuasive than attempts by the business owner alone. Additionally, involving a lawyer can help preserve valuable business relationships by providing a neutral third party to handle potentially contentious interactions. Overall, a lawyer's involvement can lead to more effective debt recovery, allowing small business owners to focus on growing their enterprise.
If you're a small business owner and are having trouble collecting delinquent accounts, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can be of service.
We often get questions about Washington's Death with Dignity Act. The Act, enacted in 2008, empowers terminally ill adults with the autonomy to request and self-administer prescribed medication to end their lives. This legislation provides patients facing unbearable suffering with a compassionate choice, reinforcing the importance of personal liberty and dignity at the end of life. Under strict guidelines, including confirmation of prognosis by two physicians and a mandatory waiting period, the Act ensures that the decision is well-considered and voluntary. Washington's approach has sparked a broader conversation about the role of medical ethics, patient rights, and the compassionate end-of-life care options available in contemporary society.
Probate avoidance is a strategic approach to managing your estate to bypass the potentially lengthy and costly probate process. Key tools and techniques include creating a Revocable Living Trust, which allows assets to be transferred to beneficiaries without court intervention. Additionally, holding property jointly with rights of survivorship ensures that ownership automatically passes to the surviving owner. Beneficiary designations on accounts such as life insurance, retirement plans, and transfer on death (TOD) bank and brokerage accounts also facilitate direct transfer of assets. Lastly, in Washington, executing a Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) for real estate ensures that property is transferred to named beneficiaries without probate. Utilizing these methods can streamline estate administration and provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
If you have questions about probate avoidance techniques or 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.