Estate planning is especially important for families who own farms or timberland, as these assets often hold both financial and emotional significance.

Estate planning is especially important for families who own farms or timberland, as these assets often hold both financial and emotional significance. By creating a comprehensive estate plan, families can ensure a smooth transition of ownership, avoid potential disputes, and protect their land from being sold off due to tax burdens. Key considerations include determining how to divide or manage the land among heirs, establishing Trusts to minimize estate taxes, and setting up a succession plan for ongoing farm or timber operations. Proper planning can help preserve the land for future generations and maintain its productivity and legacy.

If you have estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make 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're a small business owner, hiring a lawyer to handle overdue payments and delinquent accounts can be a wise investment.

Small business owners often face the challenge of collecting delinquent accounts, which can significantly impact cash flow and business stability. Hiring a lawyer to handle these overdue payments can be a wise investment, as legal professionals are equipped to navigate the complexities of debt collection laws while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Your lawyer can send formal demand letters, negotiate settlements, and even initiate legal action if necessary. By outsourcing this task to a professional, business owners can save time, reduce stress, and focus on growing their business, all while improving their chances of recovering the owed money.

If you're a small business owner and maybe a customer or two haven't paid what they owe you in a timely manner, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can help.

A Durable Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney are essential legal documents that allow clients to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf in specific areas.

A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) and a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) are essential legal documents that allow clients to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf in specific areas. A DPOA grants an agent the authority to manage financial matters, such as paying bills, managing investments, or handling real estate transactions, when the client is unable to do so. A Health Care Power of Attorney, on the other hand, designates an agent to make medical decisions if the person becomes incapacitated. Both documents are critical components of estate planning, offering peace of mind by ensuring the trusted individuals are empowered to act in accordance with the client's wishes during times of crisis.

If you have questions about Powers of Attorney, 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.

Estate planning for artists, authors, musicians, and songwriters requires special attention due to the unique nature of their intellectual property.

Estate planning for artists, authors, musicians, and songwriters requires special attention due to the unique nature of their intellectual property. Unlike traditional assets, creative works -- such as paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, screenplays, recordings, and songs -- continue to generate revenue and evolve in value long after the creator's death. Proper planning involves not only designating beneficiaries for royalties and licensing rights but also ensuring that these rights are protected and managed by someone who understands their significance. Estate plans for creatives should include clear instructions for managing copyrights, handling future income from creative works, and safeguarding the artistic legacy they leave behind.

If you are an artist, author, musician, or songwriter and have questions about estate planning and preserving your body of work after your death, 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.

Keeping your lawyer informed about your treatment status during a personal injury claim is crucial for the success of your case.

Keeping your lawyer informed about your treatment status during a personal injury claim is crucial for the success of your case. Regular updates on your medical appointments, treatments, and any changes in your condition allow your lawyer to accurately evaluate the value of your claim and provide the necessary documentation to support it. If there are gaps in treatment or new developments in your health, your lawyer needs to know right away to anticipate challenges from the insurance company or opposing counsel. This ongoing communication ensures your case reflects the full extent of your injuries and maximizes your chances for fair compensation.

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 today to set up an appointment for a free initial consultation.

Estate planning can be complicated in second marriage situations. You want to take care of your spouse, but you also want to make sure your estate passes to your children from previous relationships.

Estate planning can be complicated in second (or subsequent) marriage situations. Of course you want to take care of your spouse, but you may also want to make sure your estate passes to your children from previous relationships. There are a lot of creative tools and techniques we can use to accomplish both these goals, from creating life estates in real estate to funding Revocable Living Trusts or Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs) or Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs). Every family is different and every family is unique. Blended families can be great and blended families can carry a lot of hurt feelings and resentments, especially when things are not planned out. Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment to see how we can help you and your family. We proudly 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.

If you have kids (especially if they're still minors) and/or own a house, at the very least you should have a Will.

If you have kids (especially if they're still minors) and/or own a house, at the very least you should have a Will. Other estate planning tools and techniques might also come into play depending on your situation and your family's circumstances, such as a Revocable Living Trust, a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Powers of Attorney, "Living Wills," Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Grantor Retained Interest Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Business Succession Plans, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, or Qualified Domestic Trusts. If you have estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today to see 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.

When deciding between forming an S corporation ("S corp") or a limited liability company ("LLC") for your new business, it's important to weigh the advantages of each.

When deciding between forming an S corporation ("S corp") or a limited liability company ("LLC") for your new business, it's important to weigh the advantages of each. An LLC offers flexibility in management structure and simpler tax filing, as income passes through to the owners' personal tax returns. It's ideal for small businesses looking for minimal legal formalities. An S corp, while also providing pass-through taxation, imposes stricter rules, such as limits on the number and type of shareholders, and requires a formal board of directors and meetings. However, an S corp can offer tax advantages through salary and divided splits, reducting self-employment tax liabilities. Your choice depends on your business goals, need for flexibility, and tax strategy.

If you're starting up a new business soon and have questions about S corps and LLCs, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

Appointing a guardian for your children in your Will is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent.

Appointing a guardian for your children in your Will is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. It ensures that, in the event of your passing, your children are cared for by someone you trust and who shares your values and parenting philosophy. This legal designation not only provides peace of mind for you but also helps to avoid potential conflicts or uncertainties among family members during a difficult time. It's essential to have a candid conversation with the person you choose to ensure they are willing and able to take on this responsibility. By clearly outlining your wishes in your Will, you are safeguarding your children's future and providing them with stability and security.

If you have questions about preparing a Will or appointing a guardian for your children, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help!

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 2, for Labor Day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.