A lawyer understands the complexities of insurance policies, knows how to counteract insurance company tactics, and will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

After an auto collision, dealing with injuries is overwhelming enough without the added stress of navigating insurance claims. Unfortunately, insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts to protect their bottom lines. They may use tactics like offering quick, lowball settlements or downplaying the severity of your injuries. This is why hiring a skilled lawyer is crucial. A lawyer understands the complexities of insurance policies, knows how to counteract these tactics, and will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Having legal representation levels the playing field, giving you the support and expertise needed to protect your rights and focus on your recovery.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto collision and need help deal with the insurance companies, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

There are a number of good reasons to prepare an estate plan or update an existing one. Give us a call to find out why!

Do you own a house? Do you have kids? Are you a small business owner? Do you own vacation or rental property outside of the state where you live? Do you have a child with special needs? Do you have a child who's battling addiction or mental illness? Do you want to give significant assets to charitable organizations? Any of these are good reasons to prepare an estate plan or update an existing one. Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out why!

Incorporating lifetime gifts to your children and grandchildren into your estate plan can be a thoughtful way to transfer wealth while reducing the overall tax burden on your estate.

Incorporating lifetime gifts to your children and grandchildren into your estate plan can be a thoughtful way to transfer wealth while reducing the overall tax burden on your estate. By giving during your lifetime, you can take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion, which allows you to gift up to a set amount per recipient each year ($19,000 per person per year for gifts made in 2025) without triggering gift taxes or using up your lifetime estate tax exemption. These gifts can help fund education, assist with purchasing a home, or support other meaningful life goals, providing an opportunity to witness the positive impact of your generosity. Additionally, gifts assets that may appreciate in value, such as stocks or real estate, can remove future growth from your taxable estate. Consult with a financial or estate planning professional to ensure your gifts align with your long-term financial goals and maximize the benefit for your loved ones.

If you have questions about making lifetime gifts as part of your estate plan, or any other aspect of estate planning, 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.

January is the perfect time for small business owners to set the tone for a successful year by establishing clear goals and ensuring all legal requirements are in order.

January is the perfect time for small business owners to set the tone for a successful year by establishing clear goals and ensuring all legal requirements are in order. With the fresh start of a new calendar year, it's an ideal moment to reflect on the past year's achievements and challenges, set actionable objectives, and create a roadmap for growth. Equally important is reviewing legal obligations -- such as renewing licenses, updating business registrations, filing necessary reports, and preparing for tax season -- to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. By comping strategic goal-setting with a thorough legal check-up, small business owners can position themselves for a productive and stress-free year ahead.

If you are a small business owner and have legal questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

One New Year's resolution that often gets overlooked but holds immense importance is creating or updating your estate plan.

As the new year begins, it's the perfect time to reflect on your priorities and set meaningful goals for the months ahead. One resolution that often gets overlooked but holds immense importance is creating or updating your estate plan. An estate plan isn't just for the wealthy -- it's a tool to protect your family, ensure your wishes are honored, and provide peace of mind. Whether it's drafting a Will, designating beneficiaries, or establishing a Power of Attorney, taking these steps can prevent unnecessary stress and conflict for your loved ones in the future. This year, resolve to secure your legacy and safeguard those you care about by making estate planning a priority. It's a gift of clarity and security that will last far beyond 2025.

If you would like to talk about creating an estate plan or updating an existing plan, 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.

A Revocable Living Trust is a powerful tool for individuals looking to streamline their estate plans and avoid the often lengthy and costly probate process.

A Revocable Living Trust is a powerful tool for individuals looking to streamline their estate plans and avoid the often lengthy and costly probate process. Unlike a Will, which must go through probate court to distribute assets, a Revocable Living Trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into the Trust during your lifetime. You retain control as the Trustee and can amend or revoke the Trust at any time. Upon your passing, the successor Trustee you've designated can distribute the Trust's assets directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement, saving time and preserving privacy. By bypassing probate, a Revocable Living Trust can reduce legal fees and minimize the emotional stress on your loved ones during an already difficult time. This makes it an essential component of an efficient and effective estate plan.

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 represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

If you've suffered a neck or back injury in an auto collision, an experienced lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

If you've suffered a neck or back injury in an auto collision, an experienced lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve. These injuries often involve complex medical diagnoses like sprain/strain, herniated discs, or spinal damage, which can result in long-term pain, costly treatments, and lost income. An experienced attorney understands the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and can advocate for your best interests. We will gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other damages are covered. Don't face the aftermath of a serious injury alone -- consulting a lawyer can help protect your rights and your future.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto collision and have questions about the insurance claim process and how we can help, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

Life is full of changes, and some of these can significantly impact your estate plan.

Life is full of changes, and some of these can significantly impact your estate plan. Major events like marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a loved one are clear signals to review your estate plan. Financial changes, such as acquiring significant assets, starting or purchasing a business, or retiring, may also require adjustments to ensure your plan aligns with your goals. Even changes in tax laws or your beneficiaries' circumstances -- like a child reaching adulthood or someone becoming incapacitated -- might warrant an update. Regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan ensures it reflects your current wishes and protects the people and causes you care about most.

If you have questions about creating or updating an 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.

A Disclaimer Trust can be a powerful tool in your estate planning strategy, offering flexibility and tax efficiency for your beneficiaries.

A Disclaimer Trust can be a powerful tool in your estate planning strategy, offering flexibility and tax efficiency for your beneficiaries. This type of Trust allows a surviving spouse or beneficiary to "disclaim," or refuse, part or all of an inheritance, which then passes directly into the Trust. By doing so, the disclaimed assets are typically excluded from the disclaiming party's estate for tax purposes, preserving them for future generations while potentially avoiding higher estate taxes. Disclaimer Trusts are particularly beneficial in uncertain tax environments, as they allow beneficiaries to make decisions based on the financial and tax circumstances at the time of the inheritance, rather than being locked into rigid plans. To ensure the Trust is properly structed and complies with IRS rules, it's essential to work with an experienced lawyer who can tailor the Trust to your specific needs and goals.

If you have questions about Disclaimer Trusts 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.

It is important to renew your LLC or corporate status annually to maintain your business's legal and operational standing.

It is important to renew your LLC or corporate status annually to maintain your business's legal and operational standing. Failing to do so can result in significant consequences, such as losing liability protection, incurring penalties, or even the involuntary dissolution of your business. Staying compliant demonstrates your business's credibility and ensures you can legally operate, enter contracts, and access financial services. Additionally, renewal often requires updating key information with the state, keeping your records current and accurate. By prioritizing this simple yet essential task, you safeguard your business's reputation and position for long-term success.

If you have questions about filing your LLC's or S Corporation's annual report, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help.

The Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 plays a critical role in the flexibility of estate planning, particularly when using Revocable Living Trusts.

The Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 plays a critical role in the flexibility of estate planning, particularly when using Revocable Living Trusts. This legislation prohibits lenders from enforcing due-on-sale clauses in specific cases, such as when a property is transferred into a Trust where the borrower is still the beneficiary and occupant. This exemption means that homeowners can place their real estate into a Revocable Living Trust -- commonly used to avoid probate and maintain privacy -- without triggering the loan's acceleration. By safeguarding these transfers, the Act ensures that individuals can effectively use Trusts for estate planning without risking financial penalties or disruptions to their mortgage agreements.

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.

Funding a Revocable Living Trust is a critical step in ensuring that your estate plan functions as intended.

Funding a Revocable Living Trust is a critical step in ensuring that your estate plan functions as intended. This process involves transferring ownership of your assets -- such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, and other property -- into the Trust. By doing so, these assets are no longer held in your name but are owned by the Trust, allowing them to bypass probate and be distributed to your beneficiaries seamlessly upon your death. Proper funding also enables the appointed Trustee to manage these assets if you become incapacitated. Many people overlook this step, which can render the Trust ineffective. To avoid complications, it's essential to work with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process of re-titling assets and updating beneficiary designations, ensuring your Trust achieves its intended purpose of simplifying estate administration and protecting your loved ones.

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 represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Incorporating Powers of Attorney into your estate plan is an important step in safeguarding your financial and healthcare decisions.

Incorporating Powers of Attorney into your estate plan is an important step in safeguarding your financial and healthcare decisions. A Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to designate a trusted individual to act on your behalf if you become unable to manage your affairs because of age, illness, or injury. There are two primary types: a financial POA, which grants authority over your assets and financial matters, and a healthcare POA, which empowers your agent to make medical decisions in line with your wishes. By establishing these documents, you can ensure your preferences are respected, avoid unnecessary court involvement, and provide clarity for your loved ones during challenging times. Proactively creating Powers of Attorney as part of your estate plan offers peace of mind and comprehensive protection for your future.

If you have questions about Powers of Attorney or any other aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.